Separation Anxiety: Puppy & Dog Behavior Series 5

Separation Anxiety: Puppy & Dog Behavior Training Series 5: Your dog has been determined to have separation anxiety. The following guide below is the tips & dog behavior training to help prevent long-term puppy anxiety issues.

Do you feel guilty leaving your beloved canine companion alone only to return home to a disaster zone? From chewed-up furniture to scratched doors and soiled carpets, dogs suffering from separation anxiety can act out their distress in destructive ways. Not only is your property at stake, but so is their mental well-being. If you notice any of these symptoms, your precious pooch might struggle with separation anxiety. The good news? You’re not alone in this, and practical, proven steps exist to help alleviate this distressing canine condition.

Before exploring the mechanisms to mitigate separation anxiety, let’s ensure we fully understand this behavioral anomaly. Canine separation anxiety is an extreme, frantic response to a dog being separated from its human companions. It’s an emotional tug-of-war between your love for them and your need to pursue everyday activities that require you to be away from your pet.

Resolving separation anxiety puppy and dog behaviors:

The first step in combatting this is promoting independent dog behavior. This means rewarding the calm, composed demeanor they self-initiate while avoiding reinforcing their attention-seeking manners. These might seem like cuddles before leaving for work or retiring to your separate sleeping quarters. As tempting as it can be to give warm hugs and sink into your dog’s soulful eyes, remember, projecting an air of nonchalance helps to normalize your absences.

Secondly, we would highly recommend a scheduled activity before you leave, if you don’t mind. An exciting game of “Fetch” or a brisk morning jog can do wonders in decreasing stress levels in your dog, effectively helping them sleep off a big chunk of the time you’re away. If your dog is more on the laid-back side or you’re short on time, consider utilizing tools like Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP), known to calm dogs down and make them feel more secure in their environment.

Remember the power of dog distraction! Rewarding your loved one with their favorite treat or chew toy can make your disappearances more anticipatory than anxiety-inducing. Long-lasting treats are ideal. Food puzzles can also stimulate their mental well-being; think of it as doggie Sudoku!

A pet companion can be a potent solution to anxiety, offering companionship and playtime when you’re away. While not all dogs might get along or benefit from a new roommate, it’s worth a shot, and consulting professionals for advice can make it a smoother sail.

Finally, reinforcing a regular schedule with your dog, thanks to our team of dedicated dog sitters, can ensure your pup isn’t left alone for extended periods. Our professional dog walkers and sitters can step in during your long work hours or trips, providing care and companionship to curb any destructive tendencies from loneliness.

While these positive, constructive techniques can help manage separation anxiety, it’s essential not to engage in harmful activities. These include exciting goodbyes, prolonged periods of absence, or any punishment after discovering destructive behavior.

If conventional methods aren’t fruitful, consult your vet about enhancing your approach with natural calming treats to ease anxiety and promote calmness without harmful side effects.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what may work for one might not work for the other. Thus, patience and consistency are pivotal in your journey to combat separation anxiety. We at Sitters4Critters are committed to helping you and your hound navigate this emotionally trying terrain, promising a stronger, more trusting bond on the other side.

By understanding and addressing canine separation anxiety, we strive to make every dog’s experience happy and healthy, even when their best friends have to step out for a while.

Avoid these pet separation anxiety and dog behavior training methods:

Exciting introductions to friends or family members.

• Have your possessions prepared so your time away from home is calm.
• Do not employ exciting greetings or exits.

Long anxiety traveling times unattended.

• Use our Uber dog walker/pet nanny service to reduce your best friend’s alone time.
• As your dog improves, have a regular schedule with your dog sitters.

Do not punish your beloved animal if you find evidence of destructive behavior / accidental house accidents.

Other behavior training considerations:

• Some dogs that suffer split angst conduct also have claustrophobia, and crating them aggravates the signs of concern. If this is the case for your doggy, avoid using the cage.
• Consider finding a cat or dog companion for your hound with the nervousness disorder. (Sometimes, this may or may not work).

If these solutions do not work, consult your vet about the possibility of the best natural calming pet treats.