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.
Dogs are usually a part of a pack; they are used to being in a group of others by nature. When you bring them home they tend to make you and your family a part of their pack. However, the behavior can be one of a positive nature, when they are sure you are the leader of the pack, and one of a negative nature when they are trying to assert themselves as the leader.
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.
One of the most important things you can do for you dog when it is suffering from separation anxiety is to be patient and understanding of the condition. Never punish a dog if it has destroyed your belongings as this will only make the situation worse. Your dog will start to believe even more deeply that you don't love him and that next time you leave you'll be gone for good.
Patience is very important to the training of your dog when he is experiencing separation anxiety, you must learn commands that you can use to calm him, you must also change your routine so that he learns that the activities you normally do does not mean you are actually leaving for good. Such as when you jingle your keys, go out the door and then five minutes later come back.
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.
Dogs are usually a part of a pack; they are used to being in a group of others by nature. When you bring them home they tend to make you and your family a part of their pack. However, the behavior can be one of a positive nature, when they are sure you are the leader of the pack, and one of a negative nature when they are trying to assert themselves as the leader.
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.
One of the most important things you can do for you dog when it is suffering from separation anxiety is to be patient and understanding of the condition. Never punish a dog if it has destroyed your belongings as this will only make the situation worse. Your dog will start to believe even more deeply that you don't love him and that next time you leave you'll be gone for good.
Patience is very important to the training of your dog when he is experiencing separation anxiety, you must learn commands that you can use to calm him, you must also change your routine so that he learns that the activities you normally do does not mean you are actually leaving for good. Such as when you jingle your keys, go out the door and then five minutes later come back.
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.
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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