Posts Tagged ‘separation anxiety in canines’
Separation Anxiety in Canines
Canines naturally coexist in packs. They are social animals that require affection and company like humans. However if they are deprived the above attributes they are likely to be distressed, a syndrome commonly referred to separation anxiety in dogs . This syndrome is extremely disturbing and annoying to dog owners and their neighbors. It also denies the dog owner and his owner a chance to develop a healthy relationship. This explains why about 10 percent of dogs are returned back to the shelter.
However, it is important to remember that different breeds of dogs affect the levels of separation anxiety in canines. For instance Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Springer Spaniels have a high tendency of exhibiting symptoms associated with this syndrome. This fact greatly contributes to the misinterpretation of this disorder.
This article will therefore, discuss some of the common symptoms for separation anxiety in canines and strategies for dealing with it. Dogs that fear being left alone in the house usually constantly whine and bark. Once left alone, they often while. As their anxiety level increases, they will start to howl and bark. This is followed by barking accompanied by throbs of high pitched yelps thus making a very disturbing noise.
If unrescued dogs enter the middle phase of anxiety. They become physical and destroy everything in their vicinity. This is done by chewing, scratching and digging either on the furniture, carpet, walls or doors. Dogs exhibit this behavior in their attempt to escape from the confined walls or compound. To some extend this behavior creates a potential danger to the pets as they try to break through glass windows and tear apart cardboard doors.
Watch your dogs behavior when you come home. If the dog is overly excited to see you then it might be suffering from this syndrome. Such dogs excessively jump on their owners and lick them up upon their return. They try to show their owners they are grateful for their return because they thought they would never see them again.
In order to curb this issue it is essential for dog owner to understand the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. For instance they should pay more interest to their dogs when they notice them being too clingy and following them from room to room before they leave. Sometimes they display signs of sadness such as starting to whine.
Dogs owners ought to find the root reason for this anxiety. For instance the dog may have had a traumatic life while young. Most of the dogs got from the shelter were either abandoned by their previous owners or separated from their mothers at an early age, usually before they were 8 weeks old. Dog owners should also avoid over cuddling or punishing the dogs as this will worsen the situation. Obedience training has also proved to curb separation anxiety in canines. It also creates and maintains a healthy relationship between the dog owner and his dog.
One of the hardest parts of separation anxiety in canines is that you can’t be there to correct your dog, so typical obedience training doesn’t work. The best way to solve your [http://www.dogseparationanxietyhelp.com]dogs separation anxiety problems are through behavior modification training exercises. Behavior modification can be used to reduce and eliminate the anxiety your dog feels while you are away.
Click the following link to learn more about behavior modification, and [http://www.dogseparationanxietyhelp.com/dog-separation-anxiety/dog-separation-anxiety-in-shelter-dogs]shelter dog anxiety. You can cure your dog and make them calm, happy housemates – even when you are not home!
Why Crating Your Dog with Separation Anxiety Makes Sense
I highly recommend that all dog owners crate their dogs. Some people believe that crating your dog is cruel.This is completely untrue. Dogs have a den instinct and a crate is a great way to give them a den where they can go to sleep and feel safe.It is natural for a dog to sleep in its den, so they tend to remain calm and settled. I highly recommend crating your dog with separation anxiety. It will help with separation anxiety in canines
There are a couple of added benefits to crating your dog separation anxiety. The first thing that crating your dog gives you is peace of mind while you are gone. As long as you make sure the crate is big enough for them to stand up and lay down sideways, they will be comfortable.Before you put your dog in the crate, make sure you take of their collar. Collars can get stuck in both wire and Vari-Kennel crates. Unfortunately, dogs have died from this.
If your dog has chewed furniture, or caused household damage, this quickest and easiest way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is to crate your dog while you are away.If your dog chews their crate, coat the spots they chew in hot pepper sauce or bitter apple spray. It works.Some dogs are escape artists. If your dog can escape from their crate, get a strong crate. Some people need to buy aluminum crates to hold their dogs.
Another great thing about leaving your dog in a crate is it is less likely to go to the bathroom at home. Dogs try not to go to the bathroom in their den. If your dog has severe separation anxiety, and has accidents in the house, a crate is a great way to avoid these accidents in the first place, or at least minimize the damage and clean up to just the crate.
Most dogs accept crates quickly and learn to love them! I recommend having a crate available for you dog all of the time. You can always remove the door once your puppy has grown up and can be trusted. Obviously if you dog is anxious, keep the door on!
Dog separation anxiety can be become a major, expensive problem when left untreated. Be sure to spend the time to get the issues solved now!