Dog Separation Anxiety – Several Useful Tips for Dealing with a Common Dog Training Problem
Barking dogs drive themselves and others to distraction. Just ask anyone who owns or lives near a dog that incessantly barks. If you've received complaints from neighbors about your dog's barking, you may be surprised, since he rarely barks when you are home. Apparently, he barks a lot when you are gone. In that case, you can be fairly certain that you're dealing with dog separation anxiety . There are ways to fix his anxiety, but don't make the mistake of hoping the dog will "settle down" in time. Failure to deal with the barking can lead to a downward spiral of other and more serious behaviors. Your question is what to do?
First, check with your vet about your dog's health. If his health is good, ask your vet about giving him anti-anxiety medication for a month or two while working on the behavior. It will calm him down and give your training a better chance to work. Also, use a comprehensive dog training manual that will guide you through dog training problems. Check my earlier blog posts about some of these issues. Dealing with dog separation anxiety should be part of a comprehensive dog training program. As with all dog training, you as the trainer must establish yourself as the alpha dog and employ gentle, consistent and repetitive commands. Provide the proper structure and a good sense of security for your dog, and you can teach him almost anything.
With that in mind, reward your dog for calm behavior and help him develop a sense of independence when he is separated from you. First, try to change your leave-taking routine. If you usually place your purse or brief-case by the exit, go outside with it, put it in the car, and then return to eat breakfast. If you usually shower first and then eat breakfast, reverse the order and eat breakfast first. If you read the paper for a few minutes before leaving, read it first and then go take your shower. Try to take the sting out of the accumulating morning rituals, which cause your dog's anxiety. You want him to learn that jingling your car keys does not necessarily mean you are leaving and that it is no cause for concern if you do.
Secondly, it's important to keep your leaving-taking and return to home calm and low-key. Don't encourage your dog to bark or whine when you leave or return. Give him attention only when his barking/whining, stops (if only for a few seconds). When returning home, ignore him for a few minutes and act calmly and normally, as if your return was not anything to rejoice about. While this may sound mean, keep in mind that your dog's ancestors roamed in packs. The alpha dog could come and go at will, but the members of the pack never voluntarily left the alpha dog. You want to reinforce both your alpha status and his calm behavior. Ignore the wild receptions you receive when you return. He must learn that the whole world does not revolve around you, and that he will be fine by himself. It seems counter intuitive, but it is important. While at home, combine this strategy with training for commands such as "sit" or "stay." Then leave the dog alone for a few seconds. As he grows more comfortable, progress to several minutes. Your goal is to make him relax when you are not with him and to reward him for calm behavior.
Third, a favorite toy or treat may keep him occupied during the first half hour after your departure, which is when the most frantic anxiety is often exhibited. "Kong" toys with a treat inside will work wonders sometimes in dealing with the high anxiety he feels when you first leave.
Fourth, exercise is essential for all pets, especially dogs. Playing with your dog, taking him for walks or playing active games with him, are all good for his health, and yours. Exercise will consume a lot of his energy and it will tire him so he will sleep better. In addition, some dogs were bred for work. Working dogs need not only the exercise, but they also need the "job." Corgis were bred as sheep herders. My friend had one that constantly tried to herd all her guests into the same room! Take into account the characteristics of your dog's breed and use sound training principles. You will have a happy dog.
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Sit Means Sit Brisbane Dog - Training at Shopping Centre
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