Five Tips for Dog Separation Anxiety!
First, I am a strong believer of dogs having their own space in our homes that they feel is their very own. Fill it up with toys, beds and water, whether this space is a hallway, bathroom or gated off space you want it to be a place they can always retreat to of their own choosing. Of course, there is a plan behind this thought – when leaving for just an hour or the day your dogs will be very comfortable and secure in this space. Finding what works best for you and your lifestyle is your key to happiness for you and your dog. For example my miniature pinscher Majestic would scream, bark and whine so bad I could hear it after I left my apartment that was seven flights up. She did have her own space and some friends but it was not enough for her, I started giving her a frozen Kong’s stuffed with her favorite treat, the mighty peanut butter. After doing this for months I noticed Majestic would run around the house and play with the other dogs every time she thought I was getting ready to leave, prior to Kong days she would whine and shake, of course I ignored the behavior but it only escalated after leaving. It is well worth my investment of peanut butter for five dogs because if one gets it they all get it. Now, all five run around and play with each other at the mere thought of thinking I might be going out. My process for leaving the house for all five dogs is as follows: Command go to room (they all run to the room) next command go to house (they all pick a bed or create and wait) they are handed a frozen stuffed Kong and I am out the door anxiety free.
In nature, dogs are almost never away from their pack. It is our job to help make this unnatural situation less stressful!
Here are five tips to help ease separation anxiety:
1. Before you leave the house, take your dog for a walk.
Start your day by taking your dog for a brisk walk. To make the walk even more rigorous, use a dog backpack with extra weight in it. Then reward your dog’s calm-submissive energy with food and water. Some dogs may need to rest before eating, but all dogs can benefit from hydration. The idea is to leave your dog in quiet, resting mode while you are away.
2. No touch, no talk, no eye contact.
Don’t make a big deal when you leave for the day or when you return. This way, you are communicating to your dog that the time apart is no big deal. It’s just business as usual! Depending on the severity of the dog anxiety, you may need to practice the rule for five minutes or up to an hour before you leave and when you get back.
3. Say goodbye long before you leave.
Having trouble practicing “no touch, no talk, no eye contact”? Take a moment to share affection and tell your dog that you will miss him way before you actually leave. Keep in mind that this display is for you – not your dog! Your dog won’t have his feelings hurt if you didn’t say goodbye.
4. Stay calm and assertive!
When you are ready to go to work, leave those guilty, nervous, and concerned feelings behind. Instead, let your dog know that everything is going to be okay by projecting the confident energy of a leader. A calm and assertive leader can ease all separation anxiety.
5. Start out small.
Leave your dog alone for five minutes. Then, extend the time to twenty minutes; then an hour. Continue to increase the time you spend away until you can leave for a full eight hours with no problem!
