Most people who have had a pet with separation anxiety problems will nearly all agree that it can be an agonizing and stressful time for both of you. There are a few “myths†that surround the topic of dog separation anxiety and it is very important that you, the pet owner, understand that this is the case.
To begin with, here are a few examples of dog separation anxiety:
Your dog sticks to you like glue as you move around the house; The pets demeanor changes, even a little bit as you prepare to leave;The unacceptable habit of relieving himself in the house only when he is left home alone.
Your pet may be hurting from dog separation anxiety if he shows any of the symptoms above. Below are some of the better known myths about this behavior.
More About Dog Separation Anxiety
Our dog destroyed the house just because we left him home alone.
Even though some pets that are experiencing some form of dog separation anxiety will destroy certain items, it isnâ€â„¢t there way of punishing you. No, this problem was formed because of an ever increasing amount of stress that your pet is feeling as a result of being left alone.
The Situation Can Be Helped Through Crating
Of course crating your dog is going to prevent him from destroying things but it will not be the solution you are looking for to help you fix the anxiety problem. Use caution when trying to use the crate method with a dog that has this type of condition because they can hurt themselves trying to break free from the crate.
Really Getting After Your Dog Can Fix Dog Separation Anxiety.
This method will produce an opposite effect. The dog has already begun to feel the stress and anxiety building as a result of you leaving. Now visualize that when you arrive home that your pet is met with a scream fest from you about what a rotten dog he is. Remember, this bad behavior is not intential, it is happening because he is feeling panic.
So, what is the solution for dog separation anxiety? There are different answers and they all depend on how severe the condition is. You can use simple methods for mild forms of anxiety. For example, do not put on a big show after you arrive home, just stay calm and give him a short comforting pet.
By leaving behind an item with your scent on it has helped some dogs with mild anxiety issues find comfort.
To fix the problem of dog separation anxiety will take some time and will take even longer for the severe cases. If it is the severe form of anxiety you may want to leave your dog with friends or family while you are gone.
Dog separation and bad behavior are not the same, your dog is in misery and he is looking to you to come up with a solution that works.