Most of us are fortunate if our pets reciprocate our love with equal intensity. Part of the reason why so many people choose to make dogs a part of their homes is because of the mutual admiration society that develops between them. Separate time is, nevertheless, a natural and vital aspect of every partnership.
Dogs have an incredible capacity for friendship. It's no wonder that it may take some work to guarantee that there is a feeling of calm when your dog is left alone, given that the average pet dog spends the great majority of their time with a small group of people (their family). Tragically, many canines experience separation distress.
Dogs may vary from being somewhat uncomfortable when left alone and following their owner about the home to being virtually a'velcro dog,' unable to leave their owner's side for even a second, and showing tremendous anxiety when they are separated from them.
Destructive habits including biting on unsuitable objects, soiling the home, barking excessively, and even self-mutilation have been linked to anxiety in animals (such as chewing at their own fur and skin and creating irritation and raw spots).
Watching your dog suffer from separation anxiety and then having to deal with possible complaints from neighbours or a landlord can be very upsetting and stressful. Also, it may cause irreparable harm to the human dog relationship, which can lead to the dog being expelled from the house or given up to a shelter.
Some examples of separation anxiety are really the dog being bored and acting destructively (i.e. improper chewing, excessive barking, etc.). Authentic separation problems always have their own set of challenges. In general, however, the following are likely to be present when a separation problem is present:
The dog seems sad whenever there are hints that you are about to go (such as turning off the lights, or reaching for keys or a coat).
-The dog barks constantly all day long, but especially after you leave and again shortly before you get home.
The dog has been known to drool excessively before and after your departure.
-While you're gone, the dog probably won't eat or play with his favourite toys.
When you're not there, Fido may become destructive inside the house, and he or she may target high-traffic areas like doors and windows.
When you go home, the dog is overjoyed to the point of panic.
The dog never leaves your side as you go about the home.
-The dog seeks your attention by leaping on you, whining, barking, muzzle nudging, and/or clawing at your legs.
While you're gone, the dog has taken to defecating in the house.
When you leave the house, the dog chews on things it shouldn't.
It might be difficult to help a dog with separation anxiety. One reason is that many individuals contribute to this problem without meaning to.
There may be a hereditary predisposition for certain dogs to develop separation anxiety, but all dogs will suffer greatly if they are not trained to spend time alone during their crucial early months.
Although they thrive in packs, dogs benefit greatly from early training in the art of peaceful solitude. Because of the failure to take prophylactic steps early on, the dog will almost certainly fail in this area. Prevention is always preferable than correction when dealing with behavioural difficulties.
If you just adopted a dog or are hoping to do so soon, one of the most important things you can do for it is to teach it to be comfortable spending time alone in silence on a daily basis.
Realizing that your dog is depending on you to take the lead and do what is required to assist him or her is the first step in effectively helping a dog who is already suffering from separation anxiety. Your dog may need some time to adjust to the new equipment and routines you set up for him or her in the near term.
However, giving up on a plan out of guilt or well-intentioned but misguided generosity can just prolong the pain for both you and your dog. So, relax and focus on getting your dog on the path to being able to spend time alone peacefully, quietly, and securely.
Expect to follow all or part of the following recommendations for at least three to six months, depending on the severity of your dog's problems. When you and your dog have reached a point of mutual confidence that you may relax some of the restrictions, you can do so gradually.
However, take care to avoid reverting to previous interaction styles with your dog that may have contributed to or aggravated the issue. It is better to err on the side of caution and assist your dog keep his or her new capacity to spend time alone by continuing along the current path than to risk losing it.
The First Rule of Greetings and Farewells Brief and to the point: Our canine companions are among the few pals that are certain to welcome us with as much joy as they do. Everyone who has ever had a dog knows how much it means to them when their furry friend comes running up to them with a wagging tail and woofs of joyous enthusiasm.
Read also: Taking Your Dog for a Walk
But every time you come home and pet and play with your dog while he or she is in the midst of this canine love fest, you are reinforcing or rewarding your dog for an exaggerated display of joy at seeing you and relief at being reunited after being apart.
If you do this, your dog (particularly one prone to separation anxiety) is likely to spend at least portion of its time waiting for you to return home, making your absence more difficult to endure the next time you leave.
In the first five minutes of your return home, you should completely ignore your dog. You shouldn't touch, speak to, or even look at them. While it may sound harsh, often the only solution to separation anxiety is a combination of compassionate and firm discipline.
You needn't worry about upsetting your dog in any way. Your ultimate goal is to make sure that your dog is always comfortable. So that they don't feel despondent, apprehensive, or even terrified in your absence.
The same is true for arrivals and farewells. You don't need to drag this out. You may put your dog in his or her designated long-term confinement area (more on this below) with a few food-stuffed chew toys and return at any moment (e.g., sometimes 30 minutes before, other times 15 or 5 minutes before).
For a dog with separation anxiety, if you make a big deal out of leaving, the dog is more likely to internalise your dramatic behaviour and become distressed. If you treat leaving the home as you would any other room, it won't seem so daunting. Just as you wouldn't attempt to "comfort" your dog in the second scenario, you shouldn't do so in the first.
Just as we give our dogs their own bowls for food and water, their own toys to play with, and sometimes even their own food, we should also provide them their own unique space in the home where they can rest and enjoy their meals, toys, and eventually some time alone.
Considerations such as your dog's age, size, and temperament as well as the duration of planned trips can help you choose the best location. Some situations call for a crate, and when one is available, it is preferable that it be of the right size. Other dogs only need a puppy-proofed area or exercise enclosure.
You should keep in mind that there are a few different reasons why you may want to restrict your dog and that no matter what you pick, your dog will spend some time there alone. You will first ensure that they are as safe as possible from harming themselves or your property.
Second, if you give your dog his or her meals and treats there, provide food-stuffable toys, and let your dog rest there for frequent short (5-60 minute) periods of time throughout the day when you are home, your dog will soon come to associate this area with being left alone and enjoying his or her own company. When you initially bring your dog here, he or she may feel lonely.
Bear things concise, and keep in mind that repetition is the key to strengthening cognitive as well as physical muscle.
Therefore, the more often you give your dog the option to rest here when you are home (through meals, while you are using the internet, while you are reading, etc.), the more prepared your dog will be for times when you are not around.
Keep your cool and go carefully while releasing your dog from this region. This manner, you won't accidentally encourage your dog's enthusiasm for leaving its current resting spot.
Tethering your dog on a leash to sturdy things near you while you're present to monitor is another approach to help him or her adjust to not being able to have continual physical touch and eye contact with you, as is giving them their own private place to rest, eat, and play with toys.
In the beginning, spend as much time with your dog as you think he or she needs to feel safe and secure, and then, over the course of a few weeks, increase the time spent apart.
Make sure to provide your dog with a fun toy to play with (food stuffable toys, flossies, and bully sticks are all good possibilities) to help distract him or her from your absence.
One of the tools for preventing and controlling separation anxiety that pet parents seem to find least easy to adhere to is the simple and gentle technique of gradually exposing your dog to time alone when you are home with them so they are more likely to be able to handle time alone when you aren't home.
People tend to worry that allowing their dog unrestricted access to them when they get home after a day spent at school or work is unfair to the dog.
Read also: Understanding Your Dog's Emotions for a Better Bathing Experience
While it's ideal to have a dog that feels comfortable and secure roaming your house both while you're there and when you're away, it's important to remember how challenging it may be for a dog to experience sudden changes in routine.
That is, they are constantly stalking you while you are at home, and then you leave. Instead of teaching your dog to feel comfortable while you're not around via the use of management methods like on-leash tethering, you could get up and go.
Lavish your dog with love and attention at all times, but don't give in to demands. But don't give in when your dog begs. Ignore attempts to get your attention, including leaping up, clawing and pawing at you, whining and barking, and pushing your snout.
Some of these behaviours may be very endearing, but teaching your dog that it can obtain your attention on command is a certain way to make it more challenging for him or her to cope with separation anxiety when you're not around.
You may tell your dog to stop being so demanding by ignoring it, turning away from it, or even standing up and waiting for it. Then, suggest an action that will catch your partner's attention in a good way. The Nothing in Life for Free programme is what some fitness instructors call it.
For every favour you do for your dog, have it do an action for you. Walking, scratching behind the ear, or a sweet food may be exchanged for your dog learning to sit, down, or come when called.
5. Give Your Dog Plenty of Physical and Mental Stimulus One of the most important aspects of avoiding and managing behavioural problems in dogs is giving them plenty of opportunities to use the large quantities of mental , physical energy they generally possess.
The appropriate amount of activity for your dog will vary based on several variables, including his or her age, health, and personality. Healthy dogs, however, need at least an hour of exercise every day in addition to frequent walks for elimination. It's more like two hours if you have a hyperactive dog, such as a puppy or teenager.
Any activity in which there is a lot of running around and jumping about counts. Providing your dog with outlets for his or her pent-up imagination is just as crucial.
Read also: Dog Foods You Should Avoid
There's no use in running a dog for an hour if they're just going to come home and lie about all day with nothing to do. If you don't direct their inquisitive energy into a constructive activity, it will likely result in undesirable behaviours (such as destructive chewing, digging, barking, etc.).
Remember that life is more interesting with a wide range of options for growth and development. Give them access to a variety of enrichment items and, when it's suitable, introduce them to new social situations, new environments, and new odours. Here are a few solid choices:
Time-Consuming Companion Toys like the Twist n' Treat, Bob a Lot, Buster Cube, Roll a Treat, and Tux toy are all available. You may give them to your dog when he or she is relaxing in his or her favourite area, or while he or she is on leash and under your watchful eye.
Giving your dog the opportunity to "search" for food in a controlled, productive, and physically exhausting environment (your house) is achieved by providing meals in a variety of toys like these.