How to Manage Your Dog's Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety for dogs is a behavioural problem that can manifest in multiple ways. Pups who feel upset, bored or frustrated when left alone can experience health issues, display unwanted behaviours and cause a lot of disruption!
Here are a few tips about simple strategies to help with separation anxiety in dogs, and make their world a calmer place!
Ways to Spot Dogs with Separation Anxiety
There are different ways that dogs react when they are anxious. Examples include:
- Barking and howling continuously.
- Destroying household objects, furniture, bedding etc.
- Trying to escape.
- Pacing back and forth.
- Having accidents in the house.
Fortunately, here at All Pet Solutions, our team of pet experts are here to share our advice about managing separation anxiety in dogs.
Get Your Dog Comfortable with Signs That You're Going Out
Establishing cues so that your pooch gets used to signs that you're popping out and understands what is happening will prevent any panic.
Try doing the things you always do when you're about to leave - like grabbing your car keys or locking the back door - and don't go anywhere.
By doing these things a few times a day, your pup will stop associating them with anxiety, and be more settled when you do head out the door.
Build Up Your Time Away From Home Slowly
Dogs shouldn't ever be left for extended hours, but if you are dealing with dogs with separation anxiety, even a few minutes can feel like a lifetime.
Try heading out for a small amount of time; just a couple of minutes. Once your pooch is happy with shorter periods, gradually build up to longer absences.
If your dog trusts that you are coming back, and understands that they don't need to be upset without you, these behaviours can calm down.
Make Sure Your Dog Feels Safe at Home
Crate training can be a useful tool to help dogs with separation anxiety stay calm.
Having a safe and secure space where they feel relaxed and comfortable will help ease any bad behaviours, by making your pup feel happy for the times when they are by themselves.
Try Anxiety Treatments or Interactive Toys
Sometimes separation anxiety for dogs is about boredom and frustration, so if you keep them entertained, they'll be much less likely to display problem behaviours!
You can try using stimulating interactive toys, which keep your dog's smart brain active and engaged while you're out and about.
Another option is to try a gentle calming treatment; these can help with all sorts of issues from travel sickness to separation anxiety in dogs, and keep your favourite canine feeling content.
