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Dogs naturally cry out when they are left alone out of natural habit. When you rush home and reward their bad behavior with loving hellos, it simply shows them that this kind of behavior is Ok.
Here is some important information you should read up on about separation anxiety and how to deal with it:
Long, drawn-out farewells can create separation anxiety problems by first exciting your puppy and then making the isolation more obvious when you’re gone. Just when he gets all worked up and ready to play, suddenly you disappear. With all this energy, your puppy will either try his best to get you to come back or he will have to vent his energy in some other way. Since he can’t build model airplanes or invite his buddies over for a hand of poker, he does doggy things – like chew, dig and bark.
To prevent separation anxiety, dogs need to feel happy, secure, and comfortable when you’re away. It’s important to give them things to do while you’re gone. Provide them with lots of toys, such as a kong or havaball stuffed with treats, or a digging pit in the yard. Often another companion pet can help alleviate the boredom.
Another way to prevent separation anxiety is to set aside scheduled time periods to give your dog undivided attention, play and exercise. A happy, well-exercised puppy will usually sleep contentedly during the day while you are gone. Be sure that one of the scheduled play sessions occurs before you must leave for the day. Give your puppy a chance to settle down before you leave and don’t make a big deal of your departure – just leave without any emotion or commotion.
An easy way to teach your dog that you will always be back is to leave randomly for 5 to 15 minutes at a time just so they start to realize that when you leave it is not that big of a deal and that you will be back.
Do you have any tips to add on how to deal with a new puppy or dog with separation anxiety?
Image Source: John Baxter on Flickr
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