Facts About Dog Separation Anxiety and How to Stop It

Is your dog showing signs of separation anxiety? Does he exhibit occasional behavioral abnormalities like destroying house furniture and frequent unprovoked barking? These are signs that your dog is being stressed out due to separation anxiety.

Before it can cause permanent damage to your dog's overall behavior, it is advisable stopping dog separation anxiety in its early stages. Here is a closer look at separation anxiety and things you can do to stop it.

What really is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a case wherein a dog gets stressed out whenever his master leaves him alone. Typical signs of separation anxiety are frequent whining, pacing, chewing furniture scratching wooden doors, raucous behavior that involves frequent barking and many more.

These are clear signs that your dog is suffering from stress and loneliness. And these activities are their ways of venting out to relieve the pressure. Scolding him may stop your dog from these destructive activities but it will never solve the root of the problem.

Methods to quell dog separation anxiety:

•Spend more time with your pets

Dogs that experience separation anxiety can't heal themselves, as their owner you have the responsibility to tend for them and make them well. However stopping dog separation anxiety will require you to spend more time and allot more attention to your dog. Dogs need to feel loved and cared for.

•Give him a space of his own

Most canines who suffer from dog separation anxiety just can't get enough of their owners. They are very attached to their masters and want to be with them all the time. However, you can't possibly be at their side 24/7 so this practice should be changed. Give him a space of his own, a dog bed, and feeding place. You can also designate a special an area wherein you can play with him. This space will allow your dog to grow emotionally and gain a certain degree of independence.

Don't forget to pet your dog on a regular basis. This will make your dog realize that there is a proper time and place for everything.

•Train your dog

Dogs love to train; it gives him a notion that he shares a secure relationship with his owner as it enjoys having physical interaction. Through daily fun training sessions, your dog will gain confidence and improved communication with you. They will mature faster and won't act like spoiled brats anymore.

•Treat your dog with respect

Whenever you leave for work, always say a quick goodbye to your dog instead of just rushing through the door without a word. This also assures your dog that you will be coming back in a while. However, don't over-do goodbyes. It may worsen the condition of your dog because sad and emotional goodbyes are known to exacerbate your dog's anxiety. Make partings short, simple and quick.

No matter how frustrated you are never yell or be violent to your dog. You should consider that the problem is not your dog but the anxiety he is feeling. Yelling or hurting him will only make things worse.

Stay calm and understanding and things will work themselves out.

About the Author:
Gerald has been involved in all aspects of the dog business for a number of years now. Improving upon and sharing his knowledge about dogs is what he is all about. To learn more about dog and puppy training and to get help with dog behavior problems check out http://mydogtrainingadvice.com

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