People and their pets develop strong bonds, but sometimes this relationship can become overwhelming for the pets. If your dog becomes restless when you’re away or even just in another room, they may be experiencing separation anxiety. This condition manifests through increased barking, drooling or destruction of personal belongings when you’re not present. In order to help your dog overcome this problem and become more independent, you need to familiarize yourself with this behavior. Here are some key issues concerning separation anxiety.
The difference between a real and a simulated separation anxiety
Your dog may display symptoms that look like a separation anxiety, when in fact, it’s only a learned behavior. This happens when dogs have no self-control or guidance. Dogs know that they will get attention if they misbehave. Even if they are reprimanded, they see it as a good thing because they achieved their goal, which is to be noticed. Such dog behavior can mean that they are simply dissatisfied with something, which differs from the real separation anxiety, where the dog is genuinely under stress. Simulated separation anxiety can be easily dealt with by gradually increasing the time the dog spends on their own as well as frequent exercising and training them to be obedient.
What causes separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety can be developed after a dog has had multiple owners or if they were neglected in the past. Owners can also encourage this condition in their dogs without being aware of it. It’s a bad idea to make your arrival home a big deal because your dog was overjoyed to see you, as it can only make them feel even more stressed out when you leave again. Every breed has unique natural instincts and the owners need to learn to recognize them and support them. You can also help them get accustomed to spending time apart from you by taking them to a reliable pet boarding service where they will get everything they need while you’re absent.
The importance of discipline
Being a dog owner means establishing the perfect ratio of discipline and affection. A strong and healthy bond the two of you share should be easily seen in your dog’s behavior. By making discipline and obedience training a higher priority than affection, you teach your dog to become less dependent on you, which is essential for the time they spend alone. That way they will become more confident and have faith in your guidance.
Start on time
If you want your dog to behave well, you need to start training them as soon as you get them. This doesn’t mean you should train them just once or twice a week, but consistently, in a variety of different situations. Teach them to be quiet and calm and praise such behavior. When you’re spending time together outside, don’t engage in interaction with them all the time. Your dog needs to learn to find amusement alone, which you will enable by providing lots of toys. Make sure that during training sessions you provide enough positive reinforcement including their favourite treats from reliable brands like Royal Canin. This will speed up the training process, and help lower your dog’s stress levels.
Break the habit
Dogs can remember a series of activities that repeat in the same way every time and lead to the same result. For example, your dog can recognize the activities you do before you go to work and exert anxious behavior. That’s why you should make small changes in your routine every once in a while, as it will prevent the repetition of familiar actions and your dog won’t be able to recognize a pattern. You can put your jacket on in different places or if a dog gets up at the same time you do, just sit down again without paying attention to them.
Training your dog to be obedient and disciplined can be challenging, but all you need to do is be consistent. With proper training, exercise, and the right way of rewarding you and your dog will create a happy relationship in which both sides are satisfied.