Dogs Separation Anxiety – Dog Training

 

If frequent scolding can result to behavioural issues in dogs, so does can over attention. When the dog is given the time, love and attention more than what he actually requires, he tends to become dependent on the master and cannot stand his absence and thus comes in to picture the problem called “separation anxiety”.    

 



Know It To Treat It

 

In simple definition the separation anxiety is the fear of isolation that develops in the dogs when he becomes overly dependent on his owner. There could be more than one reason for this abnormal attachment.

 

  • Early separation from his mother.
  • Lack of love and attention at the breeder’s place or pet shop.
  • Change of environment. For e.g. when the owner shifts to a new house or the dog is moved to a kennel.
  •  Prolonged absence of a family member, the dog was in contact with.

 

Does Your Dog suffer from separation Anxiety?

 

A little dislike for isolation is common with all most all the dogs, but is this anxiety normal or a behavioural issue that has to be determined by the owner following certain tricks and practices.

 

  • Self Assessment

If the dog becomes restless the moment you start getting ready to go out and show the unusual behaviour like following you everywhere, taking away you car keys, urinating inside the apartment, non stop barking, giving you prolonged greetings on your return, you should know the dog is suffering from anxiety.

 

  • Neighbourhood Help

The above mentioned behaviour is shown by most of the dogs and cannot be consider as a problem. To actually understand the seriousness of the issue take the help of your neighbours. Ask them if they hear any crying or whining sound of the dog in your absence. Or have they seen your dog trying jumping through the window or any unusual behaviour. If any of the fact is true you must take the immediate steps to save your dog from other under laid hazards.

 

Problems Triggered Through Anxiety

 

The dogs that suffer from separation anxiety lose their appetite thus get weaker and less active with every new day. They also show the unpleasing behaviours like excessive barking, chewing, howling, crying, house soiling and many destructive acts. If the problem not treated on time it may also lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.

 

Tips And Treatments

 

Ø  Beginners Tip

 

The dog should be prepared and trained for your absence from very beginning. At the same time, he should not feel left out or unattended. So as to begin his training, start leaving him in a room or the house for not more than 30 second. Practice this exercise every day while gradually increasing the separation time. Keep a close watch on you dog and make sure this exercise is not leaving him in stress. The day your dog have spend 1.5 hours in your absence without any trouble, he is prepared to be left alone for the whole day. Do not reinforce the exercise on your canine. Give a generous time of more than five weeks in training your dog.


 

 

Ø  Never Entertain The Fuss

If you hear your dog crying or whining the moment you have left the house, do not go back and cuddle him. Excessive attention given before leaving and answering to the fuss dog makes after you leave, just aggravate the problem.

 

Ø  Crate Trained

Train the dog to stay in the crate or the kennel from the day of his arrival. Introduce him to many kong toys, hidden treats, digging pits and other similar activities in which he can keep himself engaged in your absence.

These few tricks will definite make your canine a happy and healthy dog and you a proud owner.