Tips for Managing My Dog's Separation Anxiety

[michaelcarlos]

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out for some advice on managing my dog’s separation anxiety. I recently adopted a 2-year-old rescue, and while she’s settled in well at home, I’ve noticed she gets extremely anxious whenever I leave the house, even if it’s just for a short period. She starts barking, howling, and sometimes even chews on furniture.

I’ve tried a few things, like leaving her with puzzle toys and ensuring she’s exercised before I leave, but I’m not seeing much improvement. I’m concerned about the stress she’s experiencing, and I really want to make sure I’m doing the right things to help her feel more comfortable when I’m not around.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? What methods or training techniques have worked for you in reducing separation anxiety? Any advice on how to create a more relaxing environment for her while I’m gone would be greatly appreciated!

Looking forward to hearing your experiences!

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

[Rebanne]

Have you asked the rescue you got her from? Was she fostered in a home? Speak to your vet and ask about meds that can help her settle.

[_PL_]

If she's from a rescue, please reach out to them. It'll also be helpful if she has a bit of history they can fill you in on.

For example - if she was in foster care with other dogs and quite happy, that would be good to know.  

[Mairead]

Is your reaction contributing? Are you stressed, trying to console her before leaving and comforting her when you return? Is she training you to respond to her requests for attention? Does she get whatever she wants without having to earn it by responding to a command?

The more information you can give the rescue and the vet the better they can advise you.

[Dogsfevr]

Whilst im not a go onto meds pusher i do believe at times doing a course for a transition plan works so much more successful than letting the problem fester more & more to the point its harder to retrain & meds then often end up being used .
I would sooner be proactive 6 months earlier than 6 months later 

[MeAndMyBC]

I had the same with a border collie puppy. It took time, but I found a few things helped.

 

A very good run followed by a very satiating meal (I feed raw which I believe helps with this, but same principle for regular dog food). Wild carnivores run, catch, and devour prey, then sleep for hours, so it makes sense.

 

Another technique I found helped was to quietly leave the house while my dog was finishing off the food. This is better than your dog seeing you leave and immediately feeling anxious.

 

These days I have a eufy indoor camera, so I can see what my dog's up to and talk to her over the speaker - although I have to say talking to her over the speaker doesn't seem to cause much of a reaction, but makes me feel a bit better. She mostly sleeps while I'm out at work. I also have the eufy doorbell (a bit like Ring, but no monthly fee), and solar light camera in the garden which detects my cat going in and out. It's pretty cool.

[sandgrubber]

Time waster.

See comments under managing my dog's destructive behavior, same person, four days later.

Edited Thursday at 01:52 AM by sandgrubber
typo