Dogtra

Dog Training - Dealing With Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety has become the most common problems among dog trainers. The dog training community usually refers it as owner absent misbehavior. Dog with separation anxiety are usually self destructive and manifest bad behavior such as chewing, destroying owner's property, excessive barking and inappropriate urination and defecation.

Usually the dog manifests these negative actions when their owners are away. It is of the dog owner's best interest to learn how to deal with this problem. Sometime dog owners unknowingly encourage this misbehavior of their dogs by going home too soon to reassure their dogs. It is as well important to teach the dog in dealing with anxiety separation.

A long farewell or goodbye usually contributes to separation anxiety thing. Saying goodbye too long can get the dog excited and produces more energy. When the owner leaves, the dog is left isolated and with no way to unleash the energy. So the dog tends to release his energy in destructive manner such as chewing and barking. Excess energy is often associated with separation anxiety since the former is the usual cause of the later. If this is the problem, try giving your dog activities that will help him release his energy to get rid of the problem.

The best way to solve any problem is to acknowledge the source of this problem. Since separation anxiety is cause by isolation and boredom, it is important that dog owners should keep there dog happy, safe and comfortable before leaving them for a period of time. Provide them toys that would keep them busy while you are away or a playmate that would entertain him and help him cope with being left alone.

Regular exercise is a good way to release stress and anxiety. It is also helpful to spend quality time with your dog by giving him your undivided attention and playing with him. This regular bonding will condition your dog to sleep happily without your presence as well as wait patiently for your return. Just remember to spend one of these regular activities with your dog and wait for him to settle before you leave.

In dealing with dogs that have separation anxiety, it is important that you train your dog to get use to this idea. Leave and return home at different interval so that your dog will get the idea that you absence is not permanent. If you have a dog that came from a shelter, be sure that you have prepared him and teach him how deal with separation anxiety since they are often have the worst problem with separation anxiety.