When the Master’s Away, the Puppy Will Play

   Posted: February 25, 2009 | Comments: 0 | Views: 374 | Rating: Not Rated

Dogs are well known for tearing things up when left alone for too long. Separation anxiety is a very real problem for most pet owners. If your dog has chewed up your furniture or used the bathroom in your bed, your dog is probably experiencing separation anxiety.

There are a variety of behaviors associated with separation anxiety. Common behaviors include using the bathroom in many different inappropriate places and tearing things up. Your dog might also follow you around constantly when you are home or act upset when you get ready to leave. Some dogs become so clingy that they whine and cry at night unless you let them sleep with you. Another symptom is sleeping with objects that carry your scent.

If your dog is showing symptoms of separation anxiety, there are some things you can do to help. First, make sure that your dog knows who is in charge. This means that you spend time with the dog on your terms, rather than based on attention-grabbing behaviors your exhibits. Make sure that you keep times of transition low key for your dog. Don’t create a big hype for your dog when you get home or when you leave. Make it all very casual and mundane.

There is another trick to help with dogs that tear up their homes. You should provide your dog with a lot of exercise and opportunities for physical activity. Your goal is to basically wear your dog out before you leave him alone. A tired dog is less likely to chew up your shoes or shred your sofa.

If that doesn’t work, you might try giving your dog a simple task to keep him busy. Hide a few treats in places where your dog is allowed to play and let him sniff them out. You can also buy dog toys specifically designed to keep him busy. There are toys you can fill with peanut butter that takes hours to lick clean. You could also offer a raw hide bone for hours of chewing fun.

As a last resort, you might have to pen your dog up in a crate or a specific room when you leave. If you are leaving your dog confined for large portions of the day, you should consider some alternatives. You don’t want your dog to become lonely and depressed, so you need to provide companionship. If you are working long hours and leaving your pet home alone almost all the time, you probably need to consider changing your schedule. If you can’t shift your work hours, then check into doggie daycare or find someone who will watch your dog during the day. If all else fails, you may need to find a friend with plenty of time and love to adopt your dog.

Consult your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to learn behavior modification exercises that can relieve your dog’s separation anxiety over time. Never let the problem go unattended or your dog may become aggressive.

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