Handling the aftermath of your dog’s separation anxiety can be a frustrating and seemingly hopeless task. Dogs who suffer severe separation anxiety may destroy furniture or even chew on walls. Many will find comfort in chewing and shredding paper then scattering it across your floor. The truth is that your dog truly is suffering from a terrible, yet natural, anxiety. There is hope for your pup, and you actually can make a difference.
Anxiety Easing Products
Many products on the market are meant specifically to help your dog feel better about being left alone, and really can help his anxiety subside. When your dog is calm and at ease, the less destruction you will find when you come home.
For the new puppy, separation anxiety may be more aimed towards the litter and mother they left behind at the breeder or rescuer to join your household. Many old school methods abound from putting a loud ticking clock in the puppy’s crate to using a heating pad to mimic the warmth of cuddling with a mom and litter. Today, however, innovative creations abound that better suit the puppy’s and the owner’s needs. One such product called SnugglePuppies looks like a cute little plush puppy but includes a realistic heart beat ticking sound far better than using a clock. It also has a place for safe heat pads to mimic the real warmth of a mom or sibling. Puppies who miss their biological families, or even some adult dogs can find comfort and anxiety relief with such a product.
Other products that help ease canine separation anxiety include music CDs. It may sound strange, but science has actually proven a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety related behaviors during studies of how science effects behavior. Not just any CD will help your dog calm down. Doggie Dreams Music for Dogs is a CD made only to help dogs feel relaxed and comfortable in stressful situations. You can even use it in other situations such as the drive to a vet, during bath time and more.
Prevent Destruction During Anxiety
The use of products can be invaluable and show a real improvement in your dog’s behavior. However, they work best in combination of other tactics to combat your dog’s separation anxiety. Providing a space just for your dog, like a large puppy play pen, safe enclosed room or large crate are all good options. These will keep your dog away from trouble while providing a safe and comfortable place to wait for your return.
You cannot just throw your dog into a confined space before you leave, though. In fact, doing so will actually increase your dog’s anxiety and cause him a great deal of confusion. He needs to be conditioned to love his space with your help. You can train your dog in the same methods used to crate train. Just begin by tossing a high value treat into the doorway of his space, and gradually increase it to further inside. You can also give him his meals in this space, provide very special and irresistible treats, toys and chews that are exclusive to his space only are ways to make him absolutely love his very own space. He will associate his space with only positive emotions, and that is exactly why it should never be used as punishment nor should he be forced to go inside.
When In Doubt
When you feel you just can’t handle your dog’s anxiety, don’t give up on him. He is suffering more than you are during the times you are away. A dog’s instincts, carried over from his domestication thousands of years ago, tell him that without you, his pack, he is in danger of not surviving. Instead of punishing your dog for the behaviors he commits during times of anxiety, seek out a professional for help. Your dog will love you for it.
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