Training To Solve Canine Separation Anxiety Behaviors

Dog separation anxiety is one of the most common issues dog lovers deal with.  Dogs get separation anxiety for several reasons.  Some of the most common reasons are lack of exercise, a traumatic event, or a sudden change in schedule. Dog separation anxiety symptoms are expressed in a various ways

There are plenty of different symptoms.  Minor symptoms include changes in body language and whining.  Severe dog separation anxiety can serious injuries and expensive vet bills.  Most cases of canine anxiety can be fixed using behavior modification exercises.

What is Behavior Modification Training

Behavior Modification is a type of dog training that is used to replace on type of behavior with another.  For example, Let’s say your dog pulls at the end of the leash when you walk him, you can teach him to heel using obedience (the heel command), or you can teach him to walk by your side by rewarding good behavior (walking next to you), and correcting or ignoring bad behavior (the pulling).  The great thing about behavior modification is that it teaches dogs to behave a certain way when you aren’t there to give a command.

There are a number of great drills for dogs with separation anxiety.  One of the ones that I recommend is a desensitization drill. As you prepare to leave your home, you may observe your pet becoming anxious.  Dogs are smart. Your dog has figured out you are leaving by how you behave before you leave.  When your dog knows you will go somewhere when you put on your coat, just put on your coat more often.  Throughout the day, you can put on your coat, and pick up your keys, then walk to the door.  When you get there, turn around and go back to what you were doing.  This causes your puppy to lose the association of you going away with you putting on your jacket. It can take some effort, but the work is worth the effort.  Once you have finished a bunch of desensitization exercises, your dog should be calm and content when you are away.

Separation anxiety won’t go away on it’s own and can become a serious problem.  In fact , it frequently gets way worse.  Don’t wait until your dog injures themselves, or ruins your home!  In order to learn the secrets of behavior modification training, and how to solve dog separation anxiety, visit http://www.dogseparationanxietyhelp.com.