What To Do When Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety

Does your dog miss you too much when you're away at work, shopping, visiting or whatever? It's normal for them to miss you some, and it's not uncommon for them to have some serious problems with being left alone. This can cause you both some distress.

If they go over the top when left on their own, they probably have what's commonly known as separation anxiety, which is also common in small children. Here are some ideas to help you both cope when you're away and make it easier.

What are the signs of Separation Anxiety?

If your dog is chewing, digging and scratching they are showing signs that they are trying to escape. While barking, pooping and peeing and excessive salivating are signs of fear and anxiety. These are the classic signs.

What causes Separation Anxiety?

It is usually caused by lack of proper training, starting with socialization which can cause a lack of confidence. It could also be due to mistreatment by a previous owner, extensive confinement or even too much bonding. To a lesser extent, it can be caused by genetics. But mostly it's due to something that you can control.

How can you treat Separation Anxiety?

You should start with crate training at an early age to prevent separation anxiety. Don't make a big deal about leaving. If you crate, simply put him in, say goodbye and leave, don't overdue the farewells. When you make leaving an issue you dog will worry about why all the affection suddenly disappeared.

Dogs are very perceptive and associate certain actions with certain outcomes. He may come to realize, like mine do, that when you put on your makeup, it usually means you're going somewhere else. This can make them anxious that you are going to be gone for a while.

Try to change your behaviors a bit, like putting on your makeup 20 minutes before you go. Or, when practical go outside as you would when you go to work, start the car and wait a few minutes, then come back in and give him a treat. Eventually he will associate the starting of your car with a benefit rather than a bad thing.

Make sure they have lots to do when you're gone.  There are some great interactive dog toys available to keep him busy and give his mind a work out. Make sure he has some treats. The dog treat dispensers are great for this as you can regulate how many he has and it keeps him busy trying to get at them. When your dog knows that he has access to treats, he won't care so much that you're gone. Also leave on the TV or radio when you're gone. There are even special CDs you can get made especially for dogs, or you could record your own voice.

When you come home, try not to make a big deal out of being home until you let him outside to do his business.  If he's in a crate, just let him out, don't go all gaga on him. If you make it a home coming party, he's going to learn that it's much more fun when you're home.

If you keep up with these exercises, the Separation Anxiety should lessen over time. If it doesn't, or if he becomes aggressive when you get home, you should check with your Vet or a professional trainer. Your vet, in extreme cases may prescribe a calming medication. I have also found that a small amount of Melatonin (a natural calming and sleeping aid for humans) works. You should check with your vet beforehand to get the correct amount to use.

Just remember that your dog wants your love and attention, so pay attention to his behavior and use the above training methods to help overcome his problems. If you think you need more training yourself on how to train your dog, I highly recommend you check out the DIY Dog Training program.

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Benefits Of Crate Training Your Puppy

Just to state the obvious, the first thing you need to do when you bring home your new puppy or dog, is make them feel comfortable in their new home. Introduce them to the whole house and household members, the backyard and the neighborhood. It is essential that they socialize and begin basic training. For many, this includes the crate training method. Some dog owners love it, while others could never dream of it. The choice is yours.

However, crate training is one of the most effective ways to introduce your pup or dog to its new home. Crating is an effective method of training because it incorporates the dog’s natural instinct of nesting to accomplish some manner of behavior that you want, rather than forcing them to do something.

As with any form of training, consistency is key. You need to get into a good routine which will help the dog become familiar with when it needs to go out and do its business, and avoid doing it in the wrong places.

The next essential thing you must do is give praise whenever they do their thing properly at the right time and in the right place. Only small healthy treats though, because diet is also an important part of the potty training method. But giving them a show of love or a small treat will help them understand that they have done a good job.

The basic premise of crate training is to keep them confined when there is no supervision. Your dog should be placed in their crate every night or when they are at home by themselves. Your first job in the morning upon waking, or when you come home from where ever is you were, is to enthusiastically greet them, let them out of their crate, and take them outside to go to the bathroom.

Crating a dog is meant as a tool to train them, not to abuse them by forgetting or ignoring them. Although generally a dog will not soil where it sleeps, it cannot hold it in forever. Leaving you pup crated for too long a period will most definitely hamper your potty training, not to mention it borders on abuse.

And of course we can all use more love and compliments. Always tell them how good they are when they do their business at the right time and in the right place.

You must understand that accidents will happen in the beginning phases, it takes time for them to learn just like children. Never punish them too harshly, but firmly let them know what they did was bad. If you find something a few days after its done, you should not punish them at all since they will have no idea what they are being punished for. You want your pet to learn from these experiences, not become afraid of you.

Crate training is a very effective method of potty training. Many could never fathom putting their furry baby in a cage, but it has been shown over and over again that dogs not only learn quicker and easier from this method, but that they come to love their crate as a safe haven.

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Sign up for more tips and tricks at Henri’s Online Dog Obedience School and get Henri’s free e-newsletter or visit Henri the Hound, the place to go when you’re looking for awesome gifts for your furry friends.