What is Separation Anxiety?

Dog owners should strive to take excellent care of their pets’ physical and mental health. In addition to annual vaccinations and health checks, a good diet and daily exercise routine are vital to a healthy pooch. However a common disorder which there is not yet a vaccination for is: separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is the term generally used to describe the anxiety a pet experiences when separated from its owner.

Separation Anxiety can show itself in many different ways. Many owners face the dilemma of leaving their pet for the work day, and coming home to an enormous mess and/or complaints of incessant barking from neighbors. Luckily there are a few things we can do to help ease our pets’ grief. Please keep in mind each dog is an individual and a personalized training regime created by a professional trainer is always the best route to correct your dog’s unwanted behavior.

Often we see behaviors such as:

• Destruction
  • chewing of blankets and couches
  • scratching of doors and blinds
  • escaping from crates
• Prolonged Barking or Howling
• Loss of appetite
• Urination inside
• Escaping Behavior

How can we help?

Daily Exercise

• Daily exercise is paramount to a content dog. With sufficient exercise, the dog will have less energy to expend on undesirable areas when you are not around.
• Consistency is key. With a consistent schedule, the dog will naturally tend to save its energy for your scheduled playtime.
• Some breeds will require much more exercise than others and you should adjust accordingly to your pet.
• Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise (ex: practice of basic commands, puzzle feeders)
• Exercise your dog heavily before leaving them alone.

Allow the Dog to Grow Accustomed to Your Absence Slowly

• Slowly increasing the duration that your pet is left alone can help aid in easing separation anxiety.
• Reward the pet with a treat when you leave to help create a positive association with your absence.
• Try not to praise the pet immediately upon your arrival. Instead, wait for them to calm down before acknowledging them or giving affection.

Consult With a Professional Trainer

• A professional trainer has years of knowledge and experience which can help your specific situation.
• Not all dogs are the same and respond to training differently. A professional will keep you on track should you not see progress.

Enroll Your Dog In Daycare

• Having experienced pet professionals exercise and socialize your pets while you are away is a great option to help prevent separation anxiety. A tired pup is a happy pup!

Scottsdale Pet Hotel Offers Doggie Daycare Seven Days a Week!

 https://www.scottsdalepethotel.com/dog-day-care/