Separation Anxiety is a problem many dogs suffer from. Separation Anxiety is when a dog's owner leaves home, perhaps to go to work or some other appointment, and the dogs thinks that their owner will not return.
In nature, dogs live in packs. When dogs live with humans, they see their family as their pack. This can at times be a positive thing (when the dog see you as the master), or a negative thing when your dog believe he is the chief.
Dogs are very affectionate animals and in many cases they tend to worry when you are not around. They very commonly question if you will return at all when you leave - when they start to think in this way they get frantic, they might get angry and sometimes start getting destructive.
Separation anxiety can come about for a number of different reasons. Perhaps you have recently changed your schedule, or a family member has passed away. It can also happen when you shift houses. Dogs that have at some stage lived in shelters or on the streets are most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. These types of dogs have lived tough which has made them quite highly strung, and at times this can make them unpredictable and even dangerous.
A dog that suffers from separation anxiety may at times become very destructive, angry and even aggressive. Dog owners can sometimes return home to find here furniture and possession have been ripped to shreds. It's also very common for dogs to use the entire house as a bathroom. These behaviors usually only get worse if nothing is done to fix the problem.
One of the most important things you can do for you dog when it is suffering from separation anxiety is to be patient and understanding of the condition. Never punish a dog if it has destroyed your belongings as this will only make the situation worse. Your dog will start to believe even more deeply that you don't love him and that next time you leave you'll be gone for good.
Patience is very important to the training of your dog when he is experiencing separation anxiety, you must learn commands that you can use to calm him, you must also change your routine so that he learns that the activities you normally do does not mean you are actually leaving for good. Such as when you jingle your keys, go out the door and then five minutes later come back.
Through practicing the techniques mentioned above, you will slowly be able to teach your dog that when you leave, it doesn't mean that you're leaving for good. Using a crate as a place of comfort and protection may also help your dog to feel safe. Lastly, its always a good idea to praise your dog and reward it for good behavior.
In nature, dogs live in packs. When dogs live with humans, they see their family as their pack. This can at times be a positive thing (when the dog see you as the master), or a negative thing when your dog believe he is the chief.
Dogs are very affectionate animals and in many cases they tend to worry when you are not around. They very commonly question if you will return at all when you leave - when they start to think in this way they get frantic, they might get angry and sometimes start getting destructive.
Separation anxiety can come about for a number of different reasons. Perhaps you have recently changed your schedule, or a family member has passed away. It can also happen when you shift houses. Dogs that have at some stage lived in shelters or on the streets are most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. These types of dogs have lived tough which has made them quite highly strung, and at times this can make them unpredictable and even dangerous.
A dog that suffers from separation anxiety may at times become very destructive, angry and even aggressive. Dog owners can sometimes return home to find here furniture and possession have been ripped to shreds. It's also very common for dogs to use the entire house as a bathroom. These behaviors usually only get worse if nothing is done to fix the problem.
One of the most important things you can do for you dog when it is suffering from separation anxiety is to be patient and understanding of the condition. Never punish a dog if it has destroyed your belongings as this will only make the situation worse. Your dog will start to believe even more deeply that you don't love him and that next time you leave you'll be gone for good.
Patience is very important to the training of your dog when he is experiencing separation anxiety, you must learn commands that you can use to calm him, you must also change your routine so that he learns that the activities you normally do does not mean you are actually leaving for good. Such as when you jingle your keys, go out the door and then five minutes later come back.
Through practicing the techniques mentioned above, you will slowly be able to teach your dog that when you leave, it doesn't mean that you're leaving for good. Using a crate as a place of comfort and protection may also help your dog to feel safe. Lastly, its always a good idea to praise your dog and reward it for good behavior.
About the Author:
Craig Clemins is a dog enthusiast and experienced dog trainer. Craig rates Secrets to Dog Training as the number one guide to overcoming separation anxiety. To find out more about Secrets to Dog Training and to get more information on a whole range of dog related issues, visit http://www.dog-solutions.com.
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