How Do I Start Modifying My Dog’s Separation Anxiety?

Dog’s separation anxiety can be a very difficult issue to solve. But it’s an important to try and fix it because of the anxiety it causes.

Physical exercise

Physical exercise works as a stress reliever. Just an hour of exercise a day can lessen a dog’s anxiety.

Mental stimulation

Boredom contributes to anxiety. If your dog has been mentally stimulated before you leave, this might decrease his anxiety while you are away.

Training plan

Daily physical and mental exercise should be complimented with a training plan. An anxious dog needs to learn new skills that focus on impulse control and problem solving. This will activate the learning part of your dog’s brain and in turn deactivate the emotional part of the brain responsible for the anxiety.

New leaving routines

Dogs learn to associate certain behaviours with certain outcomes. An anxious dog knows what behaviours lead to him being left alone. In order to lessen the anxiety we need to use desensitisation techniques and new routines to change the way your dog feels. It is much easier for your dog to cope alone if you don’t make any fuss of him when leaving or coming back home.

Toys and treats.

Interactive toys such as Kong toys stuffed with treats and treat balls can help re-focus the mind, causing your dog to release anxious energy in an appropriate way. 

Treatment for separation anxiety can be highly effective and once destructive and anxious dog can become much more relaxed. In most cases, true separation anxiety problems require the guidance of a qualified dog trainer.