Help Calm Your Furry Friend: Dog Separation Anxiety Solutions

Dogs with separation anxiety can be highly destructive and difficult to deal with. This behavioral problem can lead to chewed furniture, shoes, and walls, scratched floors, destroyed houseplants, and many other destructive problems.  Some dogs bark and whine the entire time their owner is out. While this may not physically damage your home, it can drive your neighbors insane. Not to mention, the behavior is not healthy for the mental stability of your pet.

One of the worst things an owner can do when their dog displays symptoms of dog separation anxiety is to return home to comfort the canine. By doing this, you are only reinforcing the bad behavior. Your pet now knows it has control to bring you back home by being destructive. Even if you return home to scold Fido, he will still view it as a solution to his worries.

Before attempting dog separation anxiety cures, determine if you are in fact dealing with a case of anxiety.  In some cases, the behavior could stem from pure boredom coupled with excessive energy. Try walking your dog daily or even more often, depending on the breed. Play with your dog each day. Exercise the energy out of him or her then see if the behavior continues. You may find you have a more content and happy pup with just a little more physical activitiy.

If you are still experiencing problems, then it is most likely your dogs separation anxiety at the root of it all. Begin by setting aside specific playtime to be with your dogs. This time should be dedicated strictly to you and your dog. This is also an idea time to exercise, which can still help alleviate the behavior problems. A tired dog is going to be less likely to tear plants and pillows.

The ideal time for such a play session is prior to leaving the house for the day. This will give your dog peace of mind just before you depart. Do not end playtime and immediately leave. Instead, allow your pup to calm down for a few minutes before saying your good byes.

Another dog separation anxiety treatment is to being gradually leaving at odd times throughout the day. You do not have to actually leave home each time, just create the illusion you are doing so. Make sure you do this for varied lengths of time and at random times throughout the day. Your dog should not be able to predict when you will do it.

With time and patience, you can find a solution to your problems, even when dealing with an older dogs separation anxiety. Ease your pup’s mind and work out his or her frustrations with regular exercise and play time. Make sure you are not mistaking pure boredom and excessive energy for separation anxiety. In the end, you can overcome the bad behavior for a more peaceful minded pup.

Copyright Danny Taylor