Separation anxiety in dogs can be a very stressful ordeal for both you and your pet. Dogs can get separation anxiety for a number of reasons, but regardless of the why, it is important to figure out how to fix it. Leaving your pet alone should not give them high anxiety. Here are a few reasons for such reactions, and some tips on how to help.
Dogs can get separation anxiety from feelings like fear of abandonment or change in environment. If you have a rescue dog, it is likely they suffer from one of these. Moves are hard on dogs and can make them feel out of sorts. Adjusting them slowly will help keep them from suffering from anxiety.
Dogs can also assume they are the alpha in the relationship. If this is the case, when you leave they get upset. They consider you a pack member, and they are your leader. By leaving without their consent, you are going against the pack mentality. Practicing leaving for short spurts can help gradually relieve your dog’s stress. It is recommended you try leaving for very short amounts of time at first- only minutes. If they do not cry or scream, reward them with treats. Eventually you should build up to leaving them for a few hours at a time. This creates boundaries and an understanding it is ok for them to be alone.
Work with your dog to stop anxiety
Working on separation anxiety issues with your dog will help curb bad behavior in the future. It is not healthy for them to stress when you are gone, as long a it is in fair doses. Never leave your dog for so long that they panic or relieve themselves inside the house. Dogs rely on us and consider us family. Setting boundaries to avoid separation anxiety is a good practice, but they should always know we will return to them. Separation anxiety in dogs can be fixed as long as we work with them to heal what is stressing them. Visit www.spotledtag.com for more tips and tricks on training your dog.