Separation Anxiety - A Dog Behavior Problem?

Separation anxiety is a dog behavior problem that can manifest itself anytime in a dog's life. When this condition is established, the dog shows behavioral problems when left alone. Usually they have a dramatic anxiety reaction within 20 to 45 minutes of leaving the owner. The most common behavioral problems are:

Dig, chew or otherwise try to escape from the house to meet the owner

• Howl, bark or cry to come back
• afraid to urinate or empty (even if trained at home)
• You have to understand that this problematic behavior is not meant to punish you or to take revenge. In fact, this is part of an emotional panic reaction to your absence.

Your dog is more likely to develop separation anxiety when used to constant human contact and remains alone for the first time. This may also be due to the child remaining in an animal shelter or kennel for an extended period of time, or having changed routine or family structure, eg. For example, when a child leaves home to go to school. at the University.

So, what can you do?

First, you must always remember that separation anxiety is not really a problem of dog behavior. It is an emotional problem and should be treated as such.

If you have a minor problem of separation anxiety, you will need to change your behavior slightly until the dog's behavioral problem disappears. For example, keep your entrances and exits very low from home. Ignore the dog for a few minutes when he comes back, and greet him or pet him quietly. Over time, the dog will realize that his whereabouts are not a big problem.

Another good method is to use a "safety record" every time you leave the room, go to another room or leave the house. Say something like "I'll be back!" to your dog every time. Soon the dog will realize that this phrase means that you will not go away forever and that it is safe. The key to this method is consistency. You must use this phrase each time you leave. Only then will your dog associate this sound with the fact that you will come back.

In severe cases of separation anxiety, you need to correct the dog's more complex behavioral problems and spend more time and effort. You must make a conscious effort several times a day to teach your dog to stay calm as you prepare to leave the house. Try these steps in succession until your dog reacts normally when leaving the house:

• First, use "practice trips" to get your dog used to the idea of ​​leaving. Act as if you were leaving home (bring a car key, put on a coat, etc.), then sit down and continue as before. Repeat this step until your dog is no longer afraid of his actions. The time you need to invest depends on the severity of separation anxiety.
• Once your dog is satisfied with the previous activities, you can start and open the front door. Then come back and sit down.
• Then he starts and comes back immediately.
• Once the dog is familiar with it, start closing the door when you leave. This is a crucial step, so do not stay away for more than a minute.
• After a while, you can extend your stay abroad. This should be done gradually and without fanfare. Your behavior should never reflect the fact that you are doing something out of the ordinary.

Normally you will find that your dog is on the right track to avoid the fear of separation, which will panic him every time he or she stays for 60 minutes without causing any problems with the dog's behavior. he stays alone

Separation anxiety is a real and serious problem that can lead to real and serious behavioral problems for your dog. In addition, there are real problems in terms of quality of life for both areas. The treatment can not and must not be ignored. A little love of proper and consistent training can solve your dog's behavior problem once and for all. These are some of the most important things to learn solutions separation anxiety with your dog. If you want to train your dog successfully, you must always be patient and persistent.


References:
https://www.freedogtrainingclasses.com/separation-anxiety-issue-in-dogs/
https://getfreedogtraining.com/separation-anxiety-in-dogs-some-solutions/