Separation Anxiety: Why it occurs and How to fix it
One of the most difficult and pervasive behavioral issue dogs and owners deal with is separation anxiety. In my experience, this issue is also the most over-drugged and misunderstood for vets and trainers. â
In my opinion, separation anxiety is a relationship issue, not a true behavioral issue. Itâs when the dog doesnât trust their leader to leave. Most of the time, separation anxiety isnât the only âissueâ that the dog is dealing with. â
Almost every dog Iâve worked with that previously dealt with separation anxiety was either drugged or recommend to be drugged, which is really unfortunate. â
In my experience, dogs and more importantly, owners, who are dealing with behavioral issues have these habits:
âď¸ Unearned affection
âď¸ Way too much freedom inside and outside the home âď¸ An owner who feels sorry and humanizes the dog
âď¸ Lack of structure exercise
âď¸ Sleeps in bed with the owner or doesnât sleep in crate
âď¸ Owner who gave up on Crete training
âď¸ Owner doesnât practice separation from dog then they are home and allows dog to follow them everywhere â
How to help?
âď¸teaching place âď¸structure mental and physical exercise
âď¸ Practicing making your dog stay in one area and allowing you to leave âď¸Crate training
Obviously these factors vary depending on the relationship between dog and owner but these are the most common. Itâs basically a recipe for separation anxiety. â
I want owners to know that separation can be dealt with and fixed without the use of drugging dogs. There are steps you can take to help your dog feel safe when you leave. Itâs possible.
