Pets Guide

How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Your Dog

Most pet owners at some stage need to leave home (for example to go to work). In this situation, its not uncommon for dogs to believe that their owners are gone for good, this fear comes from a condition known as Separation Anxiety. Separation anxiety is very common among animals, and in particular among dogs.

In nature, dogs live in packs. When dogs live with humans, they see their family as their pack. This can at times be a positive thing (when the dog see you as the master), or a negative thing when your dog believe he is the chief.

Dog’s like to know they have the love and affection of people around them. When left at home alone, dogs often begin to consider that you may never come back. This type of thinking leads to dogs getting frantic, at times destructive, and at times loud.

There are a number of reasons that separation anxiety can come about. Common reasons often include moving houses, the loss of a family member, or a change in your schedule. Dogs that have lived tough on the streets or have been through shelters are most likely to suffer separation anxiety – they constantly fear a return to the street. Dogs with separation anxiety are more likely to be unpredictable, and may even be aggressive at times.

A dog that suffers from separation anxiety may at times become very destructive, angry and even aggressive. Dog owners can sometimes return home to find here furniture and possession have been ripped to shreds. It’s also very common for dogs to use the entire house as a bathroom. These behaviors usually only get worse if nothing is done to fix the problem.

There are several forms of treatment available for dogs with separation anxiety. One of the most important things that that you give your dog during this tough time is patience and understanding. Also, never punish your dog if it has a “separation anxiety attack” and destroys your furniture and clothes – unfortunately this will only make the condition worse.

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.

This will show him that even though you left you came right back. You may also try to crate your dog as this will give him a safe place where he feels comforted. Lastly reward your dog when he exhibits good behaviors. With all of these things you will ease the effects of separation anxiety.