Dog Separation Anxiety is experienced by many dogs. Here's everything you need to know about this condition. Why Dogs Experience Separation Anxiety
Most dogs experience some kind of anxiety in the absence of her owner. In fact, it is one of the most common behavior issues in dogs. It is up to the owner to minimize, and hopefully eliminate, this problem.
Separation anxiety in a puppy can surface because the puppy may not have yet developed the independence and confidence necessary to allow her peace of mind when being left alone. The problems of a full-grown dog that still display symptoms of separation anxiety, however, may be traced back to the lack of, or complete absence of, socialization training. A dog that has been ignored may lack the skills to cope with the boredom and loneliness that cause separation anxiety. When a dog is trained to encounter the varied and diverse situations and people the world has to offer, being left alone for eight hours every day will seem fairly insignificant.
Another reason dogs experience separation anxiety is not from the lack of attention, but from the excess of it. When a dog develops a strong dependency on you as her owner, she may not be equipped to handle being alone. While it is important to develop a trustful relationship with your dog, it is also vital that the dog is encouraged to be independent.
Symptoms
The unhappiness caused by separation anxiety will become apparent in the dog's overall behavior. You may come home to find the pillows on your bed torn up and tossed around the room. Or maybe you'll get a phone call from your neighbor complaining that your dog howled all day, disturbing the entire neighborhood. Regardless, remember that the dog is not purposely causing you harm. Dogs simply lack healthy outlets to display their emotions, thus acting inappropriately at times.
Treatment
Separation anxiety can be a symptom of stress or nervous emotions in a dog's overall well-being and temperament. Vocal complaints in the form of barking and whining can be a release of nervous energy. Punishment crate-training, a type of obedience training, should be avoided in this situation. Severely punishing the dog will increase the dog's anxieties. Instead, help your dog feel secure and satisfied. Since you can't always be by your dog's side, offer her toys and leave a television or radio on during the day. Having another pet in the house can also help relieve boredom. With some persistence, your dog will ultimately develop the independence and self-confidence necessary to overcome separation anxiety.
