TOP TEN TIPS TO MANAGE SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOG!
15/11/2018
What is Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety is when dogs display separation related behaviour (SRB). This can be when the owner leaves them for periods of times. When they do not have contact with the human provider... Dogs can still display SRB/SA when left with other dogs, no matter what other less experienced people may say. So getting another dog does not correct the behaviour, or anxiety the dog is suffering.
The Separation Anxiety can be identified with one or more symptoms manifesting! Any one or more of the following - dog becomes frantic, may howl, bark or whine, scratch the floor and mats near the door or crate. They sometimes chew more, so if they have low FUN value toys or treats may choose furniture, belongings and items around the house. Dogs drink more, pant more, salivate more, have increased heart rate and also are very HIGHLY AROUSED, which leads to possibility of toileting in the house.
Basic Tips and Techniques To Help with Separation Anxiety
🐾🐾Basic Advice and Training tips to try with dogs with separation anxiety -
remember it's quite often how we leave the house that triggers the early stages of separation anxiety.
🐾Remember to vary how you leave and enter the house,
don't always pick up the keys and leave straight away..
pick up the keys and do some house work then put the keys away.
🐾When returning don't greet your dog with lots of fun and excitement.
Try to come in ignore the dog and do a few chores for a short period of time,
and then take them into the garden to toilet and play.
🐾Try leaving valuable treats of high reward in the Kong toy.
🐾Music or TV on playing classical music can help.
🐾May be a webcam you can talk through to your dog may help.
🐾Exercise the dog a good 20 to 40 minutes before leaving,
so they are tired and not fully charged up.
🐾Puzzle Games and Mind Games -
where the reward is a treat should be in your tool set!
🐾Vary length of times you are out,
starting with small times initially.
🐾Try lavender or calming scents,
Or bones, and organic calming treats.
🐾Medication - should only be used
as a last resort for your dog with high anxiety..
check with your vet on suitable types
FURTHER HELP!
A few videos to help reinforce some important points :)
The Dog Trainer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOYepU4Hij8
Zac George - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvW5D0J42so