Effective Treatments for Dog Separation Anxiety: Expert

When a dog misbehaves or experiences separation anxiety, it's crucial not to blame the animal. Instead, we should reflect on our own actions that may have led to this behavior. By modifying our behavior, we can effectively change our dog's actions. Below, I'll delve into how to alleviate separation anxiety in dogs.

Firstly, teach your dog to be alone.

Small dogs that are attached to their owners 24/7, even during sleep, are more prone to separation anxiety, especially during the 27 month period. To ensure their mental and physical wellbeing, it's essential for owners to manage their time together. While it may be difficult at first, remember that this phase is temporary. Once your dog reaches 34 months or 8 months of age, when their temperament stabilizes, you can enjoy more frequent companionship. However, if you don't set boundaries early on, separation anxiety can become a persistent issue that may take up to six months to correct.

When addressing separation anxiety, start by regularly placing your dog in its crate or bed, then leave the room to teach it to be alone. Initially, you can disappear for 10 minutes, then return. If your dog remains calm, offer a pat on the head as a reward. Gradually increase the duration of your absence to 30 minutes, then an hour, as your dog adjusts.

At first, your dog may bark or cry, but you must remain firm. Over time, it will learn that its crate is a safe haven, and even when you're not visible, it will know you're nearby. Eventually, it will become less restless and less likely to destroy things.

In the initial days, your dog may be particularly uncomfortable, showing signs like a droopy head or a gloomy mood, or even increased destructiveness. This is normal. Once you've persevered through these stages, your dog will adapt.

After your dog's separation anxiety has significantly decreased, when you're home all day, allow it to have free reign for half the day. For the remaining half, keep your dog in the living room while you go into your room. Typically, your dog will rest in its窝 for a while, then get up and play on its own, fostering independence and a healthy mindset.

Additionally, during the correction process, limit your playtime with your dog to no more than 34 hours per day (including obedience training, play, walks, and other activities). This is a general guideline, and the specific time should be adjusted based on your dog's needs. Dinner time is a great opportunity to bond, so don't worry about spending too little time together.

After playtime ends, if you lie on the sofa for a couple of hours without engaging with your dog (while it may continuously try to get your attention), it's likely that your dog will play with its toys in its crate (a healthy behavior).

Secondly, the owner's behavior before and after leaving home is also crucial.

Don't say goodbye to your dog when you leave, and avoid rushing to greet it when you return. This should not be a big deal to your dog. If you show excessive affection and concern before leaving, your dog will place more importance on your departure and feel more anxious about separation.

For the 1530 minutes before leaving, keep your dog calm. You can place it in its crate or minimize interaction (except for bathroom breaks, which should be praised). This time can be gradually shortened as your dog grows and its temperament stabilizes.

When you return home, the first 515 minutes can be particularly anxious for a dog with separation anxiety. This is because many owners rush to hug and play with their dogs, reinforcing the idea that their return is a big deal and that they might have been in danger. This can lead to worry and anxiety in your dog about your safety and wellbeing when you're away.

Instead, focus on your own activities, such as sweeping the floor or watching TV, and only interact with your dog once it has settled down. Praise your dog if it stops shaking, and then you can start playing together.

Consider playing music in your home when you're not around. Background noise can help your dog feel more at ease, and classical music can even boost its intelligence. In my home, I often play a specific song for my dog when it's alone, and eventually, it can fall asleep after just 20 seconds of the music.

Thirdly, correcting your dog's misbehavior is also important.

While changing your own behavior is crucial, you must also make sure your dog understands when it's wrong. Correct your dog immediately when it misbehaves; otherwise, it won't be effective. If you discover a mistake 10 minutes later, don't scold your dog, as it won't remember what it did or why it was punished.

When correcting your dog, don't say "come here" or its name, as it may think it's about to be scolded. Instead, simply pick it up and start correcting. Avoid calling its name during the scolding.

Small dogs are generally shy and will be scared if you scold them severely. A few stern words or a gentle tap on the nose, mouth, or bottom can be effective (use rolledup A4 paper to avoid injury). The intensity of the punishment should be appropriate for the situation.

By following this approach, you'll see your dog's anxiety gradually diminish, and it will stop destroying furniture and shaking uncontrollably. With time, its anxiety will be completely eliminated.

During the first month after the anxiety symptoms have subsided, it's best to maintain the previous behavior to prevent a relapse.