Dog Training Dealing With Separation Anxiety

Dog Training – Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner

absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered

problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can

manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying

the owner's property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and

inappropriate urination and defecation.

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often whine, bark, cry, howl,

dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time their family members

are away. Well meaning owners often unwittingly encourage this

misbehavior by rushing home to reassure the dog, but it is important

for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn to deal

with extended periods of separation.

How the owner leaves the house can often contribute to separation

anxiety issues. A long and drawn out period of farewell can make

matters worse by making the dog feel even more isolated when the

owner finally leaves. These long types of farewells can get the dog

excited, and then leave him with lots of excess energy and no way to

work it off. These excited, isolated dogs often work off their excess

energy in the most destructive of ways, such as chewing up a favorite

rug or piece of furniture.

Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety, since results

are often the same. If you think that excess amounts of energy may

be the problem, try giving your dog more exercise to see if that

eliminates the problem.

If separation anxiety is truly the problem, it is important to address

the root causes of that anxiety. In order to prevent separation anxiety

from occurring, it is important for the dog to feel happy, safe, secure

and comfortable while the owner is away for the day. It is important,

for instance, to give the dog plenty of things to keep it busy while you

are away. This means providing it with lots of toys, such as balls or

chew toys. A pet companion is often effective at relieving separation

anxiety as well. Giving the dog a playmate, such as another dog or a

cat, is a great way for busy pet parents and pets alike to cope with the

stress of being left alone.

Setting aside scheduled play times, during which the pet is given your

undivided attention, is another great way to alleviate boredom and

separation anxiety. Playing with the dog, and providing it with

sufficient attention and exercise, is a proven way to avoid a stressed

and anxious dog. A happy dog that has been well exercised and well

conditioned will generally sleep the day away happily and patiently

wait for the return of its owner. It is important to schedule one of

these daily play sessions before you leave the house each day. It is

important to give the dog a few minutes to settle down after playtime

before you leave.

For dogs that are already experiencing separation anxiety and

associated misbehaviors, it is important to get him accustomed to your

leaving gradually. Be sure to practice leaving and returning at

irregular intervals, several times during the day. Doing so will get

your dog accustomed to your deparartures and help him realize that

you are not leaving him forever. Dogs that have been previously lost,

or those that have been surrendered to shelters and readopted, often

have the worst problems with separation anxiety. Part of treating this

problem is teaching the dog that your leaving is not permanent.