How To Treat Separation Anxiety In A Dog

Introduction

Dogs are pack animals. That means that they have evolved to live in groups, and to rely on the other members of their group for a sense of security. In the wild, this means that wolves and dingoes won’t hunt if any members of their pack are too sick or old to come along. In your home, this can mean that when you leave your dog alone, he or she experiences anxiety at being separated from the rest of their “pack”. This is called separation anxiety. Separation anxiety can be mild or very extreme, and at its most severe it can cause your dog to become destructive in your home while you’re gone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help relieve your dog’s anxiety and make them more comfortable with being alone!

Build a Good Routine

• A dog is a creature of habit. They like to know what’s going to happen next, and they like to know their place in the pack.
• When you start working on separation anxiety, it’s important that you create an established routine for your dog. This will give them something constructive to do while you’re away, as well as help them understand that it is okay for you leave them alone without anxiety-related symptoms.
• You can give yourself some time at night or during the day when you’re gone longer than usual (for example: 10 minutes with treats before bedtime) so that your pup knows there are things they can look forward to while they wait for you at home.

Leave Your Dog With A Toy or Puzzle

One of the ways you can help your dog is to leave them with a toy or puzzle. You should have at least one toy that your dog loves and will work on for hours (the Kong Wobbler is an example of this type of toy). You might also want to consider getting some new toys specifically for this purpose, like a puzzle feeder that dispenses treats for your dog when he solves the puzzle.

The best way, however, to calm down your anxious pooch may be simply by giving him something to do while you’re gone—something his mind can focus on other than being alone and feeling scared or nervous. This can be as simple as giving him some extra food and leaving him with a few toys so he has something interesting to occupy himself with until we get back home!

Practice Leaving Home For Short Periods Of Time

The next step is to practice leaving home for short periods of time. You can start by leaving the house for a few minutes, then coming back. Over time, increase the time you spend away from your dog until he becomes comfortable with you leaving him alone for longer periods of time. This will help your dog get used to you leaving and it will also help you get used to leaving him when necessary.

Once your dog is comfortable being left alone in his own home, it’s important that you continue practicing this skill regularly so that he continues to feel secure!

Say Goodbye When you Walk Out The Door

When you leave the house, say goodbye to your dog. Greet them, pet them and give them a treat. The idea is that by doing this, your dog will associate good things with you leaving and that it’s not really so bad after all.

Next time you leave, try leaving without saying goodbye again—just walk out the door without calling over or looking back in their direction. It may help if you can also close doors behind you as well as open ones (if needed). This way, your canine friend won’t hear people talking or other noises from inside the house which might cause them anxiety about being alone too long without interacting with someone else first.

If you follow these four steps, you will see your dogs anxiety lessen.

Separation anxiety can be treated by taking your dog for a walk, playing with your dog and feeding them. Taking your dog to the park or beach is also a good way to help them deal with their separation anxiety. You should also consider getting a crate if you don’t already have one so that you can put their toys and food in there while they are home alone.

Conclusion

If you follow these four steps and consistently practice them, you will see your dog’s anxiety lessen over time. One of the most important parts of this process is to ensure that you keep it up even when you are feeling frustrated or impatient with your dog. The more consistent you are, the better results you will have.