What is it?
Separation Anxiety is a disorder described as an intense state of panic when a dog is separated from its owner. It is a exceedingly common problem in dogs. Dogs are naturally social creatures and they need lots of company and social interaction. They hate to be left alone for long periods and this will change dependent on breed. This information is one of the . Absence of exercise and affection are also frequent causes of this condition.
Symptoms
Does your dog follow you around just before you leave for work, or when it sees you making preparations to leave? Does your dog gnaw, dig or bark incessantly, particularly when you leave the house? Whining, quivering, scratching at windows and crying are more evidence of separation anxiety. In some cases dogs lick or gnaw at their skin enough so that the skin is raw and bleeding. This is an extreme example of self mutilation but not an unusual one for dogs with separation anxiety.
What can I do about it?
Regularise your leaving, don?t make your leaving the house a big score. Practise leaving for work at the weekends. Get your shoes on, pick up your keys, give your dog a treat and go out the door. Then return after a few minutes. Get your dog used to this process. Practising this over time will fortify in your dog that it doesn?t need to panic about you leaving.
Leave your dog with a treat or something to do as a distraction such as a bone to munch or a toy to play with. If your dog always gets a treat when you leave it'll associate your leaving with something positive.
Turn on the radio: A dog who can hear folk speaking won't feel so alone. Exercise your dog before work: A good brisk walk before work will not just tire your dog out but provide it with a sense of welfare from having your attention. It may even sleep for the rest of the day.
Don’t over empathise: If your dog realizes that you are feeling sorry for it?, it'll become in a heightened state of panic about your leaving. Don't be overly loving just before you leave. Make the separation process as ?normal? As possible. The same applies to when you return. If you lavish your dog with hugs and tenderness on your returning, it will strengthen in your dogs mind, that being alone is something to panic about.
If you have enjoyed this assistance try visiting the Dog Helpdesk for more.
If you have enjoyed this assistance try visiting the Dog Helpdesk for more dog training tips





