Tuesday 19 August 2008

How To Solve Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem among dogs which can be solved and prevents with the proper training. In order for your k9 to overcome his anxiety glitch successfully, time and repetition are the key things you need to implement.

There are lots of methods to minimize separation anxiety in dogs and to prevent this frustrated behavior from being out of control when you’re not around.

One method that you can do is making sure your dog is ready whenever you go outside. It is a common mistake of dog owners to pay too much attention to their pet before they leave. You need to prepare your canine friend before you step outside the house but not in an overacting way. Spending a few minutes to play with him will help a lot, instead of kissing your dog goodbye.

Don’t pamper your dog too much. Initiate some measures to prepare your dog for your absence. You can do that by intentionally decreasing interaction with your canine before your departure. Avoiding to say goodbye and ignoring him for a while prior to leaving the house will decrease the level of separation anxiety of your dog. You need to repeat this method again and again until your dog gets used to it.

Another effective method to solve separation anxiety in dogs is the use of pet supplies to distract or entertain them. Dog toys can help a lot in diverting the attention of your dog and allowing for a transition from your presence to his alone time. In the long run, your dog will associate your departure with a playing with a toy instead of making him lonely.

Besides dog toys, you can also use other objects to distract him. As we all know, dogs are very affectionate and they tend to crave human contact at all times. And there are ways to maintain his contact with humans even if you’re not around. Dog trainers say that exposing your dog to radio or television will avoid separation anxiety. Letting your dog watch the TV or listen to the radio is a good way to reduce feelings of loneliness and stress.

No comments: