Dealing with your Dogs Separation Anxiety
Many people who have pets are quite often away from home during the day due to appointments and work. In these situations, our pets tend to get the idea that when we leave we may not come back, and some will suffer from a condition called separation anxiety. This problem is very common among many pets but particularly so among dogs.
For thousands of years dogs have lived in packs, it's become one of their embedded natures. Dogs that live with humans treat humans as part of their pack. This can have positive outcomes when you are seen by your dog as the leader of your pack, and negative side effects when your dog believe he is leader and tries to assert themselves as the Alpha Dog.
Like us, they will worry that they have the love and the respect of those around them. They will wonder if when you leave you will return to them. During times like these your dog will become frantic and will be come angry and extremely destructive.
Separation anxiety can come about for a number of different reasons. Perhaps you have recently changed your schedule, or a family member has passed away. It can also happen when you shift houses. Dogs that have at some stage lived in shelters or on the streets are most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. These types of dogs have lived tough which has made them quite highly strung, and at times this can make them unpredictable and even dangerous.
The dog that is having this type of anxiety will destroy your home, chew on your furniture and use the toilet all over your house, in addition to barking and biting episodes. All of these behaviors become progressively worse if the situation is not treated immediately.
There are many forms of treatment available for a dog with separation anxiety. The most important thing being that you take the time and use patience to help your dog with the feelings of panic they get when you leave them alone. Also you must remember if you should punish your dog for the destruction that happened while you were gone will only make the situation worse because now he believes that you don't love him and are angry and will be convinced that the next time you leave you really won't be back for him.
Patience and consistency are a couple of the most important ways to behave when teaching your dog to overcome separation anxiety. Try to learn new ways to calm your dog. One way you can do this is by just leaving the house for 2 minutes and then returning. Doing this several times will calm your dog as it will start to believe that you will in fact be returning.
By practicing the techniques mentioned above you will be able to teach your dog that even though you left, you came right back. Encouraging your dog to stay in his crate when you are not there may also provide some form of comfort and protection for your dog. Finally, make sure you reward your dog for good behavior. Praise goes a long way. - 20762
For thousands of years dogs have lived in packs, it's become one of their embedded natures. Dogs that live with humans treat humans as part of their pack. This can have positive outcomes when you are seen by your dog as the leader of your pack, and negative side effects when your dog believe he is leader and tries to assert themselves as the Alpha Dog.
Like us, they will worry that they have the love and the respect of those around them. They will wonder if when you leave you will return to them. During times like these your dog will become frantic and will be come angry and extremely destructive.
Separation anxiety can come about for a number of different reasons. Perhaps you have recently changed your schedule, or a family member has passed away. It can also happen when you shift houses. Dogs that have at some stage lived in shelters or on the streets are most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. These types of dogs have lived tough which has made them quite highly strung, and at times this can make them unpredictable and even dangerous.
The dog that is having this type of anxiety will destroy your home, chew on your furniture and use the toilet all over your house, in addition to barking and biting episodes. All of these behaviors become progressively worse if the situation is not treated immediately.
There are many forms of treatment available for a dog with separation anxiety. The most important thing being that you take the time and use patience to help your dog with the feelings of panic they get when you leave them alone. Also you must remember if you should punish your dog for the destruction that happened while you were gone will only make the situation worse because now he believes that you don't love him and are angry and will be convinced that the next time you leave you really won't be back for him.
Patience and consistency are a couple of the most important ways to behave when teaching your dog to overcome separation anxiety. Try to learn new ways to calm your dog. One way you can do this is by just leaving the house for 2 minutes and then returning. Doing this several times will calm your dog as it will start to believe that you will in fact be returning.
By practicing the techniques mentioned above you will be able to teach your dog that even though you left, you came right back. Encouraging your dog to stay in his crate when you are not there may also provide some form of comfort and protection for your dog. Finally, make sure you reward your dog for good behavior. Praise goes a long way. - 20762
About the Author:
Craig Clemins is a dog enthusiast and experienced dog trainer. Craig rates Secrets to Dog Training as the number one guide to overcoming separation anxiety. To find out more about Secrets to Dog Training and to get more information on a whole range of dog related issues, visit http://www.dog-solutions.com.
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