Help, My Dog Has Separation Anxiety!
Your dog thinks you are wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that he has a hard time being without you! Knowing that your dog can’t bear to be without you can be cute at first, but if your dog has real separation anxiety, it can be difficult to do anything from going grocery shopping to taking a family vacation. Here are the 4 tips you need to know if your dog has separation anxiety.
1. Give your dog plenty of exercise
Before you gear up to go to work or a friend’s house, make sure you take your dog for a nice long romp. A tired dog will be less likely to suffer so acutely from anxiety when you’re gone, and instead can conk out in a nice long nap.
2. Don’t make it a big deal
When you’re leaving, don’t make a big fuss with lots of cooing, eye contact, and belly rubs. No need to swoon over your dog and say “I’m sorry I’m going, but I’ll be back soon, I promise. I love you so much! Be a good boy, okay? I love you! I’ll be back at 2pm and not a moment later, ok?” You get the idea.
3. Leave the house in a calm and assertive way
When you’re ready to leave, simply pack your things and leave the house in a confident manner. Your dog will pick up on your energy and if you act like nothing is wrong, then your dog will think everything is fine, too.
4. Start small
Start by just leaving your dog for a few minutes at a time. Then twenty minutes. Then an hour. Before you know it, you’ll be able to take the day off and not worry about your dog being left at home. If you want your dog to have company when you’re gone for the full day, drop them off at Happy Hound for some daycare, so they can be with their pack and get some great exercise and affection during the day.
