Separation Anxiety In Dogs
1.Separation Anxiety In Dogs Definition
Separation Anxiety in dogs describes a condition in which a dog exhibits distress and behavior problems when separated from its handler.
2.Which dogs can be affected by Separation Anixiety
The answer to this is ANY ! There are some breeds believed to be prone to Separation Anxiety. Some of these are German Shepherds, Airedales, Springer Spaniels, Australian Shepherds and Weimaraners, to name a few.
3.The cause of dog separation anxiety is unknown, but may be triggered by:
- A traumatic event
- A change in routine
- Major life change (new home, new baby, death of a family member ...)
- An underlying medical condition
4.Signs and Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in dogs:
- Following handler excessively: If your dog has separation anxiety, you may find that they always need to be in the same room as you, or within eyesight. If you make a move to another room, they will immediately get up to follow you. They are calmest when they are right next to you, and you aren't moving. Some people call this behaviour Velcro-ing because the dog is stuck to you. Clinically this is called hyper-attachment and is a major identifier of separation anxiety in dogs.
- Chewing Items that smell like you: Dog like to chew on your underwear and socks because they smell like you. Make sure you pick up, and give the dogs other items to chew on.
- Barking, Howling and Whining: Your dog barking when you leave is a very common symptom of dog separation anxiety. Typically your dog will show signs of anxiety, and begin whining or pacing before you leave. As the anxiety level increases, this may change to whining, then barking. These are not normal barks your dog is having an anxiety attack because they think that you are not coming back and need to be with you. This is huge problem with condo and apartment tenants. Many cases of dogs returning to shelters are because of Separation issues.
- Digging, Scratching, Chewing: The next level of separation anxiety is when dog moves beyond barking and starts get physical. This type of scratching chewing and digging is an attempt to escape from the confines of the room house, or yard so that they can find you. Some dogs will be in such a panic that they will rub their noses and paws complete raw, break through glass, tear down walls, and otherwise injure you or your property to get to you.
- Destroying the House: Your dog may also get downright destructive. I have seen many couches ruined, carpets pulled up, and cabines destroyed. This is symptom of separation anxiety when these behaviour quickly, the costs can become enormous. If you have a puppy, they may be teething and need a better variety of safe treats to chew on. If your dog is also destructive while you are home, they probably need more exercise, and stronger training regime. You should also keep an eye on your dog so that you can correct the behaviour while it is happening.
- Peeing and Pooing around the House: Some dogs will go to the toilet around the house when you leave. This is caused because they are so scared and anxious, that they lose control of their bowels and bladder. They are truly in a panic. Healthy adult dogs should be able to hold their bladder for at least 5 hours. Puppies typically can hold their bladder 1 hour for every month of age. You probably know your dogs routine, if this behaviour is outside of normal, they most likely have separation anxiety!
- Over Excitement: A common symptom of an anxious dog is that they when they see you again, they are excessively overjoyed. The greeting is not normal and calm, it is frantic and uncontrolled. Your dog thought you would never return, so they are not just saying Hello, they are expressing their relief at no longer being abandoned. Not all dogs display these behaviours, some display mild symptoms such as whining, others will destroy a room that they are left in until you return. Separation anxiety is a serious condition and robs both you and your dog of a healthy relationship.
5.How to prevent you dog from being affected by Separation Anxiety
Owner need to help their dog, or puppy to find a happy medium between companionship and becoming sufficiently independent to tolerate being aline for periods of time. Dogs do not electively angage in anxious behaviours. They develop over a period of time, and becomes a panic response. People must condition their dogs stay calm when left alone. To condition means to get the dog used to specific things. situation and events. That's why it's important to practive leaving and returning to the dog frequently, starting when you first bring the dog into your home and family.
Teach your dog from the start that your leaving the house is an ordinary, regular event. Help your dog build tolerance for you departures and absences. Calm departunes and homecomings will help the dog to relax. When leaving do not have emotional goodbyes, this will not help the dog.
Read this article to make you understand how the separation anxiety in dogs. Understand how, causes, signs and symptom. So if your dog has affected by Separation Anxiety, what we must do to train you dog? If you want to know the trainin methods, then read this article right now it will help solve the problem !
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