Curing Your Dogs Separation Anxiety

Dog Anxiety is a Serious Issue

Separation anxiety in dogs can be one of the largest problems you face with your pet.  Many dogs have a large attachment to their owner and do not be like to be left alone.  This can have serious consequences like chewing or going to the bathroom in the house.

A lot of people like to have a really strong bond with their dog.  While this is important, you need to create limits.  Many dogs become so reliant on their owners that being out of their sight for 30 minutes can have drastic consequences.  In fact, dog anxiety is one of the main reasons that owners do not keep their dogs.

Signs of Separation Anxiety:

- Your dog gets very excited, jumpy, and energetic as you are leaving the house
- The dog barks as you leave
- Items chewed when you are away 
- Your dog greets you excessively
- Your dog goes to the bathroom in the house even though they are trained

All in all, if you pay close attention to your dog then you know the extent of the anxiety.  A lot of dogs cannot stan

d to be away from their owners for longer than a minute, and they aren’t very discrete about showing it.

If you cannot even run to the store for 15 minutes without bad behavior, then keep reading as I will give you ways to relax your pup.

Why Dogs Get Anxious:

- You are their caregiver and they rely on you
- Some believe you are not coming back when you get out of sight
- Drastic changes in schedule
- Rescue dogs have not always had a steady owner and they do not want to lose you
- They expect you to be there

Curing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Well this is the most important part of the article here.  Follow the steps below in order to help cure your dogs anxiety.

1. Expend your Dogs Energy, Especially Before you Leave

This is THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP in curing your dogs anxiety.  If you leave your dog full of energy as you leave the house for hours, what do you expect?  However, if you can take your dog for a 20 minute walk around the neighborhood before you leave,

 they will likely feel less anxious. 

If you have to leave for work in the morning, then try to wake up a little early.  It will help your health too going for that extra walk in the morning and you can build a better bond with your dog.

2. Provide your Dog with a Comfortable Environment

Make sure your dog has plenty of water and a nice comfortable bed.  Try playing soothing music as well to keep your dog relaxed.  The goal is to make your dog feel safe and comfortable without you.

3. Provide your Dog with Toys and Bones

Your dog probably loves to chew things huh?  Well provide plenty of bones and toys so your dog will chew things you want him/her to.  Try different things because different dogs like to play with different toys.  Some like squeeky rubber toys while others like ropes.  All in all, get an assortment of toys and some bones that will occupy your dogs time.

4. Less than 5 Seconds of Petting Before Leaving

This is another important step.  Try to only pet your dog for a quick moment before you leave.  Do NOT make it a big event but instead just say “Ill be back home later” in a friendly tone and give a quick pet.  The more this step is a process, the larger the anxiety will build.  If you can almost sneak out this will ease the tension building in your dog.

5. Remain Relaxed and in Charge as you Leave

Similar to the last step, but this is your demeanor as you leave.  If you look nervous and tense, your dog will pick up on it in a split second.  Once your dog picks up on this attitude, anxiety starts to build.  Instead, remain calm and your dog probably will too.

6. Start Small and Work your Way Up

Start slow with this process.  Focus most on expending your dogs energy and leaving in a calm manner.  These two can help your dog feel comfortable at home.

Anxiety is NOT an easy fix.  Although these steps make it sound easy, this is probably one of the most difficult behaviors to cure in your dog.  However, if you follow these 6 steps, you can definitely deter the anxiety.  Don’t let doggy separation anxiety be an issue in you or your pets life any longer.  Understand why the behavior happens and do what you can to fix it.