What to Do When Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety

<h1>What to Do When Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety</h1>Author: <a title="Jason Ellis" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/jason-ellis/160959.htm">Jason Ellis</a> The techniques in this article will give you a proven separation anxiety cure for dogs. This totally works, so follow the steps exactly and remember that persistence is the key to any successful dog training regimen. Separation anxiety in dogs should NOT be ignored. It's a major gateway into other dog behavior problems. If your dog shows signs of resentment or anxiety when you leave him, there are vital actions that should be taken as quickly as possible. When I first adopted my dog Duncan from an animal shelter, I couldn't be any happier. He was just the cutest little guy - Only 5 months at the time. I had really lucked out with such a healthy young pup. Duncan was just the happiest little buddy. He would follow me EVERYWHERE. He slept at the foot of my bed every night. He ran excitedly to me every time I walk through the door. He was my shadow and a loving one at that. All the time, I overlooked just how overattached Duncan was getting. He would cry relentlessly whenever I left him to go out. Additionally, he would display resentful behavior whenever I would leave him for an evening out. I'd come home to chewed up shoes, a ripped up floor rug or an accident on the carpet somewhere. The fact was, none of Duncan's behavior was incidental. He was trying to give me a message. He was saying "don't leave me lady, or you'll come home to chaos." Duncan was secretly trying to train me not to abandon him. I had read about dog separation before but this was my first challenge experiencing it firsthand. What is Dog Separation Anxiety? Dog separation anxiety is a behavior shown by dogs where they become panic stricken at the first sign you're leaving the house or leaving their side for any period of time. Your dog is so attached to you that the idea of abandonment is thrust into their brain the moment you become out of sight. Dog separation anxiety is usually exhibited by the following symptoms...   Symptoms of Dog Separation Anxiety   <ul> <li>Signals of resentment <ul> <li>Chewing up things when you're out or away </li> <li>Urinates or defecates inside your home when you're out </li> <li>Barking, whining, crying or howling at your departure </li> </ul> </li> <li>Shows no guilt over the destroyed items from your time away <ul> <li>leads to further disobedience </li> <li>changes the pack hierarchy relationship </li> <li>Can create anxiety induced aggression over time </li> </ul> </li> <li>Wild when greeting you at your arrival <ul> <li>leads to jumping up on guests </li> <li>Can lead to behaviors like leg humping </li> </ul> </li> <li>Your dog is excessively clingy and refuses to be ignored <ul> <li>can create hostility with other dogs </li> <li>may create an overall dog anxious behavior with strangers </li> </ul> </li> <li>Cries continuously when not sleeping right next to you <ul> <li>sleepless nights </li> <li>leads to long-term health problems </li> <li>interferes with you quality of life </li> </ul> </li> </ul>   Causes of Dog Separation Anxiety Don't feel guilty if your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety. It's not your fault. Realistically, most dog owners will experience some degree of dog separation anxiety at some point in their puppy adoption. Most often, puppies will cry at night when they're first separated from their mother. A nice cure to this is wrapping a ticking clock in a thin blanket and putting the clock into the puppies bed during sleeptime. The ticking clock creates a calming sensation of the heartbeat of your puppy's mother. This can work well if implemented consistently from the moment you adopt your puppy. Understand that just because your puppy shows symptoms of dog separation anxiety, you don't necessarily have a big problem on your hands. Suffering from severe separation anxiety in dogs is what has most likely led you here, so don't assume that your sleepless newborn puppy is a giant red flag. More likely than not you're experiencing some of the more troubling signs detailed above. So what's causing dog separation anxiety in your pet? It could be a number of factors. The most common are listed below... <ul> <li>Boredom: Your dog may be restless. Perhaps he's not getting enough exercise or dog training during the day. If you've been slacking in giving your dog POSITIVE attention, he'll make sure you give him ANY kind of attention. More often than not, he'll rebel and you'll be forced to give him attention for negative behavior. </li> <li>Confinement: Before you start crate training your pet, find out if the breed does well will this type of confinement. Some dogs will panic inside the crate, tear up their sleeping quarters and rebel against you the moment they get out. Monitor your dog's response to your training and adjust accordingly. Some dogs are better trained in a closed off room rather than a crate. </li> <li>Not Being Properly Socialized: If you don't bring your puppy around other pets and people often, he may shy away at the first sign of strangers. Dogs who are not properly socialized don't understand their place in the pecking order of outside animals and people. This can lead to general anxiety outside the home and confusion when left alone with strangers or other dogs. They may feel protective need to be overbearing around newcomers. </li> <li>Trauma: If your dog is from a shelter and abused or mistreated by previous owners, he may have trust issues with you. The first sign of your abandonment will send him into a fury of confusion and panic. Trauma doesn't have to be as cut and dry as this either. Perhaps your pet is terrified of thunder and lightening. The trauma of being scared in a storm by himself can lead to further fears of being alone. </li> <li>Changes to the Usual Routine: I've said it again and again. When you start a dog training routine with your pet, consistency is key. Your dog learns through repetitive lessons and rules. When these rules change, your dog will feel confused and anxious. Know your training routine before you adopt a puppy. Routine should include the times of the day when you feed your dog, take him out for a walk, train him, put him to sleep, crate train...everything. </li> </ul> Separation Anxiety Cure for Dogs The strategies below should help you out quite a bit in eliminating this dog behavior problem… <ul> <li>Create a Comforting Environment: Ensure that when you leave the house, your dog has plenty of water and warm comfortable bedding. Leave your dog a blanket or article of clothing with your scent on it. Make sure it's something that your dog can chew up without concern. </li> <li>Food for Thought: When possible, try to feed your dog just before you leave the house. </li> <li>Relaxing Sounds: If you normally have the tv or radio on when you're home, try leaving it on when you leave the house. This can be soothing to your pet and give him a sense of normalcy when you're away. </li> <li>Exercise away Anxiety: It's important that your dog is stimulated with exercise and training regularly. Take your dog out for a long walk, playful exercise or a long training session prior to leaving the house. He'll be worn out and tired when you leave and won't suffer from boredom induced separation anxiety. Tucker him out and he'll rest in your absense. </li> <li>Adopt a Buddy: Although it's not guaranteed to get rid of dog separation anxiety, buying another pet to keep him company will more than likely reduce his boredom. </li> <li>Downplay your Departures: NEVER make departures a big deal. Pay very little attention to your dog when you're about to leave. This tactic is best implemented when you first get your puppy but it can still be very effective if your dog is a little older. It sounds mean, but ignoring your dog for 10 minutes and then slipping out the door creates a better transition for your separation. </li> <li>Greeting Etiquette: I know it's hard but avoid over the top greetings when you come home and see your dog. Try to remain calm and warm. Positive reinforcement or enthusiasm should be saved to praise your dogs good behavior. I'm not telling you to be cold to your dog but if separation anxiety is a problem, these are the steps you'll need to take. </li> <li>Practice Time Apart: Try putting your dog outside, in the backyard, during scheduled times of the day. Prevent him from following you around the house. Force some alone time between the two of you. </li> </ul> These techniques will give you GREAT start, but if you really want to end your dog separation anxiety problem in under a week, there's no other program that compares to the one at <a href="http://www.dog-training-works.com/"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com">http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com</a></a> . This program goes so far beyond just solving a dog separation anxiety problem I don't know how any dog owner can survive without it. Check it out right now ---à <a href="http://www.dog-training-works.com/"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com">http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com</a></a>  About the Author: Jason Ellis has been helping people train their dogs for years. His expertise deals with applying proven, effective techniques for ending common dog behavior problems in a matter of WEEKS. You can find Jason's complete dog training course at <a href="http://www.dog-training-works.com"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com">http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com</a></a>

Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-separation-anxiety-1196985.html" title="What to Do When Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety">What to Do When Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety</a>

The techniques in this article will give you a proven separation anxiety cure for dogs.

This totally works, so follow the steps exactly and remember that persistence is the key to any successful dog training regimen.

Separation anxiety in dogs should NOT be ignored. It's a major gateway into other dog behavior problems.

If your dog shows signs of resentment or anxiety when you leave him, there are vital actions that should be taken as quickly as possible.

When I first adopted my dog Duncan from an animal shelter, I couldn't be any happier. He was just the cutest little guy - Only 5 months at the time. I had really lucked out with such a healthy young pup.

Duncan was just the happiest little buddy. He would follow me EVERYWHERE.

He slept at the foot of my bed every night. He ran excitedly to me every time I walk through the door. He was my shadow and a loving one at that.

All the time, I overlooked just how overattached Duncan was getting. He would cry relentlessly whenever I left him to go out.

Additionally, he would display resentful behavior whenever I would leave him for an evening out. I'd come home to chewed up shoes, a ripped up floor rug or an accident on the carpet somewhere.

The fact was, none of Duncan's behavior was incidental. He was trying to give me a message. He was saying "don't leave me lady, or you'll come home to chaos." Duncan was secretly trying to train me not to abandon him.

I had read about dog separation before but this was my first challenge experiencing it firsthand.

What is Dog Separation Anxiety?

Dog separation anxiety is a behavior shown by dogs where they become panic stricken at the first sign you're leaving the house or leaving their side for any period of time.

Your dog is so attached to you that the idea of abandonment is thrust into their brain the moment you become out of sight.

Dog separation anxiety is usually exhibited by the following symptoms...

Symptoms of Dog Separation Anxiety

Signals of resentment
- Chewing up things when you're out or away
- Urinates or defecates inside your home when you're out
- Barking, whining, crying or howling at your departure
Shows no guilt over the destroyed items from your time away
- leads to further disobedience
- changes the pack hierarchy relationship
- Can create anxiety induced aggression over time
Wild when greeting you at your arrival
- leads to jumping up on guests
- Can lead to behaviors like leg humping
Your dog is excessively clingy and refuses to be ignored
- can create hostility with other dogs
- may create an overall dog anxious behavior with strangers
Cries continuously when not sleeping right next to you
- sleepless nights
- leads to long-term health problems
- interferes with you quality of life

Causes of Dog Separation Anxiety

Don't feel guilty if your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety. It's not your fault.

Realistically, most dog owners will experience some degree of dog separation anxiety at some point in their puppy adoption. Most often, puppies will cry at night when they're first separated from their mother.

A nice cure to this is wrapping a ticking clock in a thin blanket and putting the clock into the puppies bed during sleeptime.

The ticking clock creates a calming sensation of the heartbeat of your puppy's mother. This can work well if implemented consistently from the moment you adopt your puppy.

Understand that just because your puppy shows symptoms of dog separation anxiety, you don't necessarily have a big problem on your hands. Suffering from severe separation anxiety in dogs is what has most likely led you here, so don't assume that your sleepless newborn puppy is a giant red flag.

More likely than not you're experiencing some of the more troubling signs detailed above.

So what's causing dog separation anxiety in your pet?

It could be a number of factors. The most common are listed below...

Boredom: Your dog may be restless. Perhaps he's not getting enough exercise or dog training during the day. If you've been slacking in giving your dog POSITIVE attention, he'll make sure you give him ANY kind of attention. More often than not, he'll rebel and you'll be forced to give him attention for negative behavior.
Confinement: Before you start crate training your pet, find out if the breed does well will this type of confinement. Some dogs will panic inside the crate, tear up their sleeping quarters and rebel against you the moment they get out. Monitor your dog's response to your training and adjust accordingly. Some dogs are better trained in a closed off room rather than a crate.
Not Being Properly Socialized: If you don't bring your puppy around other pets and people often, he may shy away at the first sign of strangers. Dogs who are not properly socialized don't understand their place in the pecking order of outside animals and people. This can lead to general anxiety outside the home and confusion when left alone with strangers or other dogs. They may feel protective need to be overbearing around newcomers.
Trauma: If your dog is from a shelter and abused or mistreated by previous owners, he may have trust issues with you. The first sign of your abandonment will send him into a fury of confusion and panic. Trauma doesn't have to be as cut and dry as this either. Perhaps your pet is terrified of thunder and lightening. The trauma of being scared in a storm by himself can lead to further fears of being alone.
Changes to the Usual Routine: I've said it again and again. When you start a dog training routine with your pet, consistency is key. Your dog learns through repetitive lessons and rules. When these rules change, your dog will feel confused and anxious. Know your training routine before you adopt a puppy. Routine should include the times of the day when you feed your dog, take him out for a walk, train him, put him to sleep, crate train...everything.

Separation Anxiety Cure for Dogs

The strategies below should help you out quite a bit in eliminating this dog behavior problem…

Create a Comforting Environment: Ensure that when you leave the house, your dog has plenty of water and warm comfortable bedding. Leave your dog a blanket or article of clothing with your scent on it. Make sure it's something that your dog can chew up without concern.
Food for Thought: When possible, try to feed your dog just before you leave the house.
Relaxing Sounds: If you normally have the tv or radio on when you're home, try leaving it on when you leave the house. This can be soothing to your pet and give him a sense of normalcy when you're away.
Exercise away Anxiety: It's important that your dog is stimulated with exercise and training regularly. Take your dog out for a long walk, playful exercise or a long training session prior to leaving the house. He'll be worn out and tired when you leave and won't suffer from boredom induced separation anxiety. Tucker him out and he'll rest in your absense.
Adopt a Buddy: Although it's not guaranteed to get rid of dog separation anxiety, buying another pet to keep him company will more than likely reduce his boredom.
Downplay your Departures: NEVER make departures a big deal. Pay very little attention to your dog when you're about to leave. This tactic is best implemented when you first get your puppy but it can still be very effective if your dog is a little older. It sounds mean, but ignoring your dog for 10 minutes and then slipping out the door creates a better transition for your separation.
Greeting Etiquette: I know it's hard but avoid over the top greetings when you come home and see your dog. Try to remain calm and warm. Positive reinforcement or enthusiasm should be saved to praise your dogs good behavior. I'm not telling you to be cold to your dog but if separation anxiety is a problem, these are the steps you'll need to take.
Practice Time Apart: Try putting your dog outside, in the backyard, during scheduled times of the day. Prevent him from following you around the house. Force some alone time between the two of you.

These techniques will give you GREAT start, but if you really want to end your dog separation anxiety problem in under a week, there's no other program that compares to the one at http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com . This program goes so far beyond just solving a dog separation anxiety problem I don't know how any dog owner can survive without it.

Check it out right now ---à http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com

Jason Ellis has been helping people train their dogs for years. His expertise deals with applying proven, effective techniques for ending common dog behavior problems in a matter of WEEKS. You can find Jason's complete dog training course at http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-separation-anxiety-1196985.html

Article Tags: dog separation anxiety

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Leaving Your Dog and New Puppy Alone at Home

Play

Feeding Your Existing Dog and New Puppy

Play

Learn about the Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Play

How to Deal With Separation Anxiety

Play

Dealing with your dog's seperation anxiety

Latest Pets Articles
More from Jason Ellis

If You Don't Do His Sit-Stay-Fetch Training Your Puppy Could Chew A Hole In Your Sofa

By: Jimmy Woodall | 14/12/2009
Training a puppy will take a lot of patience on your part. So you really have to know the pros and cons of getting a puppy and being able to have a training technique for them. With this article, you get broader ideas about training your puppies.

Understanding Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

By: Chrisanne Sternal | 14/12/2009
Large breed puppies are one of the “at risk” groups for developing elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia consists of different degrees of elbow incongruity, bony fragments, and severe arthritic change. This condition is an inherited disease. The symptoms can range from a slight, occasional lameness in some affected dogs all the way to a severe, crippling disease in others. It’s important to recognize the symptoms, get a solid diagnosis, and understand your treatment options.

Cockatoos: Tips for Proper Care

By: Kasan Groupe | 14/12/2009
Cockatoos make fabulous companions. They are beautiful, loving birds who require a lot of attention and love from their owners. If you’re looking to purchase your first cockatoo, this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Cockatoos require round-the-clock care to be ready to dedicate plenty of time to your new bird. Check out my tips and suggestions for proper care.

Herman Tortoises - Picking A Land Turtle For A Pet

By: Thomas Roberson | 14/12/2009
Herman tortoises prefer dwelling in the outdoors. They make great pets as long as you give them suitable surroundings where they can live longer. In reality, Herman tortoises can survive for many years. To ensure that, owners have to feed and care for them well. Tortoises are hushed but they are great pets for homes.

Common Cat Diseases

By: Jon Hartford | 14/12/2009
Cats, like any other pet and humans, sometimes get sick. Some symptoms aren't particularly worrisome, but some indicate life-threatening illness. All pet owners need to pay attention to the health of their pet and make sure to find out cause of the problem before it can get worse. Although there are...

Do It Your Self Dog Training I Can Do That - Heres The Benefits Of Dog Training

By: Lance Baker | 14/12/2009
What are the advantages of dog training. First of all, with training you will build a lifetime bond between you and your canine pal. A well-behaved dog is much more likely to become an active member of your family. Also well-socialized, trained dogs make it easy for you to take...

Elements of a Freshwater Aquarium Setup: The Fish Tank

By: Sandra Gaffney | 14/12/2009
Being able to choose the correct fish tank is very beneficial if you want to have a lasting relationship with any of your fish. Most errors are created by the underestimation of things involved in the simplest of freshwater aquarium setups.

Finches: Tips for Proper Care

By: Kasan Groupe | 14/12/2009
Finches make great companions. They are truly beautiful birds and they can live for many years as long as they are taken care of properly. As a responsible pet owner, it is your job to make every effort you can to ensure your finch’s health and happiness. If this is your first pet finch, it’s important that you follow my care tips and suggestions below.

Help for Agoraphobia

By: Jason Ellis | 05/12/2009 | Mental Health
Here, I’ll be going over the symptoms and causes of agoraphobia, along with techniques you can implement immediately after reading to start making positive strides away from your panic.

Stop Head Sweating with Hydrosal Gel

By: Jason Ellis | 30/09/2009 | Diseases & Conditions
If you suffer from relentless facial sweating, you know how difficult it is to find a solution that not only works but is convenient enough to use on a daily basis. Sure, there are lots of natural remedies and astringents that can relieve the problem. Sure, you can use expensive Botox injections to stifle the sweat. These are valid alternatives. But wouldn’t it be nice if curing your head sweating was as easy as swiping on gentle deodorant?

How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping on People

By: Jason Ellis | 07/09/2009 | Pets
If the problem goes untreated, jumping puppies grow up into overwhelming, jumping dogs. Hopefully, you’re trying to catch the behavior problem early. Either way, the tips below should help...

How to Stop Your Dog from Humping

By: Jason Ellis | 06/09/2009 | Pets
Maybe your dog humps guests that visit your home. Perhaps he's humping random passerbys on the street. It's possible the victims are as innocent as couch pillows, doggy toys or your favorite chair...

4 Tips to Stop Your Dog from Begging at the Table

By: Jason Ellis | 06/09/2009 | Pets
If you want to know how to stop your dog from begging at the table, you need persistence, resolve, and nerves of steel to resist those heartbreakingly sad, sad eyes. Here are a few tips on how to stop your dog from begging at the table:

Housebreaking Your Dog in 14 Days

By: Jason Ellis | 05/09/2009 | Pets
It's a frustrating cycle not only for you, but for your dog as well. You just can't seem to make him understand what he's supposed to do...

How to Stop Excessive Puppy Chewing

By: Jason Ellis | 05/09/2009 | Pets
Puppies chew - that's a fact of life, like gravity, or taxes. This, however, doesn't necessarily make it acceptable, especially when the puppy in question chews up everything in sight. The problem is, unlike children, dogs will not naturally outgrow this habit as they get older. In fact, when left unchecked, chewing can become a habit that's almost impossible to break. If you want to stop excessive puppy chewing, you have to start as early as possible. You have to start NOW.

The MOST Important Dog Training Tip

By: Jason Ellis | 05/09/2009 | Pets
The most important dog training tip is knowing how to be the “Alpha Dog” so your little buddy will respect you and follow your commands with obedient attention. This article is going to show you how to accomplish just that.