What is Dogs Separation Anxiety

Is your dogs separation anxiety driving you crazy? In many cases, owners who are living through their dog’s separation anxiety can become annoyed, impatient, and even angry at the situation. However, understanding more about it can really help you to realize what’s going on, and can inspire you to keep looking for something that will work to alleviate the problem.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is simply a complex term to describe the fact that your dog is missing you. However, there is a point when this feeling can be dangerous; when your dog starts exhibiting destructive behavior, or self-mutilating behavior. Separation anxiety is more prominent in dogs who have been purchased from pet stores, as well as those who have been rescued from shelters or who have had some sort of trauma in their lives. What you might originally consider ‘bad’ behavior could be that separation anxiety manifesting itself in different ways.

Where Does it Come From?

A dog’s separation anxiety can come from several things – from a trauma he or she has experienced, or from something as simple as being around you every day for a long time and then a sudden change. Owners who go back to work after being home, or those that take on a new schedule often find that their dogs are experiencing some anxiety.

What Can You Do About It?

Behavior modification therapy is the most popular and effective treatment. This involves showing your dog that it’s okay for you to leave, and that you’ll be back. Usually, owners start a gradual process of behavior modification – from being extremely calm when leaving and coming back home to leaving for short periods and returning. One important thing you can do is make your dog’s bed a comfort spot by saving all the treats, praise, and affection for when your dog is in his bed. This shows him that the bed is a safe haven and while you’re gone he will rely on those safe feelings the bed bring about.

By learning about dog separation anxiety and the best methods to treat it, you can help your dog overcome the condition.

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