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Separation Anxiety in Canines

29 Apr 2010

Most canines hate to see their owners leave them. They would rather know their owners are nearby and able to address their needs (i.e. for food, attention, etc.) whenever necessary. In certain cases, canines will become extremely nervous and worried when left alone or seperated from the people they know. This is called separation anxiety (SA).

The behavior can manifest in various ways, which often makes it difficult to recognize. If this behavior is not clearly identified, it can be difficult to shape or modify. Sadly, separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons people abandon their canines.

Here, we’ll describe a number of signs that can allow you determine if your pooch is having trouble dealing with being left alone. We’ll also explore the reasons behind the behavior and provide a few tips for modifying it.

Identifying The Signs

Every canine is different and the extent to which they suffer from SA will vary. Your pooch might become increasingly agitated the longer he is left alone. Once you leave him, he may begin pacing back and forth, drooling, barking, and even howling. If he grows more anxious, he might start chewing your furniture, or destroying things around your house. In severe cases, your dog might begin to urinate or defecate in your home.

There are a few telltale signs that imply your canine is becoming anxious when he is separated from you. For example, you might notice him following you around the house. This is his method of ensuring you are still close. He may periodically check whether you’re home before returning to his toys or food. Another indication is that your pooch becomes frantic when you prepare to leave him.

What Triggers Separation Anxiety?

There are several possible reasons why a dog may become especially anxious when his owner leaves him. For instance, if he’s been mistreated by a previous owner, or has been adopted by numerous people, he may feel insecure in his position. That is, because he has been abandoned in the past, a canine might fear his owner will fail to return for him.

Separation anxiety can also manifest itself if your pup has never been exposed to other people. Left alone, he may become worried that he has lost your companionship.

Tips For Modifying The Behavior

It’s important to emphasize that what your pooch does as the result fo his anxiety is not meant to “get even” with your for leaving him. Don’t punish him. Instead, take positive steps to gradually shape his behavior.

For example, give him a treat when he is calm. If he shows too much excitement when you return home, say “relax” and provide a treat when he calms himself. You can also desensitize your canine to the routine you normally go through before leaving your house. For instance, put on your shoes a half hour before departing. You should also downplay your leaving; ignore your dog 10 to 20 minutes before departing.

The key thing to remember is that the signs associated with separation anxiety (i.e. barking, urinating, etc.) are not done in anger or aggression. Take a supportive, positive approach to slowly eliminate your canine’s concern.

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Dealing With the “Bad Dog” That Isn’r Really Bad

14 Apr 2010

Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can enjoy. The bond between owner and pet grows over the course of years, and strengthens with time. Many owners consider their dogs a part of their own family. And those who remain single find a lasting companionship with their pooch that is irreplaceable.

That being said, canines can develop bad habits that drive their owners crazy. It’s worth noting that nearly all such issues can be resolved through desensitization training and positive reinforcement of acceptable behaviors. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of 4 common canine problems that can leave you growling in frustration.

Tip 1 – Digging

Your pooch might start digging for many reasons. Boredom can lead to trouble when he begins looking for ways to entertain himself. The bugs and roots he can discover by digging up the dirt will provide him with a distraction. He might also dig if the weather is making him hot and he lacks shade. The uncovered soil feels cool and relaxing to him. And of course, he might dig in order to hide bones and other possessions.

Tip 2 – Soiling

Puppies will urinate and defecate in inappropriate places until they are properly housebroken. That is expected. However, older dogs will occasionally do the same, even after having been successfully housebroken in the past. Sometimes, they do it as a result of feeling anxious. Other times, it’s done to mark territory (acceptable when done outdoors). Still other times, adult canines do it as a submissive trait.

Tip3 – Jumping On People

Jumping is often misinterpreted by owners as an excited greeting their dogs give them. In truth, it can also be seen as an act of dominance.

When your dog was a little puppy, he likely jumped on siblings and mother until he learned from experience that doing so was no longer tolarated. If you adopt your dog a few weeks after he is born and fail to curb the behavior, it can become problematic. If you do not take steps to modify his behavior, he might gradually infer that his place in the pack (i.e. your household) is the same as your own. That makes curbing his jumping even more difficult.

Tip 4 – Excessive Barking

All dogs bark. Aside from whining or howling, it’s the only way they can audibly express their emotions to those surrounding them. However, if barking becomes excessive, it can turn into a problem – for you and your neighbors.

It’s important to understand the reasons your canine barks. He might do it to warn intruders away from his territory. He might do it to get your attention. He might also bark out of sheer boredom, barking give him something to do. While it can be nerve-wracking, excessive barking can be resolved with training and patience.

The companionship you enjoy from your dog will last throughout his life. Even though he may develop behavioral issues that can drive you crazy, those behaviors can be modified with the right approach. And that keeps the friendship you share with one another alive.

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