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Dog Training - Dealing with Separation Anxiety
By Barry Gilbert
Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world
as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most
frequently encountered problems in the world of dog
training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many
different ways, including chewing, destroying the owner's
property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior
and inappropriate urination and defecation.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often whine,
bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the
entire time their family members are away. Well meaning
owners often unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by
rushing home to reassure the dog, but it is important for
the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn
to deal with extended periods of separation.
How the owner leaves the house can often contribute to
separation anxiety issues. A long and drawn out period
of farewell can make matters worse by making the dog feel
even more isolated when the owner finally leaves.
These long types of farewells can get the dog excited,
and then leave him with lots of excess energy and no way
to work it off. These excited, isolated dogs often work
off their excess energy in the most destructive of ways,
such as chewing up a favorite rug or piece of furniture.
Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety,
since results are often the same. If you think that
excess amounts of energy may be the problem, try giving
your dog more exercise to see if that eliminates the
problem.
If separation anxiety is truly the problem, it is
important to address the root causes of that anxiety. In
order to prevent separation anxiety from occurring, it is
important for the dog to feel happy, safe, secure and
comfortable while the owner is away for the day. It is
important, for instance, to give the dog plenty of things
to keep it busy while you are away.
This means providing it with lots of toys, such as balls
or chew toys. A pet companion is often effective at
relieving separation anxiety as well. Giving the dog a
playmate, such as another dog or a cat, is a great way
for busy pet parents and pets alike to cope with the
stress of being left alone.
Setting aside scheduled play times, during which the pet
is given your undivided attention, is another great way
to alleviate boredom and separation anxiety. Playing
with the dog, and providing it with sufficient attention
and exercise, is a proven way to avoid a stressed and
anxious dog.
A happy dog that has been well exercised and well
conditioned will generally sleep the day away happily and
patiently wait for the return of its owner. It is
important to schedule one of these daily play sessions
before you leave the house each day. It is important to
give the dog a few minutes to settle down after playtime
before you leave.
For dogs that are already experiencing separation
anxiety and associated misbehaviors, it is important to
get him accustomed to your leaving gradually. Be sure to
practice leaving and returning at irregular intervals,
several times during the day.
Doing so will get your dog accustomed to your
deparartures and help him realize that you are not
leaving him forever. Dogs that have been previously
lost, or those that have been surrendered to shelters and
readopted, often have the worst problems with separation
anxiety. Part of treating this problem is teaching the
dog that your leaving is not permanent.
About the Author
Barry Gilbert
Discover How To Slash Your Dog Training Time In Half by
Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!
http://www.auctionbusinesssite.com/dogs/
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