Dog separation anxiety is also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior. It is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training.
Dog separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destruction of 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.
Owners often unknowingly encourage this misbehavior by rushing home to reassure their dog. Instead, it is important for the sanity of both dog and owner that the dog learns 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 them 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 ways, such as chewing or digging.
Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety because the 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 truly is 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 your dog to feel happy, safe, secure, and comfortable while you are away for the day.
Dog Separation Anxiety Stress Relievers
Keep Your Dog Busy
Try giving your dog plenty of things to keep them busy while you are away. This means providing them with lots of toys, such as balls or chew treats.
Get Another Dog for Companionship
A pet companion is often effective at relieving dog separation anxiety as well.
Giving your 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 playtimes, during which your dog is given your undivided attention, is another great way to alleviate boredom and separation anxiety.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Playing with your 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 conditioned will generally sleep the day away happily and patiently wait for the return of their owner.
It is important to schedule one of these daily play sessions before you leave the house each day. It is also 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 them 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 departures and help them realize that you are not leaving them 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 you leaving is not permanent.
