How to Ease Separation Anxiety With Dog Behavior Modification
January 29, 2009 by MB Bryce · Comments Off
Dog behavior modification can be complicated. Dogs are social animals and as such delight in being with their humans. When left in solitary they often become agitated, suffering from an attachment disorder, known as separation anxiety. Canines who suffer from separation anxiety often reveal their anxiety by excessive, barking, whining, digging, gnawing and soiling.
The notably effective cure for separation anxiety contains dog behavior modification. There are couple manageable tips that can help.
1. Crate training is certainly practical in separation anxiety. Many canines respond well to confinement in a small location because it makes them feel reassured. Remember, the crate or “safe place” is an area where the canine feels unthreatened and comfortable; never use the crate or “safe place” as punishment.
2. Notice the hints of distress. Owners need to spot the warning hints of distress: panting, pacing, whining, trembling, digging, declining to eat, ears tucked down and back; all these add up to anxiety.
Owners cannot honor these behaviors by saying “You’re okay!” Before the canine becomes agitated, owners should calm the behavior by speaking to the pet, stroking it or grooming. If the pet still becomes anxious when the owner exits, they must ignore the action and not over the pet. Fussing or sympathizing unconsciously rewards the nervous action.
3. One of the best tricks for dog behavior modification is exercise. The more you exercise your canine, the more nervousness is relaxed, hence, the less your canine will gnaw your furniture when you are away. There is an absolute correlation with anxiety minimization in people and exercise. The same goes with dogs. Take your canine for a long, and I mean a LONG walk. It will be a great nervous tension help for you and your pet. Think of the relationship you will have and the amazing health benefits!!!
Separation anxiety can be cured with dog behavior modification. Separation anxiety can be severe and all-consuming to some dogs. Other dogs can adjust with just a couple tips.
If you find your pet is a an extreme case, seek a veterinary evaluation by a behaviorist. They may need pharmacological assistance in addition to the dog behavior modification. Hopefully, the above tricks will benefit and in no time your pet will be relaxing while you are away.
