Separation anxiety can become a bigger problem as your dog ages. It can result in complete destructive behavior and some dogs even use the bathroom in the house as a sign of anxiety. The older your dog gets the harder it becomes for him to cope with changes in his routine. Leaving you to wonder if staying late at the office will end in your sofa being torn to bits.
Some of the main considerations in treating separation anxiety are:
· Do not make a production out of your coming and goings.
· Train your dog to relax. Teach your dog to sit in the “stay” position and leave him there for longer periods of time.
· Change your habits. Dogs go by routine so if they hear a noise before you leave for work every day they will associate that noise, your alarm, with you leaving them. Try sitting on the couch before you leave to calm your dog or wear your woke clothes on the weekend to keep him guessing.
· Start with very short departures. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog before he becomes anxious. Upon return, reward him for staying calm.
· Associate your departure with something good. Give your dog a treat or a food filled toy to keep him busy while you are gone. He will also associate your leaving with something enjoyable and stress free.
· Have someone come by. Older dogs may need to go to the bathroom more often and if there is no one there to let them out the anxiety can get worse. So hire someone or have a neighbor or relative come by to let the dog out on days you will be gone for some time.
· Crate your dog. Many dogs feel safe in a crate, and being in a crate will help reduce their destructiveness. This should be limited to no more than four hours.
· Thundershirts or tight fitting shirts can make them feel like they are being hugged and are calming.
--If the separation anxiety gets to become a huge problem and is causing your dog to “self-destruct” take him to a vet and ask about anti-anxiety medications.--
By Staff Writer Trish Harding
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com
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