By Mark Woodcock
Separation anxiety can be defined
as an increased fearfulness of your dog after the departure of the
owner. When the pet owner leaves for work for example, anxious dogs
might bark or howl, have bowel or bladder accidents, they may begin
to destroy things. Dogs that form an intense attachment to their
owners (such as Labradors), are more likely candidates for
separation anxiety.
You can start preventing separation
anxiety even before you get your puppy. First of all, do not take
the puppy away from its mother until it is 8 weeks old. There seem
to be a greater likelihood that your dog will develop separation
anxiety if it is taken any earlier.
Anti separation anxiety training
can begin when you first bring your puppy home. When you leave your
pet, don't make a big deal about leaving. Don't prolong your
departure by talking to them a lot and arousing their anxiety. Leave
them for short periods initially. When you come back, again, don't
make it a big deal, just go on with your usual routine.
If your dog already has unwanted
separation behavior, training may be more difficult but is
definitely worth your effort. A high percentage of older dogs with
separation anxiety tend to have been shelter dogs or strays at some
point in their life. Up to half of these dogs will improve with
training, but you may need to modify your routine to desensitize
them to your leaving. Dogs quickly learn your routine. You dog will
be able to figure out your routine in a very short time.
Dogs who show signs of separation
anxiety need your effort in assessing their situation and eliminate
cues. As with puppy training, don't make a big deal out of leaving.
Desensitize the dogs by leaving for a short time and gradually work
up to longer periods.
Another approach is to leave
something to distract your pet. Video studies have shown that
separation anxiety behavior usually occurs within 10 to 30 minutes
of your departure; after that, dogs calm down. Kong toys make good
distractions. Kongs are hollow rubber cone shaped toys. You can fill
the center with kibble or cheese. It takes the dog awhile to get to
the treat, and meanwhile they are distracted from their separation
and therefore their anxiety.
Crate training is another good
option. If your dog is showing destructive behavior have a crate for
them, so they know that this is their home when you are not around.
Feed them in their crate, but never punish them by putting them into
their crate if they are bad. This will help you dog to associate
their crate with positive things, like food and sleep. When you feel
comfortable that your dog will not be destructive in your absence,
try leaving them for a short while in the house alone, but have the
crate door open so they can go inside and feel "safe" if they need
to.
Dogs tend to be den animals, and
the crate is a place they can call their own. If you crate from an
early age, you always use the crate as a positive experience, and
you have a crate large enough for the dog to comfortably stand, turn
around, and lie down, then crates can be a great training tool.
Crates can also give you peace of mind that your dog isn't able to
destroy something or potentially injure themselves while you're gone.
Seek out a veterinarian or
professional trainer for other training ideas, but remember that
because of the circumstances when separation anxiety arises, most of
the training will require changes in your own behavior. It's not
something a trainer can do for you. Veterinary prescribed drugs are
an option as well, but try training first.
http://www.1fleacontrol.com
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