Dogs Separation Anxiety
Your dogs separation anxiety is nothing in real terms apart from the fact that your dog is bored. Your dog would be anxious in case he just cannot do without you and this though normally manifests itself through destruction of objects and excessive barking. Face it, your dog is a pack creature and likes company. Whereas some dogs will patiently await your return, there may be others that go mental on your not being around and tear anything that comes their way to shreds.
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In most cases of dogs separation anxiety it has been found that the dog chews and destroys objects that smell of his owner. He may target your socks, shoes or towel. Very often the dog also eliminates in the house when struck with this behavior pattern. There is plenty of barking and whining which keeps your neighbors up. This behavior only takes place when your dog is left alone.
Dogs separation anxiety tends to happen more with dogs that have had multiple owners. The very thought that he does not have an owner can cause your dog to develop this problem. In most cases dog owners allow this condition to occur without realizing it. Another trait is that your dog greets you wildly with much barking and jumping when you return back (even if after a short period). Your dog just cannot be without you for even a short period and will constantly follow you around. If you have picked any of these traits in your dog, it is more likely than not that he is a candidate for dogs separation anxiety.
An important part of your dogs training that you may have missed is crate training. Crate train your dog to rid him of his anxiety problem. Crate training will assist him in dealing with your absences. When dealing with dogs separation anxiety the basic factor to be looked at is removing your dogs emotional dependence on you. There are various ways to do this. Try and not make coming and going big momentous occasions. These should be low key affairs so that it becomes matter of fact to your dog. Dogs separation anxiety disorders can be treated by being affectionate with your dog at your will. Not his! More often than not, dogs will cuddle up and demand petting and praise, don’t do this as it could lead to anxiety. You are dealing with an unconfident dog in this case.
While treating dogs separation anxiety, do make sure that you dog has some activity to follow while you are away. Ideally he should relate to his crate while you are gone. Leave some treats around for him along with his chewable toys. You may also want to consider taking him along whenever possible. You don’t want your dog to become a loner as well, so teach him social as well as independent skills. Most importantly, give him lots of exercise. A tired do is likely to stay out of trouble. Start slowly, go out for very slowly by going out for short breaks and increase the duration while crating your dog and making this look as natural as possible.
As a last resort to the dogs separation anxiety problem you may want to look at chemical treatment and tools available. There are homeopathic as well as allopathic medicines available and these can be dispensed through various accessories such as collars.