Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety? There is a lot of speculation about why it occurs, but when you are dealing with this issue, the why, is simply not important. You need to know what to do to help you and your furry family member deal with this problem and how to make their and your life better. Because we know when your dog is anxious, it can make you anxious.
It needs to be made clear that first, separation anxiety is not disobedience. Scolding, yelling, and punishment will not help make this behavior go away and may make actually worsen the behavior. Separation anxiety is a panic response to being left alone. The reason owners may associate this with defiance is the resulting behaviors that are associated with separation anxiety. Your dog may howl or excessively bark when left alone, they may destroy items in the home, they have urination or defecation accidents, pacing, or even trying to escape. They can also be physically ill. This can be upsetting for everyone, so let’s explore some ways that may help.
If this is new behavior, it is important to ensure there is not an underlying medical issue. Checking in with your dog’s trusted veterinarian is always a good first step. If there is no underlying condition, they may have some tips to assist, they are animal doctors and see a lot of issues. Your doc can also let you know if your breed is prone to separation anxiety and have some breed specific advice. If after all is tried, they can assist with medication if you and the vet agree that is the best move for all involved.
Often, there are alternatives to attempt before using a medication. Let’s explore a few. Some dogs do well with crate training. A crate makes the dog feel safe and secure when alone and also prevents destructive behavior. It can be a cue and routine when left alone. Some pups like hearing some noise like the radio or Dog TV. There are channels specifically to assist with dog anxiety when you are leaving you dog home alone. Some dogs simply get bored when left alone and end up getting into things they should not when left unattended. To help with this issue a peanut butter or treat filled Kong, lick mat, or puzzle toy to keep your furry one occupied may do the trick. For me and my clingy beagle baby, a simple ‘you are being left alone awhile’ routine was helpful. Each time he was being left alone, he would get a specific chew treat on his ottoman (yes the oversized ottoman was his) and be told good bye (also, be a good boy, I will see you soon and I love you). After a few times, he would look till I left the room then happily munch away at his chew treat. It took a little more practice, but eventually he would happily jump up on the ottoman when he saw the treat being taken out of the package. Routine is a great help for a lot of pet related issues!
Then, there are options like doggie day care, a doggy play date, pet sitters, or drop in dog walking. Sometimes just having a dog sitter be with your dog can be helpful as they are not alone. Or even a drop in dog walker at specific times which can help with maintaining of routines and structure. It provides stimulation, a break in boredom, socialization, all while getting your dog some exercise and potty breaks. That’s a win-win for all. Check out Peak City Puppies and Dog Walkers for some great dog walkers and sitters. As a locally owned company with employees (not contractors) we love dogs, have a great reputation, and would love to help ease of some dog’s some separation anxiety. Check us out and read our reviews, social media, or visit our website for more information: https://peakcitypuppy.com/. Best of luck!
