Many dogs suffer separation anxiety when you aren’t with them. However, it’s something that needs to be sorted before it not only affects your household goods, but also before your dog potentially hurts themselves.
At The Wonderful World of Dogs in South Shields, we are passionate about dogs. This month’s blog offers you tips to ease your dog’s separation anxiety.
Designate A Certain Time To Play
In many cases, your dog could simply be seeking attention that’s it not getting. A good idea is to designate a certain time to play with them. Again, if you have more than one dog, make sure to focus this time on the specific dog who is suffering.
This doesn’t mean playing with them while you’re also cooking for example, make sure your focus is only on them. We recommend doing this daily.
Try To Find The Anxiety Trigger
Sometimes, the trigger is you picking up your keys. When you pick these up, the dog more than likely associates them with you leaving. Try altering your behaviour; maybe try picking the keys up, but then walk around the house without acknowledging your dog. Then return and put your keys down.
Doing this in different ways each time and going out for 5-10 minutes, helps show them that even when my owner leaves, you return.
Don’t Rule Out Medication
It’s a good idea to go see a vet and explain the problems and the effects it’s having on your dog. From this they can potentially prescribe your dog some medication that will help put them in the frame of mind so they can alter their behaviour.
Try To Tire Them Out
As simple as it sounds, the easiest thing to do to ease a dog’s anxiety is just to tire them out. Playing fetch with a ball or frisbee is a great way to do so.
