When you’re nurturing an adult dog or a puppy, there can be a process of behavioral issues that show off through their and your life as well, puppy separation anxiety can be one of them. Understanding and considering separation anxiety in puppies will equip you to do all you can to hinder the condition and to address as well the initial signs. Learning to prevent separation anxiety in dogs before it starts is a great help. Separation anxiety (SA) of dogs can be stressful for fur parents as the condition is for their puppies, no one likes their little dog to feel stressed or scared. Yet, there are a lot of things you can do to prevent separation anxiety and you can do to treat the condition.
Understand what dog separation anxiety is
Whether in an adult dog or a puppy, it is still possible that your fur friend will experience separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is when your puppy expresses utmost stress from the time you leave them until you come back. The symptoms may vary, yet they will serve as if they are horrified to be in the house on their own. Separation anxiety occurs once a dog gets stressed when being left by their owners. It’s a critical condition and one of the major reasons owners get aggravated with their puppies and give them up. It’s not similar to little misbehavior when your dog is alone or boredom when your dog is alone, separation anxiety is the outcome of consistent stress.
Know the various signs of dogs separation anxiety
Below are some behaviors your dog may express:
- Uncontrolled howling or barking
- Anxious actions like trembling, whining, or pacing while you’re away or as you get ready to leave.
- Destructive behaviors like digging or chewing, especially around windows or doors.
- Accidents in the house like defecating or urinating
- Unnecessary drooling, salivation, or panting
- Prolonged and desperate attempts to get away from confinement, possibly engine in severe injury.
Based on the published research in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, some of the symptoms above are the most reasons owners discard their dogs. This is unlucky since it’s an issue that can be managed by doing some simple yet necessary tactics.
Know what you can do about the separation anxiety of your dogs
- Crate Training
- A crate is your ally and your dog’s friend. It’s a vital training tool and the solution for a lot of dog challenges. It can offer your dog a quiet and safe place to relax. Some dogs feel more comfortable and safer in their crate when to teach them to partner their crate with puzzles or chew toys.
- Counter-Conditioning and Desensitization
- A necessary part of nurturing a physically and mentally healthy new puppy is educating them to be comfortable in the world. Teach your dogs that there is a reward for separation.
- Exercise
- Though exercise can’t heal SA, it can still aid in treating and preventing it. You need to ensure your dogs have enough physical exercise. A contented and tired dog who had playtime with you can settle down when you walk away.