Photo by Cloe Fontaine on Unsplash
Article provided by Pet Waste Inc – Poop Pickup Services in the Colony, TX
If your dog experiences separation anxiety when you leave them alone, it can be tough for both of you. Dogs with separation anxiety often bark, whine, howl, or pace when their guardians leave them alone. They may also have accidents indoors, destroy furniture, or become extremely anxious when their guardians are preparing to leave. While it may be difficult to leave your dog if they are experiencing separation anxiety, there are things you can do to help make the process easier for both of you. Here are five tips that can help:
Do not leave your dog alone too long
Most dogs can spend part of the day alone. Consider your dog’s age, level of independence, and personality when deciding how long it can be left alone. While some dogs may be okay with being left home alone all day while you work, other dogs may be more prone to anxiety or reactivity when left alone in an empty house. If you need to be away from your dog for more than 6-8 hours, consider bringing them to work. You can also structure your errands in a way that you are only away for short periods. To make sure your dog is taken care of for longer periods of time, ask a friend or relative or consider a dog daycare service.
Prepare your dog for being alone
Get them used to being alone gradually. If your dog is accustomed to being with you all the time, it may need some time to adjust to being alone. Start by leaving them alone for short periods of time, like while you take a shower or run to the store. Slowly increase the amount of time you are gone as they get more comfortable.
Before you leave home
Try putting on soft music or leave the TV or radio on to create white noise. White noise is helpful because it masks other noises your dog may hear like people talking, cars going by, or dogs barking.
Leave your dog in an area where he feels safe. This might include his kennel, bed, or a specific area of your home. Give your dog a bone or chew toy for comfort and reassurance and to keep it busy. Leave them with some of your clothes or a blanket that smells like you. This will help them feel comforted and less alone. Make sure they have plenty of food and water before you go.
Have a set routine
Dogs are more likely to have separation anxiety if they are left alone in a place where they feel unsafe or have previously experienced negative events. To avoid this, create a set routine with your dog before you leave, and stick to it. This includes feeding them at the same time every day, giving them plenty of exercise and attention when you are home, and keeping their schedule consistent when you are gone.
Keep your departures and arrivals low-key. Avoid making a big deal out of leaving or coming home, as this can exacerbate your dog’s anxiety.
Exercise to reduce dog separation anxiety
Separation anxiety can be reduced in dogs through exercise. It is possible to prevent mild separation anxiety from showing up by exercising the dog. Ideally, exercise routines for preventing separation anxiety should be performed immediately before the owner leaves. An effective way to start the day for you and your pet is with a vigorous run, walk, or play session. As time goes by, the dog will eventually learn to associate the owner’s absence with being too tired.
The best thing you can do for a dog with separation anxiety is simply provide a comfortable, safe, familiar environment for it. These tips may help your dog learn to be comfortable being alone. It will not take long before your dog starts feeling better while you are away and realizes that not everything is as bad as it seems.
