Article
Seven
Separation
Anxiety
One of my
big worries in life is to return home from a trip
away to be greeted by an angry neighbor who quite
forcibly informs me that my dog has been barking again.
A dog that cannot be left alone is a real problem
but in most cases can be prevented and cured. Separation
Anxiety is a behavioral problem which can vary from
the dog laying in its bed whimpering to howling and
chewing furniture. Behavior such as barking, chewing,
howling etc. are not confined to separation anxiety
though, they may also be signs of veterinary problems,
lack of exercise, boredom and the list goes on. So
try to determine why your dog is being a problem,
you may need an experienced eye to assist you.
Anxiety has
nothing to do with obedience or the hierarchy relationship
with the owner. As with any form of dog training/conditioning
the solution must be taken slowly, once done the problem
should not reoccur. The treatment involves gradually
getting the dog used to being left alone over longer
periods. Start by practicing your dog in staying in
its bed whilst you move away, you must never yell
or physically correct the dog at this stage as you
will add to the anxiety rather than help relive it.
Begin with only a small step and build up from there
do not rush the dog or try to much to early, a little
but often. Always offer praise on your return to the
dog but try and make him stay in the bed. After a
few days you should be able to leave the room briefly
without him following you. Start to close the door
on leaving the room but return immediately if he's
all right with this steadily build up the time. This
can take a few days to several weeks depending on
the dog. Once this is grasped vary the times during
the day and length of leaving the dog. The idea is
to vary the times so much that the dog cannot anticipate
your return. Remember always build up slowly and within
the dogs capability this will pay off in the long
run. Usually if your dog can tolerate one hour he
will accept longer periods so this is your eventual
goal.
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This article
was written by Paul C Bunker, a professional dog trainer.
You can visit the website at www.Southwestk9services.com for more articles and
dog training resources. You may freely distribute
this article or save to any electronic media as long
as it is left intact, including this copyright box.
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