Dog separation anxiety Issues
Dog separation anxiety is one of the major concerns that a dog owner wants to get addressed. Unnecessary barking and absurd behaviors that can be seen on a dog often root to the anxiety within them. If this anxiety is not attended to right away then the dog will surely pose a serious problem around your household as soon as the dog matures.
The Causes of Dog Separation Anxiety
Dogs are known as pack animals. This is why they often feel a special attachment towards their owners especially when the owner has established themselves as the alpha dog. This is the main reason why dogs get agitated whenever their masters leave the house. Although the sense of attachment may be acceptable coming from your pets but for them to be agitated every time you leave have no reasons at all.
Their anxious feelings show up because of the routines that you take. Dogs are given special attention whenever you leave or arrive at the house which is why they are anxious whenever you are away. They show unnecessary behaviors like barking or biting whenever you are away as their outlets to anxiety.
How to Reduce Dog Separation Anxiety
It is not really that hard to address dog separation anxiety much like other people think. Here are a few methods that may help you deal with dog separation anxiety.
Change Your Routine – Most dogs take note of signs and indications that you are about to leave or arrive at the house. You can try to alter your routines so that your dog may sometimes get caught off guard. For example, if your dog jumps up and down whenever you make your way to your car then you can sometimes wash the car with him seeing you so that the dog may be notified that getting near the car does not really mean that you are leaving all the time.
No Positive Reinforcement – When your dog tends to get unruly whenever you arrive home. Then this action should not be rewarded, in fact, the dog should be ignored for it. Simply ignore your dog whenever he jumps up and down or barks noisily when you arrive. Wait for several minutes until he calms down before you get to greet him. If he starts doing it again then simply repeat the process.
Building Up to Longer Times – Much like the first method, dogs also take note of the times you leave or arrive in the house. Try to alter your schedules as well so that you may seem unpredictable for him. Spending more time with your dogs during the weekend will also help reduce dog separation anxiety as well.
It is Not Being Mean
Some people think that methods of reducing dog separation anxiety is being mean and cruel. But keep in mind that anxiety is never healthy to the dog’s psychological state and the unwanted actions out of it also risks them physically. In fact, the dog benefits more out of the dog separation anxiety training than the owner.
However, if your dog’s anxiety problems are already severe then it is greatly advisable that you should seek professional help for it. There are always professional dog trainers out there that are experts enough to handle dog separation anxiety issues.
