Pet Tip of the Month

Imagine coming home from a long day at work and the bottom of your door is completely scratched up, the curtains have been ripped apart, and you have a little present in the house. This isn’t the first time and you are fed up with it. Along with the destruction is your dog in your face begging for attention and all you want to do is scream.

This is the reality for some owners who have pups with separation anxiety. While separation anxiety comes in many forms and for many reasons here are some tips to help ease your pain and your dog’s.

Don’t say goodbye.
When you make leaving a big deal, your dog does too and they anticipate the loss of you. Giving tons of hugs and kisses before leaving is part of human socialization and not canine, therefore leave the kisses for all the cuddling when you get back.

Like goodbye, don’t make a spectacle of your return.
By coming back in a dramatic fashion you are showing your dog that you being gone was something to fret over. Instead come in a go about your business as usual with a few pets in there. This shows your dog that being away is normal and nothing to get anxious about.

Change up your routine.
Dogs learn your routines and anticipate those actions as leading to your departure. Varying those actions up throughout the week can help your pet to become less anxious because they won’t associate certain actions with leaving. However there are some actions, like getting keys, that will happen every time you leave. Make those less stressful by walking around with your keys even when you are not leaving to help them see it does not need to be a event that triggers.

Help them enjoy alone time. 
Think about what motivates your dog, some treat or toy, and make that the thing they get when they are alone. And only then, otherwise it’s not special. Maybe even turn it into a game where you hide the object and tell them to find it as you are leaving. 
*keep in mind if the main motivator is something they shouldn’t be left alone with
(rawhide, etc.) then go to the second best motivator. 

Practice when you are home. 
Have some “alone time practice” where they are alone in a room with a treat for small amount of time and then take away treat. Work your way up to longer periods of time. 

More play time!
Work some more play time into your routine before you leave so your pup is nice a tired when it is time for you to go. Or practice different commands you have been working on. 

Lastly, talk to your Veterinarian and be patient. 
You can always talk to your Veterinarian about what you are experiencing and they might have some tips being the experts. Separation anxiety is rough on you, but most especially your dog. Patience will go long way in easing your pet and making him or her more comfortable in your house and the situation. Before long it will feel like home both when you are there and away. 

Sources: http://thespoileddog.com/tips-for-dealing-with-separation-anxiety/