Dogs are pack or family animals which means that they are social and desire the company of other dogs or of humans. Many people leave dogs alone at home and do not understand that this may result in a psychological problem for the animal. There is a medical term for such a condition. It is known as
dog separation anxiety
. This problem may result in destructive behavior.
It may be noted that dog separation anxiety is mostly common in urban dogs where most of the family members are working or need to stay out of the house for any reason. So, if your pet is suffering from dog separation anxiety here are some ways to cure it or at the very least handle dog separation anxiety…
One of the methods of
how to handle dog separation anxiety
. is socialization. Due to the social nature of dogs, they want to be close to their owners all the time, in many dogs that lack confidence, this is a must for them to properly function. You should actually try to take some time out for your pet to play with him or her and also train him or her. Although our Long Island Dog Training school has not subscribed to this as of this writing, some research indicates that Herbal formulas also work to cure dog separation anxiety and they are readily available in the market. Ginger, Valerian root, natural flowers and passion are used to make these supplements. But, if you have not come to a conclusion on this method of how to handle dog separation anxiety, it is advisable to get help from a reputed veterinarian. This is something which has to be handled expertly and thereby needs a professional and trained person who is able to analyze your dog better and prescribe the right combination of these herbal formulas to give the desired results.
Many of the problems faced by dogs can be cured by exercise and training. Dog separation anxiety is also one of them. Exercising your dog regularly is beneficial for him not only physically but also mentally. Do not chide or shout at your dog when you are trying to alter his behavior. In addition to verbal commands you can definitely use signals like whistles or general call up sounds to train your dog.
The diet of your dog has also been noted to possibly play vital role in developing its physical as well as mental health. Some of the dog diets are being researched, and are possibly one of the considerations known to cause anxiety which then results in dog separation anxiety. These diets may contain some chemical ingredients which do not get properly absorbed in your dog’s system and your dog’s system may react negatively thereby causing anxiety. Hence, always check the diet you give your dog with a veterinarian in order to see how to
stop dog separation anxiety
. It is also advisable to keep some remedies handy if by any chance, your dog is wrongly fed by you.
Handling the dog professionally is one of the most effective ways to cure dog separation anxiety. You should not punish your dog for behavior which can be a result of dog separation anxiety. This can be more harmful as the dog may feel unappreciated as it is a sensitive animal. This should not be considered as a remedy as it actually adds to the stress which your dog is already experiencing.
I hope you have now understood the measures needed to be taken if your dog is suffering from dog separation anxiety.
Lastly, but probably most important, is the conditioning of your puppy (*check how to raise a puppy in a good way!). Many of a dog’s undesirable behaviors originate from their puppy months and years. Many behaviors are easier to PREVENT than to mitigate or modify; you can check this very good “Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Solution” which can help you with a lot of dog problems including dog separation anxiety, fear, crate training, barking, etc. As always a dog’s behavior is usually the result of either his or her puppy months, or our human behavior, or a combination of both.