Author C. A. Clarke
Ask any dog trainer and they'll tell you, separation anxiety is one of the toughest things to 'fix' in a dog. Separation anxiety is also one of the most frustrating issues facing dog owners. It can cause loss of sleep, heart break and stress and it can get you kicked out of your apartment. Then there is the financial cost of replacing destroyed furniture or the corresponding emergency vet bills. Not to mention the stress your poor dog is going through.
Symptoms of separation anxiety are varied but include excessive and intermittent whining, barking, and scratching. There is physical destruction of surroundings by licking, biting, and chewing. Dogs will get into garbage, break out of kennels or even the house. Some or all of these things are natural dog behaviour to some degree. You are the best judge of your dog's behaviour. When the above also includes personal injury, it's safe to assume separation anxiety and not simple boredom is involved.
Sometimes owners do not realize their dog has separation anxiety until they attempt to go away on a trip and they put their dog in a kennel. Or their kids go off to university and no one is at home during the day with the dog. The best strategy is prevention. With proper early puppy training this can be done. If it is already too late for prevention, the following three-pronged approach of exercise, diet, and leadership should help.
First, make sure your dog is getting adequate exercise on a regular basis. If you cannot run your dog in the morning before work, for example, but can in the evening, do it. It is not when in a given day that he's exercised but that he is exercised each day.
Second, providing a variety of real, wholesome foods, without additives and preservatives will help to calm your dog. That means no simple sugars or carbohydrates like rice and pasta. A raw, natural diet is best but a homemade stew with a variety of meat and vegetables is still far superior to a grocery store kibble. If you can not pronounce the ingredient on the label it could be your dog's system does not like it.
For many people diet and exercise are relatively easy to take care of but they tend to stumble on number three, leadership. At all times remember you are top dog. Being top dog does not require physical dominance over your dog. You are gaining your dog's respect. Violence and other physical techniques are not necessary.
Separation anxiety can be a matter of control. The dog wants control or feels out of control and feels the pack lacks a clear, competent leader. You can help your dog by taking control of your pack. You'll know this is your issue if you have trouble with any of the following suggestions.
Ignore your dog when he tries to get you to do something like fill his food dish, open the door, take him for a walk, or give him a treat. Ignore your dog when he tries to get you to look at him. This may include barking, pawing and jumping at you or others. Scolding him is a form of attention, don't fall for it. Those of you with kids have probably already noticed the similarities here. Do not give in. You must prevail.
While it is true dogs are social animals and prefer to be with their pack, they are required from time to time to be on their own, and should be able to do so without harming themselves or their surroundings. Remind yourself of this over and over if you feel you are being mean to your dog. If anyone gives you a hard time about this tough love approach, be sure to sign them up for babysitting your dog next time you need to leave your house!
C.A. Clarke loves dogs. For more information about natural dog food as well as straight answers to questions related to dog training and dog behaviour, please see http://www.naturaldogfoodtips.com and http://www.dogtrainingbooksinfo.com.
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