Separation anxiety is a very stressful behavioral issue that
effects a huge percentage of the dog population, possibly as high as 14%. It is
one of the most misunderstood issues with people trying to treat it by
approaching it from a human point of view and failing to see the cause. The
answer to how to stop separation is simple. Show your dog that you are the pack
leader. Let me explain.
Recognizing that the following behaviors are symptoms is a
start. They are as wide ranging as they are distressing for the dog, but by
treating them you are not treating the cause of the problem. First ask yourself
the question; does the behavior stop when you return? If so then I suggest that
you’re being away is actually connected to the cause. Lets take a look at a few
of the key symptoms.
Chewing –releases an endorphin similar to the one released
when a human is chewing gum in an attempt to stay calm.
Barking, whining – this is a call for the owners to return
to the pack, similar to if you were to call your children when you can’t find
them
Escaping when you are not there – often very destructive,
extreme and sometimes dangerous. Your dog is looking for you. So many people
are told to try and exercise the problem out of their dog but it will not solve
the problem
Digging, destruction – this is all connected to stressful
and anxious behavior.
Self-mutilation – excessive, licking and chewing oneself.
Excessive drooling is also a sign of stress. These are signs that are often
mistaken for being medical conditions but are all stress related
Toileting – if your dog is toilet trained but starts going
toilet inside and you think that it is behavioral then it could well be. If it
is only occurring when your dog is away from you then it is very likely
connected to your dog having separation anxiety
Whilst there are lots of places that you can find advice on
how to treat all these symptoms there is only one way to treat the cause of the
problem. If you are serious about how to stop separation anxiety then you must
become the pack leader.
Separation anxiety is a very straight forward problem that
occurs when your dog believes they are the pack leader and your are their puppy
or member of their pack. In the wild dogs do not wander off out the den on
their own and your dogs separation anxiety will continue until you return to
him. Once you show your dog that you are the pack leader your dog will be fine
with you coming and going as you please.
Click on how to become the pack leader
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