Training for
Dog Separation Anxiety
It's estimated that as many as 1 out of every 7 dogs experiences varying degrees of separation anxiety.
Kennel dogs, abandoned dogs, and rescue dogs are particularly prone to separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety is inappropriate behavior and can be in the form of excessive barking or furniture and other items being chewed or broken.
In fact, dogs with separation anxiety can cause severe damage to your property and can even injure themselves.
If this destructive behavior is only evident when you're away, then chances are your dog is experiencing separation anxiety and will require dog behavior modification training.
Dog separation anxiety occurs because of a dog's innate need to be a pack member - even if that pack consists only of you and your dog.
Keep in mind that even if your dog doesn't show any initial signs of separation anxiety, this condition can develop later on.
For example, if you're self employed and you've been working from home for years and suddenly get an outside job, or your children leave home to get married or live on their own, your dog could develop separation anxiety.
Here are some suggestions for dog separation anxiety training:
(1) Refrain from punishing your dog.
Being angry at your dog and punishing it for wanting to spend time with you is counter-productive and will make the problem worse.
Instead, understand why your dog is displaying inappropriate behavior and retrain it with dog behavior training.
(2) Dog Separation Anxiety Training: Alter your established habits.
Your dog learns your routines and habits quickly.
If you do the same thing every time you go out, your dog will be forewarned that you are about to leave.
For example, putting on your shoes or coat, saying goodbye to your partner, jingling your house or car keys, packing a suitcase, turning off the lights, or picking up your purse or backpack signal to your dog that you're about to leave.
Alter your usual routine by doing something your dog doesn't expect. For example, turn on the TV or give your dog a new or favorite chew toy to distract it and keep it entertained.
(3) Dog Separation Anxiety Training: Gradually accustom your dog to your absence.
First, command your dog to "stay" as your are leaving the room. Reward it for its obedience with praise and healthy treats.
Secondly, increase the amount of time you're gone from the room in order for your dog to get accustomed to your absence.
(4) Dog Separation Anxiety Training: Don't make the separation anxiety worse.
Unknowingly, dog owners can make separation anxiety worse.
Drawing out the departure with long farewells and lots of attention simply bonds your dog more closely to you and reinforces the separation anxiety behavior.
Instead, you want to make the departure a casual event so that your dog gets used to your leaving and coming home.
(5) Dog Separation Anxiety Training: Consult with your Veterinarian.
If your dog has severe separation anxiety consult with your veterinarian for possible medication.
Keep in mind though, that medication alone is not the answer since the underlying problem usually requires a change in either the dog owner's behavior or the dog's behavior through dog behavior training.
(6) Hire a dog walker or pet sitter.
A dog walker or pet sitter not only gives your dog much needed company and a chance to attach to another person, but he or she can also give your dog appropriate exercise.
Like all dog behavioral problems, dog separation anxiety is tied to a dog's experiences and genetics.
When you detect inappropriate behavior resulting from dog separation anxiety you should begin training for separation anxiety in your dog.
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