Dogs are not known as ‘Man’s best friend’ for nothing. They are extremely friendly animals, fiercely loyal, giving unconditional love and asking very little in return – except to be loved and given a certain amount of attention.
It is quite amazing, therefore, that so many dogs become known as ‘troublesome animals’ because they display certain mischievous symptoms, like the destruction of property, or howling incessantly when you’re away.
These are in fact two of the most common symptoms of ‘separation anxiety,’ simply because their owners have not provided that little bit of attention they richly deserve. The bottom line – your troublesome dog could just be missing you! Please don’t hurt or admonish them for this type of behaviour. Rather find out what’s really going on.
Why does it happen?
I can hear many people saying at this point of the article – ‘’I don’t get it – When I’m home I feed and pet him and he is forever hanging around while I get on with my life.’’ Well unfortunately the attention they need has to extend to more than just ‘having them around’ because there are a few reasons for their separation anxiety…
Boredom – You need to regularly exercise your dog/s and spend some time playing with them. Dogs, like human beings, get bored and without the stimulation of exercise and play, instead of being happy to get some rest when you’re away, will be missing you and may well demonstrate their displeasure in various ways.
If he follows you around all the time, try to create some separation periods when you are home. Go into another room without him, for longer and longer periods, so he builds a tolerance for not always being with you.
Fear of separation – Your dog may, through past events, have been left alone for long stretches of time, or had an owner who never returned. He will start getting anxious then as soon as you pick up your keys or open the front door. Just bluff these things for a while and pretend to leave sometimes but don’t – so these are no longer clear signals of you leaving.
Something may be spooking him while you’re out – You can have a CCTV camera on when you’re away to see if anyone is bothering or scaring him. The simplest solution would be to have a word with the perpetrators. Although not always practical you could also have a friend, family member, or pet sitter stay with him.
Change of residence – Dogs like humans don’t always adapt to change of environment – just be cognisant of this and when in a new place have plenty of familiar things around him and comforting sounds – like your own voice or light classical music playing.
Insure against your anxiety too!
These are just a few things you can do to try and help your best friend with their separation anxiety and we hope you have found this helpful. What about your anxiety when receiving large vet bills? With almost one hundred 5 star ratings Catanddogsure.co.za will give you piece of mind knowing they will be covered when you need it.
