How to prevent separation anxiety in your dog

How to prevent separation anxiety in your dog

Separation anxiety is so common in dogs across the globe. Unfortunately for most dogs this means taking back to the original owner, or taking to the closest rehoming shelter where this condition is only made worse. What most people don’t think of is that dogs are a lot like children in many senses. Remember your first day of pre-school, when you thought your parents would never come back. It was the longest day of your life. This is exactly the same with dogs when you walk out that door to go to work. This can cause some dogs to exhibit certain behaviours which we see as destructive, disobedient and disrespectful. But really it is just a cry for help. This is not something that can wait, and a dog is not an item you can return. Your dog has created a huge bond with you, and to take them somewhere unknown with many other dogs may destine them to something we don’t want to think about. This is a condition that needs love, attention, understanding and patience.

So you are out the house for most of the day, first you will need to ask friends, family, neighbours if they can help. They should start by literally baby sitting them until you are home. Then I suggest taking days off work to start on training. Days off… for the dog?! I hear you say. Yes that is right, your dog needs you. So make it work. Stress is not good for dogs, it can not only affect their mental state but also their immune system and their personality!

Depending on how severe the condition is depends on where you will begin. If it is very bad that you struggle to do daily tasks then you will need to take baby steps in how long you leave them for at first. So lets begin. Start by leading a normal day, don’t give any extra attention than usual. Leave the room and wait outside without making a sound, it is essential you do not wait until they cry to re-enter this will only teach the dog that when they cry they will get attention. Just like a baby. When you do enter the room give them lots of affection and give them a treat. Slowly extend the time you are out the door. If your dog starts to show bad behaviour then you can enter the room take your dog to the scene of the crime firmly and friendly say no, then go about everyday life once again. You can go back to training when your dog has calmed down. You also don’t want him to think if he behaves badly you will come back.

After this you can progress to leaving the front door and waiting outside the front door, waiting then come back into the house. The longer you leave for the more you need to reward your dog, treats, affection, whatever it takes to make your dog feel achieved. Your dog has a very good sense of smell, better than you could imagine. So when you are stood outside the front door your dog can still smell that you are there, and maybe even see you out of the window! The next test is a bit more risky, walking up and down the street back to your house. For this I suggest leaving something like a piece of clothing that smells of you on their bed. This will give them some comfort. Again just like before start small, then go for longer and longer. The longer you leave every time really does depend on your dogs progress. If they do not respond well 20 second intervals are ok.

Other remedies to help them calm down are natural plug ins. They release essential oils, or a hormone the same to what a bitch releases when she has pups. These can work 50/50 I have found, but still worth a go! You can also get these in spray form. You can also contact your local vet for advice on other calming remedies.