How to Manage Separation Anxiety in Your Furry Friend

Separation anxiety can be one of the most distressing conditions for dog owners to deal with. Watching your furry friend exhibit signs of anxiety every time you leave the house is heartbreaking and can make going out and enjoying your day-to-day life much more stressful than it needs to be. Luckily, there are ways to manage separation anxiety in your furry pal, and this blog has the top tips you need to help ease the distress of your furry friend.

Understanding What Separation Anxiety Looks Like:

Separation anxiety is when a dog becomes physically or mentally distressed when separated from their owner. This distress can manifest in different ways – for example, some dogs may cry, bark, or howl. Others may chew furniture, dig up the garden, or try to escape their home. Some dogs may even experience physical symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Recognizing that your furry friend is suffering from separation anxiety is the first step towards helping them manage this condition.

Bonus tip: Click here for our blog with tips on helping potty train a dog with separation anxiety.

Crate Training:

Crate training goes hand-in-hand with helping ease separation anxiety by providing a space for your dog where they know they can relax. Additionally, crate training your dog keeps them safe while you’re away, ensuring they are secure and cannot harm themselves while unsupervised. Click here for tips on crate training your pooch.

Positive Reinforcement:

One of the most effective ways to manage separation anxiety in dogs is to use positive reinforcement techniques. For example, try leaving your dog with a special treat or toy when you leave the house. This will help your furry friend associate your departure with a positive experience, and the anxiety associated with your departure may reduce over time. This is an especially effective strategy if combined with crate training and high-value treats or rewards that are only brought out when you leave the house.

Exercise and Stimulation:

Exercise and stimulation are also crucial elements to help reduce anxiety in dogs. When dogs engage in physical activity, they are more likely to feel relaxed and at ease. Take your furry friend for a long walk or run before leaving the house, and they will be more likely to remain calm and relaxed throughout the day. If your dog is especially high-energy, engaging them in a mental activity can be doubly helpful. Click here for ideas to help mentally stimulate a hyper dog.

Desensitization:

Another technique used to manage separation anxiety in dogs is desensitization. This technique involves gradually increasing the amount of time you spend away from your furry friend so that they slowly get used to your absence. Start with leaving your dog for just a few minutes and gradually increase the amount of time you are away. Make sure to reward your furry friend each time you return (calmly, without overstimulating them or making it a “big deal”) so they begin to associate your absence with a positive experience.

Professional Help:

Finally, if the techniques mentioned above don't help your furry friend, consider seeking professional help. There are many resources available to dog owners who need help managing separation anxiety in their pets. Speak to your vet, and they may be able to provide you with the necessary resources or recommendations to help your furry friend.

Separation anxiety is a complex condition to deal with, but it is possible to manage effectively with the right resources, patience, and consistency. If you employ the above methods and persevere, you'll be surprised how quickly your furry friend can learn to become more comfortable when you're not around.

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