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Dog Articles

Dog Separation Anxiety

Dog separation anxiety is one of the most common problems that dogs develop. It is an anxiety disorder, and is defined as a state of intense panic brought on by the dog's isolation/separation from their owners. In other words, when you leave your dog to go to the store or go to work in the morning, your dog is plunged into a state of nervous anxiety which intensifies extremely quickly.

Dogs by nature are social animals. They need plenty of company and social interaction to keep them happy and content. No dog likes to be left alone for long periods of time, but some dogs do worse than others; these are the ones that are most prone to dog separation anxiety.

There are several reasons for dog separation anxiety including genetic predisposition. Some breeds are more prone to this disorder than others. The most common breeds that experience this disorder include Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds and Airedales. Also most "shelter dogs" have undergone significant trauma in their lives (they have been abandoned by their previous owners) and therefore they have little trust in you (their new owners) not to pull the same trick and leave them forever. Dogs that have been separated from the mothers to early can also experience separation anxiety.

Neglect is the number one cause for dog separation anxiety . If you are gone more than you are home spending time with your dog, your dog is going to feel some form of separation anxiety. Your dog needs your company, affection and attention in order to be happy and content.

Some symptoms that your dog has separation anxiety is that when they hear your car keys or outdoor clothing, they will become nervous and start following you from room to room, whining, trembling and crying. Some dogs might become aggressive in an attempt to keep their owners at home. Typically, after you've left the anxious or aggressive behavior will rapidly worsen and usually peak within an hour. Your dog might bark, scratch and dig at windows and doors, chew inappropriate items, urinate or defecate inside the house, or even become physically sick.

When you return, your dog becomes frenzy with delight and leaping around you for a protracted period of time (30 seconds to one minute is normal for a happy, well-balanced dog.) This extended greeting signifies that there is a disorder. Some owners will actually encourage their dog to get more and more worked up upon their return which will just increase the disorder. If you are one of these owners, you must stop immediately. Yes, it is tempting to show your dog how happy you are to see them, but in reality all you are doing is validating their belief that your return is the high point of their day.

One thing you can do to lessen your dog's separation anxiety dog's separation anxiety is to exercise your dog. Give them a good workout; this will not only tire your dog but also create a good bonding experience. You could also give them some chew toys that are appropriate to chew when you leave the house. This should decrease the amount of furniture you lose to an unhappy dog. You could also leave the television or radio on. Keep the volume low so that the sound is soothing. You can also grab your keys, put your coat on and open the door as if you were leaving and then close the door sit on the couch and don't go anywhere. Continue to do this until there is no reaction from your dog and then give them a treat and praise them for being so brave.

You don't want to be overly sympathetic to your dog when they are crying. If you pat and coo to your dog right before you leave, it will only increase their anxiety. Don't ever say "good dog" when your pet is upset, because this too will also increase their anxiety level.

You need to teach your pet that you will return and it can be a happy homecoming without the endless leaping and bounding. Spending quality time will calm your pets fears about being left alone for any period of time. Keeping your pet safe and healthy should be your most important goal.