{"id":1672,"date":"2020-04-03T05:51:21","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T05:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpmydoggy.com\/?p=1672"},"modified":"2023-01-08T03:42:02","modified_gmt":"2023-01-08T03:42:02","slug":"3-simple-steps-to-curing-dog-separation-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpmydoggy.com\/behavior-problems\/3-simple-steps-to-curing-dog-separation-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Simple Steps To Curing Dog Separation Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most common problems I hear from fellow dog owners is the incredibly stressful case of separation anxiety.<\/p>\n

There are some breeds that are very social (such as labradors, german shepherds and basset hounds<\/a>) that are more susceptible to problems when you leave them alone for any length of time…but in reality any dog can suffer from it.<\/p>\n

Dogs with separation anxiety can turn into nervous wrecks, and as owners, we don’t know what to do.<\/p>\n

We still need to go to work, buy groceries and take care of our children. So, what can we do to train our dogs that it is OK when we leave, that we will return and they need not worry?<\/p>\n

It’s a tricky science with many people voicing their opinions. But, in the end, it comes down to simply being there for your dog and not supporting his behavior with reinforcement.<\/p>\n

The Danger of Separation Anxiety<\/h2>\n

To start with, separation anxiety is often mistaken for excitement. When you return home and see your dog bouncing around wagging his tail, you probably assume he is just very happy to see you.<\/p>\n

This may be the case, but it can also be a sign of excitability – the result of anguish he felt before.<\/p>\n

That anguish comes about when he is left alone – some part of his canine instincts flash that he is being abandoned, a death knell to dogs.<\/p>\n

You shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving your dog. Most dogs can handle it perfectly well, and even those with anxiety can be retrained.<\/p>\n

But, if you ignore it or allow them to continue showing that excitement, it is bad for their health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Not only can it progress to full-blown depression and anxiety, which hurt the heart, but it can result in destruction around your home.<\/p>\n

Why Dogs Become Anxious<\/h2>\n

On a very basic level, separation anxiety is due to a dog’s pack mentality. If he is left alone, he feels that he has been dropped from the pack.<\/p>\n

But on a more immediate level, your dog is anxious because you have not clearly shown him that you are a solid, in-command pack leader.<\/p>\n

In the wild, a pack leader may often leave the pack for a time to hunt or scout ahead. If your dog sees you leave and gets upset, he very well might see you as a follower and himself as an alpha leader.<\/p>\n

Your job is to take control of the situation, and show him that you are not only the leader of your pack, but that you will return every time you leave.<\/p>\n

Dogs that openly accept their owner as the pack leader are infinitely less stressed and anxious. They can trust in you to deal with the issues at hand.<\/p>\n

Of course, not all separation anxiety is as complicated as a pack leader dilemma. Sometimes, it can be simply due to a lack of exercise.<\/p>\n

A dog that does not get enough exercise simply becomes agitated when you leave and will keep themselves busy while you’re gone by destroying your home.<\/p>\n