Tips and Advice ArchiveSeparation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs and can be hard to solve. Dogs that have this condition can become mildly nervous to severely panicked when left alone at home or in the car. Some even try to chew their way out of any confined area, which leads to unwanted interior redecorating.
I have worked with many dogs with this problem, and my clients have had some success using the following techniques. Try them yourself if you are having this problem with your dog and please tell me how it goes.
1. Announce Your Travel Plans
Tell your dog out loud in advance where you are going, how long you will be gone, and why he or she can't come with you. Do this even for short trips or when going to work every day. Explain that you will always come back and that you will never leave for good. Tell your dog how you would like for him or her to act while you are gone. Close your eyes and imagine your dog doing this - i.e., sleeping calmly, chewing on a toy, playing, or whatever activity fits for their environment. See your dog doing this very clearly in your mind. Then say goodbye and tell your dog you will check back in mentally while you are away.
2. Give Some Aids
Give your dog some calming aids, which could include all of the following:
Rescue Remedy - a flower essence you can obtain at your local health food store. Put 5 drops in the water and let the dog lick some drops off your fingertips or rub it on his gums or ears. It will absorb through the skin.
Lavender Oil - put a few drops on the dog's bed. Or make a lavender water spray with about 10 drops of oil and the rest water in a small spray bottle. Spray the bed and the dog's body (not the face) lightly with lavender water.
Chamomile tea - Make a strong batch of chamomile tea (1 bag to a small amount of hot water). Put this in some food (i.e., soak some kibble or mix with some wet food) and offer it to the dog.
Kong Toys - Get one of the toys that can be filled with treats and leave that for the dog. Make sure this toy is only given when you are gone. When you return home, hide it away.
3. Check In While You Are Away
Take a few breaks while you are out and about to check in with your dog. Find a quiet place, close your eyes and picture your dog. Then silently in your head send your dog information about what you are doing, how you are doing, and how much time it will be before you return. Now send a feeling of love to your animal and imagine him or her happy, content, and safe.
Try these techniques for short (15 min) trips at first and then extend the length of the trips.
4. Hard Nut Cases
For the extremely anxious dog I recommend regular massage. TTouch bodywork is a specialized form of massage that can greatly help in these cases. Check out the TTouch website at http://ttouch.com.
It will also be helpful to get your dog out in the world as much as you can, playing and meeting other people and animals, this makes for a more well adjusted dog. Find a good positive trainer and attend lots of classes to help socialize your dog. Check the website, www.northbaydogtrainers.com to find a trainer in the Sonoma County, CA area. For other locations check with your local humane society and humane animal groups to find a trainer who uses positive reinforcement training techniques.
Assuming your dog is friendly with people and animals, go out for walks and to play with other dogs as much as you can. If your dog is not friendly, work with a good trainer to change that. Remember what the famous dog trainer Barbara Woodhouse always said: There are no bad dogs. Woodhouse is also known for hooting the term "Walkies" in a high-pitched English accent at the top of her lungs whenever she prepared to take her dogs for a walk, much to the dogs' delight. Try it and see how your dog reacts!
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