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.
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