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Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

Dogs are remarkably varied in terms of breed and personality. In fact, according to USA Today, around 350 dog breeds are recognized worldwide. While dogs can be remarkably diverse, they may also share certain similarities. For instance, separation anxiety is a prevalent issue among our canine friends, and it can be quite a troublesome problem. Find out if your pet has separation anxiety by continuing below.


Common Symptoms of Dog Separation Anxiety


Separation anxiety is a well-known term that gets thrown around frequently, but can sometimes be mistaken for other behavior problems (confinement distress being one of them). Many of the symptoms of dog separation anxiety indicate a frantic, panicked state that the dog enters when their humans leave. Among the symptoms your dog may display are whining or pacing around. True, clinical separation anxiety can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian.


A dog with separation anxiety can also cause quite a mess. Your pet may urinate or defecate inside your home instead of waiting for their designated potty time. Anxious pets also like to take their frustration out on nearby objects. You may see your furry friend destroying pieces of furniture and other objects due to their separation anxiety.


Anxious canines are also quite vocal. This can be problematic for people who live in apartments or similar dwellings. Unfortunately, separation anxiety can also lead to dangerous behavior. Your dog may attempt to escape their crate or your home because they don’t want to be alone. They may sustain an injury while trying to break free or end up hurt somehow while wandering around unsupervised.


Treatment Options for Dog Separation Anxiety


Treating separation anxiety is very different from any other behavior concern that we work with. We look at treatment time in terms of months, not weeks. Absences must also be suspended for the duration of training so that the dog does not continue to build a negative learned history with departures.


Hiring a dog separation anxiety specialist is an efficient way to receive a custom training plan that will most efficiently help your dog. Such a professional will understand the best methods for decreasing your canine's anxiety. Desensitization to not only departures, but pre-departure cues make up the bulk of training. All separation anxiety training is conducted virtually, so we are able to help people all over the world!


Separation anxiety can be a difficult condition for your dog to deal with, but we can help. Contact us at Homeward Bound Animal Behavior & Training today so we can discuss the best treatment for your pup.

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