My Friendly Pets

I can remember coming home from a family dinner and we had left our dog alone in the house. He wasn’t in his crate, but he was gated in a room, as he was still a youngster, not a puppy, but still not full grown. When we came into the house, our dog jumped to greet us and was extremely happy. However, as we glanced around the room the cushions from our couch were no longer on the couch. They were all over the living room, torn to shreds. OMG!!!! Why would this dog who is so well behaved when we are at home commit to such destruction when we are not around??? Our dog sufferred from separation anxiety. We did work with Geo and he did improve greatly, but on occasion, we would return home after an outing and the furniture was intact, but he had wandered into our bedroom and proceeded to tear apart tissues. He tore them from the tissue container as well as the garbage can. So we did minimize and almost eliminate all of his separation anxiety. This like any other behavioral issue with your dog may take time and patience, but it is definately worth the effort.

There are some dogs that suffer severely from separation anxiety and unaware owners may not work with the dogs to correct any behaviors that are a result of separation anxiety. In fact, some owners punish their dogs for behavior that the dogs simply can’t control. However, there are ways to diminish and even eliminate separation anxiety in your dog. According to the Humane Society of the United States, attacks of separation anxiety will usually take place 30-45 minutes after the dog has been left alone. The behaviors exhibited as a result of separation anxiety could include chewing, digging, barking, scratching and even urninating (or worse) even if they are house trained. These behaviors are not a result of the dog being “mad” at us for leaving them, but rather their panic and anxiety at being left alone. That’s why punishing the dog for these behaviors doesn’t work.

If your dog does suffer from separation anxiety, there are things that can be done to help your dog. First of all, don’t make a big deal about leaving or coming home in front of your dog. In fact, when arriving home, keep it quiet and avoid petting your dog for a few moments. It might be hard, but it is in their best interest. When you leave, give your dog a piece of clothing that you have recently worn so they can have your scent close to them. This will help to keep the dog calm. Also, using training techniqes that allow your dog to realize, when you are going and that you are coming back work well. For example, getting your keys out and other small routines should be done the same way every time. Also, working with your dog by leaving for short periods of time and then lengthening the times so that your do gets comfortable with you leaving is also important.

If you are truly into getting away from it all, with or without your dog, check out fellow blogger, Andrea Crome, and her take on places all over the world.