If your canine friend is showing signs of separation anxiety in dogs, there are several dog behavior modification techniques you can use to change his behavior.
How To Handle Mild Cases Of Dogs With Separation Anxiety
Many dog owners mistakenly encourage excessively happy excited behavior in their dogs when they come home.Even though you may think there’s nothing wrong with it, what you’re really doing is reinforcing his belief that your coming home is the highest point of the day. The problem is that when you need to leave again, it makes it even harder for him to see you go.
Try leaving your dog with a piece of clothing that has your scent on it. Dogs with separation anxiety often find it reassuring to sleep on an old sweatshirt or t-shirt that you’ve worn recently.
Even though you’re probably not aware of it, you’ve already established “safety cues” for your dog. A safety cue is an action you take upon leaving that tells your dog you’ll be back soon. For example, when your dog sees you going out with the trash, he knows you’ll be right back, and he doesn’t get upset.
A good technique is to use safety cues with your dog. If you know you’re going to be gone for a short time, you can leave the radio or tv on, or give him a certain toy to play with. Use these safety cues when you’re practicing with your dog so he gets to know what they are.
Be careful though. If your use a safety cue for too long, your dog will learn not to trust it, and it will lose its effectiveness. These cues are useful for shorter absences.
Dog Behavior Modification For More Severe Cases
If your buddy has a severe case of separation anxiety in dogs, you may want to try these dog behavior modification techniques. Keep these sessions short, but do them several times a day.
You’ll start by making a lot of noise with your car keys while you put on your coat like you’re leaving, but instead, sit down again.Repeat this lesson until it doesn’t bother your dog anymore. Next, you’ll do these things and go to the door and open it, and then sit back down. Again, keep doing it until your dog shows no interest.
Next, go out through the door, leaving it open, and then come back in. The next step is to go though the door, and close it behind you. Immediately come back in. Progress to staying outside for a few minutes and coming back.
Remember to keep your exits and returns very low-key. You don’t want your dog to get excited that you’re back. His attitude should be, “ho-hum, it’s you again.” If your dog gets upset at any point, you’re going too fast. Go back to any earlier step, and start again.
You can see how you’re desensitizing your dog by teaching him that you can go away for longer and longer periods of time and still return safely.
Avoid Teaching Your Dog The Wrong Lessons
In conclusion, now you understand how easy it is to unknowingly train your dog to do what you don’t want him to do. Avoid these mistakes by finding a dog training course that shows you how your dog’s mind works. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can deal with separation anxiety in dogs once you understand how your canine friend thinks.