Separation Anxiety: Soothing The Savage Beast

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By Garrett McMahan


Dogs love to be around their people and while no dog is particularly happy when their owner leaves the house, some dogs become extremely anxious and upset. Some dogs bark and howl, others urinate and other chew and scratch at doors and furniture. Separation anxiety is a common problem for dogs, but there are some ways to soothe your dog and make the times when you have to leave less troubling for your furry friend.

Helping them in easing this anxiety can be done when you have a well-trained dog. They will know what to expect from owners and have a close bond with them, and this is when a dog has completed the obedience training. The dogs know and understand their world and know how it works, and this is with a happy and well-trained dog. If they do not know what to do or what will happen, they will not feel secure and this can lead to anxiety, particularly in rescued animals.

Dogs are not born and knowing proper dog behavior, and dog owners also do not know that they have to train their dogs. There is a dog training DVD program however that can be an option for those that need dog obedience training because this can be more convenient than having time with a professional dog trainer. This is The Dog's way, a DVD dog training program and it can be a helpful option for those unsure how to train. This is a 12-lesson program and at the end of dog training your dog will be able to follow dog training commands already.

In addition to training, you can begin a process of desensitizing your dog. Dogs associate behavior such as you putting on your shoes and a jacket as a clue that you are about to leave and this can trigger anxiety. To desensitize them, put on the jacket and shoes, but then just sit in the kitchen and have a snack or sit in the living room and read a book. Eventually, they won't associate your behavior as an obvious sign of departure.

It can also be best to ignore your dog before and after leaving. Instead of coddling them or saying loving words before you leave or arrive, pay no attention to your dog. Others use a dog crate when leaving home and this can be a good option to some, but there are also dogs that panic when placed in a crate. You can however think of placing them in a room and one that is confined but with a baby gate. You can place toys or a dog bed in the place and also spend time here with your dog, coddling and caring them and giving love. This will be a lesson to teach them and have positive feelings for this place.

Give your dogs some good exercise before leaving and this can be a good idea. They can be less likely to get anxious or troublesome when they are tired and when their energy is already used up. Before you leave also, give them something that will be associated with positive things, like leaving a special treat for them. Get them distracted and keep them busy before you leave house, and this can be by providing a special toy or treat that they really enjoy.




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