Photo Credit: Dominic QN
Contents
Help a Rescue Dog with Separation Anxiety
Any dog can take a while to get settled but a rescue dog may take a little longer when it comes to separation anxiety. After all these beautiful canines don’t always get the best start in life. So when they bond with you its understandable that they may experience separation anxiety.
What normal for many dogs can be incredibly unfamiliar for a dog that has been rescued. For many of these beautiful canines it may be the first place they have feel the softness of carpet, hands that want to hold them and food in abundance… and, all the simple things that we take for granted.
It’s not uncommon for any dog to suffer with separation anxiety, and the same applies for a rescue dog. In many cases a rescue dog will settle in nicely after a few days, while other may be a little more clingy and for good reason.
Not only can your dog see you as their protector but some humans adore the feeling to have your dog always seeking to bond with you. But encouraging this velcro like behavior won’t help your dog to be free from the stress of separation anxiety.
Therefore you should prioritize helping your new dog develop self-confidence.
With a little patience, gentle training and a few good tips you’ll be able to leave your dog while you go about your daily duties.
Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety Tips
Keep Your Dog Busy
To get rid of anxiety, you’ll have to stimulate both the physical and mental parts of your dog by engaging it to perform multiple tasks. Exercising the dog’s mind will help in relieving stress and make keeping healthy.
Foraging Snuffle Mats Help Dog Anxiety under $17 on Amazon <<
You can achieve this by making him “hunt” his food by hiding his kibble within the house. Most dogs enjoy such games such as playing with snuffle mats and treat toys! You can also set an hour or two a day for performing aerobics with him. Both of you can jump, stretch, and swim. I assure you that after that, he will need a good rest.
Consider a Natural Remedy
In this case, a veterinary behaviorist could be of great help. Anti-anxiety medication, helps dogs tolerate separation without being anxious and can make the treatment progress faster.
However, very few dogs can go through Anti-anxiety medication alone and benefit. Most dogs, on top of the medicine they will need aversion therapy.
Avoid Encouraging Clinginess
Sometimes, intentionally avoid eye contact with your dog. Whenever you want to leave, don’t make it a big deal by kissing him and saying countless ‘goodbyes.’ Come and go without making a fuss. Note: that when you appear worried through your actions, you’ll transmit the feeling to your dog. Therefore act as if you are sure he is going to be fine by the time you come back.
However, if you must give it a goodbye kiss or peck, try to do it 15-20 minutes before leaving the premises. By doing this, your dog will comprehend that the master is under no pressure and will react the same.
Audio and music can help a rescue dog separation anxiety
Researchers have proved that the sound of a human creates a calming effect on a dog, especially when the master is not around. Therefore to make sure that your dog isn’t tense, a recorded human voice will do a lot of good.
There are so many audios your dog can listen to, including ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ by A.A Milne. Interestingly, some dogs have their favorite sounds, which have magical ways of making them extremely happy.
Concluding Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety
To help solve your rescue dog separation anxiety issues, you have to be patient and be diligent with training. Once your dogs understand that you are coming back to them and they have some daily activities to keep them busy life will be less stressed for both you and your canine friend.