Hello there! If you're reading this, chances are you're a loving dog parent who wants the best for their furry friend. Dogs bring immense joy to our lives, but they can also experience separation anxiety when we're not around. Don't worry; you're not alone in this! In this guide, we'll explore what separation anxiety is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to help your beloved pup cope with it.
Separation anxiety is a common condition in dogs that occurs when they become distressed when separated from their person. In some cases a dog may be okay with another human or dog, but in a true separation anxiety situation neither of these are acceptable substitutions. It's important to recognize that this anxiety is not a result of disobedience or bad behavior. It's a genuine emotional response, and genetic play a role, so it's nothing you've done wrong.
Signs of separation anxiety can differ from dog to dog. Common symptoms include:
Excessive barking or howling when alone.
Destructive behavior (chewing, digging, scratching) usually at doors or windows.
House soiling, even if your dog is usually well-trained.
Pacing or restlessness before you leave or return home.
Excessive salivation or panting.
The good news separation anxiety is 100% treatable when you work with and follow a proven treatment program, but if you aren't quite to that point, here are a few things to help you now.
Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning home. Keep your arrivals and departures neutral. It's not exciting or stressful to come and go.
Save yourself the money. Buying enrichment puzzles and busy bones won't help with true separation anxiety. It would be like giving some one in the middle of a panic attack an ice cream cone. They might eat it, but it's not truly helping anything.
Using a crate isn't necessary to treat separation anxiety. It may help your home from being eaten, but if you are treating it correctly your home doesn't get eaten. It's also important to know that crating can be more stressful for some dogs, increasing the problem. Side note, leaving clothes that smell like you is redundant, your whole house smells like you already.
Training a behavior such as "place" will not correctly address separation anxiety. Obedience behaviors are trained different than helping a dog with an emotional condition. A "down stay" simply teaches the dog not to move while their anxious.
Treating separation anxiety should be done at the dogs pace. Meaning, training can seem slow, but when it comes to an emotional issue: slow is fast.
When you are ready to seek professional help and work with a trainer, know that you should be working virtually. Your training cannot be a realistic leaving simulation with a trainer present in your home.
Your dog's separation anxiety can be challenging, but with love, patience, and the right strategies, you can help your furry friend feel more comfortable when you're apart. Remember that you're not alone on this journey, and when you are ready to have the support you need we are ready to help you. You can schedule your initial consultation here, step one is to confirm your dog is truly struggling with separation anxiety. On our call we answer your questions and discuss how we can help you. We know separation anxiety is stressful on your life, and even more stressful on your dog. Let us help you to have a happier, calmer canine companion!
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