Find Out How To Prevent Separation Anxiety

Dogs feel very bad when their owners leave home, although it is something common in the household routine. Even if they go to work every day, the animal suffers from what is called “separation anxiety.” In some breeds it is more visible than in others, so we give you some tips so that you can prevent it.

Tips to avoid separation anxiety

The bond we have with our pets is very strong. For them we are their leaders and they do not want to abandon us for a minute (that is why it is common for the dog to follow us to the bathroom). When we go to work, to do the shopping or to the gym, we may notice that the animal behaves strangely, it is even possible that you hear the barking or crying from the street.

Since dogs are related to wolves and their nature indicates that it is best to live in packs, when they are alone they feel depressed, stressed and anxious. That’s why they can break furniture, chew on objects, relieve themselves where they shouldn’t… Pay attention to these tips to prevent separation anxiety:

1. Take it for a ride

Before going to the office, you can take a light walk with your pet so that it tires a little and uses up energy. This way you will not be so awake during the day and will calm down. Do not forget to leave a good amount of water and food to replenish from morning exercise. The idea is that while you are not at home the dog should be in “mode” rest.

2. Stick to a routine

Before leaving home, do more or less the same things: take the keys, turn off the lights, raise the blinds … In this way the dog will associate these actions with your departure and will be more prepared. This ritual is advisable every time we leave home (even for a short time).

3. Don’t give it too much importance

Many people make the mistake of getting too close to their pets, talking to them, kissing them and pampering them for a few minutes before leaving. However, this is not good for the animal, as it relates to separation. Therefore, make him understand that this is a normal and routine situation. Nothing to say “behave yourself, I’ll be back, don’t miss me, take care of the house” and all those things that we usually express.

4. Say goodbye in advance

This means that, for example, if an hour passes from the moment you get up until you leave, you will have to greet him and play a little with him about 20 minutes before leaving. This way you will show him how much you love him but he will not think that you are leaving him. Nothing will happen if you leave without saying goodbye.

5. Let go of feelings of guilt

Once you have everything ready to leave the house, block out those negative feelings that make you look like an evil person by leaving your dog alone. No nerves, sadness, worry or guilt. Remember that you are the one in control and command in this relationship. A calm leader brings peace of mind to the pack.

6. Get used to it little by little

A good way to avoid separation anxiety is for the animal to go through an adaptation phase. In this the dog will be left alone more and more time so that it can get used to it. For example, you can start by going for a walk around the block, then for a coffee, after that shopping, and so on until you achieve the 8 or 10 hours that your work consumes.

7. Relax when you return home

When we open the door after a busy day, the first thing we see is a tail wagging with happiness, some jumping and barking. But even if it costs you, you should wait for the dog to calm down before greeting him. Otherwise they will think that you are in favor of their behavior.

8. Don’t punish him

Dogs associate punishments and rewards according to what they do. Separation anxiety is not a choice for them. Therefore, if he destroys something, no matter how much you scold him, he will not understand what he has done wrong. He will actually think it is a punishment for being alone.