Dog care guide

Separation

Some dogs suffer from what is known as separation anxiety. This happens when the pet exhibits problems when it is left alone because it cannot cope with being away from the owner for any length of time.

The key to preventing and solving this issue is teaching your pet to be more independent and therefore confident.

Generally, the problem occurs more with adopted or rescue dogs than if you have your pet from a puppy but it is a problem that can occur with any dog, especially if it is one with a shy and submissive temperament.

To begin with, you may leave you dog in one room while you go to another. After a few minutes, return to the room where the dog is but do not actually greet it, just let it know you are still there. After this, you may leave the room once again but for a slightly longer period of time. You may repeat this process gradually increasing the time that the dog is left alone for. If problems occur such as whining, barking or chewing, you can then shorten the time to one that does not make your dog anxious before gradually increasing it once again.

When your dog has reached a stage where anxiety does not occur within around one hour, you can then add 'leaving cues' into the routine such as checking the doors are locked, picking up your handbag or wallet, keys and putting on your coat. These are behaviours that your dog will learn are associated with you leaving the home and them being left alone. This will eventually prepare them to be left alone knowing that you will return.

Other things you can do to help include:

1. Exercise or play around 30 minutes prior to your leaving - This will leave your dog tired and happy and more likely to sleep while you are away.
2. Do not approach the dog to say goodbye as you leave - This will help make your absence less noticeable.
3. Feed your dog before leaving - A dog is more likely to sleep after a meal and a sleeping dog is not generally an anxious one.
4. Leave your dog in a secure environment - dogs feel more secure in the home than the back garden and are also less likely to be stolen. Never leave your dog alone in the back garden, always leave him/her in the house but be sure to remove all valuables just in case.
5. Leave your dog with toys or chews - If you have trained your dog to chew the correct items, this will prevent damage to any other items in the home.
6. Leave your scent - It is a good idea to leave the dog with an item of clothing that you have worn recently. This will give him the impression that you are still there.

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