How To Train A Dog With Separation Anxiety
Introduction
Separation anxiety is a common issue for many dogs, but it can be treated. It’s important to understand that separation anxiety is not the same thing as a dog who gets destructive when they’re bored—some breeds require much more stimulation than others and will act out when left alone. To properly diagnose separation anxiety, you’ll want to observe your dog’s behavior alone and in groups to determine whether they are bored or anxious while they’re separated from their humans. Separation anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors: perhaps your dog had trauma prior to being adopted, wasn’t properly trained in their younger years, or had an injury that kept them from socializing with other dogs. Whatever the case may be, there are several ways you can help your pup overcome their fear of being left alone.
Understand What Separation Anxiety Is
Before you start training, it’s important to understand what separation anxiety is. Separation anxiety is a dog’s response to being left alone. It is not a disease or illness, but rather a symptom of another problem with their relationship with their owner.
The symptoms of separation anxiety can vary from mild restlessness when the owner leaves the apartment, to extreme panic and destruction when they go outside for more than an hour. Because this behavior can be so destructive and often dangerous, owners should seek help from an expert in order to learn how best to manage it.
Set Up A Safe Space For Your Dog
- Set up a safe space for your dog.
- The space should be large enough for the dog to move around, but not large enough for him to get lost in. You may want to use a crate or other type of enclosure that will give him some control over his environment and allow him to see out. You don’t need to put anything in this area except a water bowl and/or toys if they’re appropriate (I’m not a fan of giving dogs stuffed animals).
Start With A Few Minutes Alone
The first step in training a dog with separation anxiety is to start with just a few minutes alone. To do this, you’ll need to make sure that your dog’s crate is big enough for him to lie down and stand up in it comfortably. You will also want the place where your dog’s crate is located to be quiet and safe, so he doesn’t get startled by noises or other animals while you’re gone. Make sure that he has one of his favorite toys (preferably something he likes playing with by himself) at hand so he has something else besides his anxious thoughts to occupy his time.
Finally, make sure there are some tasty treats around for when you return home so that your pup can have positive associations with being left alone! Some good choices here would be: peanut butter on cheese slices; hot dogs cut into little bite-sized pieces; freeze dried liver treats; carrots diced into small cubes (make sure they aren’t too sharp); or even plain yogurt topped off with some fresh blueberries or strawberries!
Treat Your Dog To A Small Meal When They Are Left Alone
The next step in the training process is using treats to reward your dog. This is one of the most effective ways that you can show your dog that they are doing a good job and helping them learn what is expected of them. It will also help them associate positive emotions with being alone and not having separation anxiety.
Once you have finished leaving your dog alone in their crate, go ahead and give them a treat as soon as they are done eating or chewing on it! You want to make sure that you give them something small like a piece of cheese or peanut butter because this will help prevent vomiting if they eat too much at once (which can happen if treating for longer periods).
Make Sure Your Dog Isn’t Lonely After You Leave
Make sure your dog isn’t lonely after you leave.
Make sure your dog isn’t stressed, sick or elderly.
If you’re leaving a puppy alone for long periods of time, have another family member take care of it instead of just dropping it off at the nearest kennel.
A puppy will cry when they’re left alone because they haven’t fully developed yet and can’t understand why Mommy isn’t coming back from work already! A puppy needs extra attention during these first months, so make sure there’s always someone around to spend time with them
It’s important to understand that separation anxiety is not the same thing as a dog who gets destructive when they’re bored.
- It’s important to understand that separation anxiety is not the same thing as a dog who gets destructive when they’re bored.
- Dogs who get destructive when they’re bored are usually just trying to get your attention. That doesn’t mean there’s no cause for concern—it might be worth asking yourself if your dog has enough stimulation and exercise, or if you could do anything else to help them burn off some energy before leaving for work or school each day.
- But if your dog has separation anxiety, that means he’s suffering from an underlying medical condition that may need treatment from a veterinarian (or possibly even medication). The good news: Separation anxiety is treatable!
Conclusion
If you are trying to treat your dog for separation anxiety, keep in mind that every dog’s case is different, and you can’t expect your pet to be cured immediately. Be patient with them and remember to spend time doing activities that help relieve their anxiety when they are left alone. We hope these tips will help you and your furry friend feel more at home together!
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