Can you train your dog to be happy while you are away?
What can you do with a dog that is miserable while you are away? There are several methods that can be used to modify this behavior.
Separation Anxiety is tough for you and your canine companion. Not only is your dog lonely, but his anxiety causes him to bark and sometimes be destructive in your absence. You know there are prescription drugs that can help, but you would rather try behavior modification techniques before going that route. There are several ways you can help Spot feel more comfortable while you are away.
- Start by pretending that you are about to leave. Walk out of the house and wait for a break in the barking. When you walk in during silence, smother him with praise him and reward him with a treat or by playing with his favorite toy for a few minutes. Repeat this over and over whenever you can.
- Try changing up your routine a bit. Think about what you do right before you leave. What is it that your dog uses as a cue to know that you are about to leave him. If he last thing you do when you leave is grab your keys in your purse, try and take the association of you leaving with that activity. After you have been home for an hour or so, pick up your keys and your purse. Your dog will likely slip into anxious behavior. Do not punish this behavior, but do not reward it either. Continue with whatever you would normally be doing, just do it while you are holding your purse and keys. When your dog settles down stop immediately and reward him with praise and a treat or playtime with a toy.
- Try changing the environment around you home (or yard) to make your dog more comfortable while you were away. Your dog may feel more comfortable with the radio and a light on. An outside dog may appreciate a plush blanket in his dog house.
Remember that this process will take time. You may want to enlist the help of a neighbor or professional dog walker to stop in and spend some time with your dog several times a day during the process. If these modifications don´t help, you should seek medical treatment for your dog.
