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Cure Dog Separation Anxiety... Correctly
Dog separation anxiety is a common condition that affects many dogs when left home alone.
Sometimes we make the condition even worse by acting in certain manner.
Most dogs can adjust fairly well to being alone for a reasonable period of time. But some, when left alone even for a short period of time, resort to destructive behaviors such as...
- Excessive barking
- Scratching at the door
- Destroying objects inside the house
- Defecating and urinating
- Biting an owner and self-mutilation
Needless to say, dog separation anxiety can be a very annoying and costly problem.
What Causes Dog Separation Anxiety?
I am sorry to say it but often, we are the cause. We spoil our puppies by constantly picking them up. We allow them to sleep in our beds. We overindulge them with affection and... end up with a spoiled puppy.
Just like you and me, all dogs have unique personalities. Some dogs are nervous while others are seeking extra attention. We try to accommodate them but when for some reason we can't give them the attention they got used to receiving, they become anxious and throw tantrums.
Does this sound familiar? If you substitute "puppy" with a "child", the above will still be true!
Don't get me wrong - dogs do require our attention and love, but if we overdo it, puppy separation anxiety is what we get in return.
What are the other causes of a dog separation anxiety? Sudden changes in your life such as...
- You got married / divorced
- You got a new job and can't spend as much time with your puppy as you used to
- Arrival of a new baby or a death of a family member
Prevention of a Dog Separation Anxiety
The most important action to take is to start teaching your puppy to be alone while he is still young. Nothing extreme.
At first, leave your puppy alone for anywhere from five to ten minutes, several times per day. As your puppy gets used to being alone, gradually increase the intervals to half an hour to an hour.
This gradual training is less stressful on your puppy than if you just left him alone for several hours. And the younger your puppy is, the easier this training will be.
Another action you can take to deal with separation anxiety in dog is to cut down on excessive affection. Your puppy will do anything to get your attention, but by giving in to his demands, you are teaching him that his blackmail (and that's what it is!) works.
But what will happen when you can't give him excessive affection that he is seeking? Your puppy will become anxious.
So, the easiest way to cure dog separation anxiety is to prevent it from developing in the first place.
Eliminating Separation Anxiety
As a first step to eliminating dog separation anxiety, reduce your puppy's dependence on you. Cut down the amount of attention he gets to one third of what he is used to. But let me warn you - it will not be easy!
First, you will need a dog crate (for information on various crate types, visit puppy crates page).
I prefer wire dog crates because they provide better visibility and are easier to clean.
Designer Color Wire Homes from Kennel Aire are perfect not only for puppy training, but also when your puppy just needs some time alone.
Put your puppy in a crate and leave the room for five minutes. Don't return if he is barking or crying. Come in only when you are sure that he stopped (give him a minute or so to make sure he really stopped).
Now, the important part...
When you come in, be very cool. Don't praise or feel sorry for him. If he jumps up and tries to lick you, ignore him. If you show him that you feel sorry, you can be sure that his jumping and licking will repeat in the future.
At first, your puppy will be confused, but in a few days, his confusion will be replaced with acceptance.
Repeat this exercise four to six times per day.
When your puppy begins to accept his fate, gradually increase the time he is alone. Eventually, you will work up the time that he is alone to fit your schedule. But unless it's nighttime, don't keep your puppy confined to a crate for more than four hours at a time.
Visit puppy crate training for more crate training techniques.
Whether you have a young puppy or an older dog that never got proper training, visit puppy separation anxiety page for more tips on dog training for separation anxiety.
So, what's the solution to dog separation anxiety?
First, we have to change our own behavior and how we respond to "dog blackmail". Initially, it will be difficult to pretend that you are ignoring your puppy. You will even feel guilty.
But every time you are about to give in, remember, it's a lot easier to prevent dog separation anxiety than to cure it!
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