Preventing Separation Anxiety
Congratulations on welcoming your new dog into your home. As you know, dogs are social animals, and some may find it challenging to be alone. Dogs experiencing anxiety during periods of solitude may exhibit behaviors like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or indoor elimination despite their housetraining. The following suggestions can help prevent separation anxiety or alleviate mild cases of the condition.
Prioritize Aerobic Exercise: Before leaving your dog alone, engage in aerobic exercise. Physical activity allows your dog to expend excess energy, and the release of endorphins during exercise helps them remain calm afterward. Consider taking your dog for a brisk walk, a jog, or play a game of fetch in the yard for at least 15-20 minutes before your departure. A tired dog is a good dog.
Maintain Low-Key Departures and Arrivals: When leaving and returning home, keep your interactions with your dog understated. Avoid creating a big fuss right before you leave or immediately upon your return, as this can create a stark contrast between your presence and absence.
Provide Auditory Company: When your dog is alone, leave the radio on for some auditory company. Opt for a station that plays soothing music, but a news station can also work well for companionship. Try to refrain from leaving the TV on, as the flickering lights can potentially overstimulate your dog. There are now sites with “dog music” that you can download or play. This music has been specially created to be soothing for dogs.
Offer a Special Departure Treat: It's helpful to leave your dog with a special treat before you depart to create positive associations with your leaving. Consider leaving a Kong or a hollow marrowbone filled with food paste (such as peanut butter, liverwurst, wet dog food, etc.) that will keep your dog occupied for some time after you leave. Additionally, scatter some treats around the house for your dog to discover while you are away.
These practices can assist in alleviating any anxiety your dog may have regarding being left alone. A comprehensive and detailed program may be necessary for dogs experiencing more severe separation anxiety symptoms to address the issue. If your dog's anxiety is particularly severe, consult your veterinarian, who may recommend anti-anxiety medication to provide relief.
