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Helping a Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety

If your dog starts pacing, whining or exhibiting certain types of body language when you leave them, chances are your rescue dog has separation anxiety. Just like humans, some dogs get anxious. đŸ¶ This article may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you, and we thank you for your support. đŸŸ

And contrary to what some people may try to tell you, your dog isn’t spiteful, spoilt or just throwing a hissy fit. They are genuinely distraught!

Now, this is not to make you feel guilty. Nor is it realistic to be with your dog 24/7 as much as you may like to do. So to help you to help your dog, we talk about canine separation anxiety, what are the signs, and ways to help your anxious rescue dog.

Before we dive in lets take a look at some of the signs of canine separation anxiety.

Signs of Canine Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they are left alone. Some of the most common ways they do this is by:

  • Howling, barking and whining
  • Digging and scratching at doors and walls in an attempt to find their owner
  • Destructive chewing, it may be furniture, clothing or items they would not otherwise chew if you are with them
  • Peeing and pooping (even when they are house trained) or eating their feces

What Causes Separation Anxiety

It’s not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don’t. But it is important to know that your dog’s behavior is part of a panic response. They are genuinely anxious, and they don’t quite know what to do with themselves. It appears as if their world is falling apart and all is well when you come home. So what trigger separation anxiety:

  • Being left alone for the first time
  • Suffering a traumatic event, such as time away from you in a boarding kennel
  • Being left alone when they are accustomed to constant human contact
  • A sudden change in routine
  • The loss of a family member or other pet

Above is a few of the reasons a pet may have separation anxiety or start to get anxious.

Tips to Help Minor Separation Anxiety

  • Don’t make a big deal when you are leaving or returning from home. Make it a casual event so it feels natural to your dog.
  • If you tend to be home most of the time, practise walking in and out of the house even for a few minutes so your dog knows that when you leave you will return
  • Place comfort items such as their blanket, a few toys and play calming music
  • Talk to your dog in a calm voice when you’re leaving or returning
  • Establish a word or certain action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be back
  • Use a natural calming product that helps to reduce fearfulness in dogs

How to Handle More Severe Anxiety Issues

Use the techniques outlined above along with desensitization training. Teach your dog the sit-stay and down-stay commands using positive reinforcement to help build confidence in your dog. This training will help them learn that they can remain calmly and happily in one place while you go to another room.

Exercise and mental stimulation are critical to reducing anxiety and stress. Be sure your dog receives adequate exercise before you leave. Walking the same city block each day won’t reduce anxiety, but sniffing and exploring new places will.

Create a “safe place” to limit your dog’s ability to be destructive while you’re away. A safe place should:

  • Provide a safe place, such as a room
  • Use drop or natural calming treats
  • Leave laundry or clothing with your scent for comfort

Helping Your Dog Cope

It can take time for your rescue dog to unlearn their anxious response to you leaving. To help you and your dog cope in the short term, consider the following interim solutions:

  • Ask your veterinarian about drug therapy to reduce your dog’s overall anxiety
  • If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, then take your dog to a well-run doggie daycare facility
  • Leave your dog with a friend, family member or neighbor when you’re away
  • Take your dog to work with you, if possible
  • Create a routine for feeding time, their daily exercise so your dog knows what to expect

Won’t Help Your Anxious Rescue Dog

Avoid Punishment

Punishing a dog is never effective for treating a rescue dog with separation anxiety. It will likely make the problem worse.

Another Dog

Getting your dog a companion usually doesn’t help an anxious dog because their anxiety is the result of their separation from you, not just the result of being alone.

Using a Crate

Crating your dog will do nothing to help a dog’s anxiety. In fact in some cases a crate will make their anxiety worse. It is important to take into consideration the history of your dog where possible. In some cases it is possible a crate may of been to confine a dog, or used as punishment instead of a positive space.

Leaving the TV On

The sound of the television or music is not a cure for separation anxiety. However, some dogs will take some comfort from certain kinds of music or sounds.

Obedience TrainingTraining a dogs is always a good idea, but it will not fix a rescue dog with anxiety. While formal training is always a good idea, separation anxiety isn’t always the result of disobedience or lack of training. However, formal training can be a tool to tire out your pup before you leave.

If you need more assistance to resolve your dog’s issues, consult a professional animal behavior specialist who uses positive reinforcement training methods.

Concluding Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety

Having a dog with separation anxiety is stressful for both the dog and their human. But there are things you can do to help your dog. And one of the best things you can do to help is to stay calm and non reactive when they are stressed. Be matter of fact, set up a routine for your dog with a few comfort items. Once they know you are coming back to them they will in time get a less stressed and anxious!

Read – 7 Anxiety Toys for Rescue Dogs