Canine separation anxiety is that syndrome seen in most dogs. It refers to that situation in which dogs begin to behave in a different way than normal. This separation anxiety occurs when dogs become attached to their owners more than is necessary. People usually discover this separation anxiety in their dogs when they are away from work for many days, that is, they are on leave and spend most of their time with their pets. Dogs, as social animals, get used to your presence all the time and when you go to work after your leave they tend to show signs of behavioral changes like whining, barking and crying at inappropriate times of the day. Owners often complain that their dog cries all day or throws away expensive furniture.
Dog separation anxiety can, in some ways, disturb a dog’s mental health. As a loving owner, one would not want to spoil their dog’s mental health and therefore should deal with the situation before it worsens. Dog separation anxiety needs to be dealt with, and if it’s not done at the right time, be prepared for brutal consequences. Dog separation anxiety cures are available in large numbers, but one should take the time to discover the best cures available for their dogs. Some of the steps to follow that can result in effective control of the situation are:
• The first and most important step before you start finding dog anxiety cures is to identify the symptoms viz. Does your dog jump on visitors? Does your dog whine, cry and bark at inappropriate times of the day or all the time? Does he spin in circles every time he feels separation? If the answers to the questions above are a ‘yes’ then you need to do something very fast, otherwise you will end up losing your dog’s sanity.
• Dog separation anxiety can be cured effectively by following various behavioral therapies. These behavioral therapies are nothing more than, in a way, teaching the dog the correct way to behave in the absence of its owners.
• Leave your dog alone every day for a few minutes and then slowly increase the time limit from minutes to hours and more, this will help the dog to be alone and add to his lost confidence. At first the dog will bark, cry, run, whine, and reach for the destructive type of behavior, but once it calms down, this theory will start to work.
• Do not greet the dog in a very affectionate manner upon its return; just tap him on the head saying ‘hello buddy’ and try to ignore him. This theory teaches the dog to be alone and not to depend on his master for the wrong reasons.
• Have your dog do various exercises like walking, playing with balls and frisbees, along with running, this will make the dog tired and a tired dog always wants some time off to sleep.
• Hire a dog trainer and have the dog practice different forms of physical and mental training.
• Dog separation anxiety cures are available in large numbers, but the only thing is that one must find the best for their dogs.