Your dog can’t stay with you all the time. Your dog will be left alone, no matter if you are working outside or running errands.
It can be frustrating if you return from a market trip only to find yourself back in a disaster area.
Dogs who feel that an empty house invites them to engage in undesirable behaviors like…
Eating furniture and attempting to escape
Your first instinct might be to think that your dog is bored
Perhaps they were too busy or they prefer a quiet place to exercise.
You may also be dealing with separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety can cause separation anxiety in your dog, which can lead to a variety of undesirable behaviors.
Are your dog’s separation anxiety or boredom causing them to be bored?
Let’s get down to the bottom of it…
How to tell if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety
Dogs can get bored easily.
Poodles, German Shepherds, and Border Collies are all high-energy breeds.
How can you tell if your dog is anxious about separation or bored?
Two things are essential…
1. Is it possible for the unwelcome behavior (barking or chewing, digging, etc.) to stop once you return home?
If your dog is able to stop chewing on furniture when you return home and instead relaxes on his dog bed, it could be a sign that your absence has influenced his behavior.
This is separation anxiety!
2. Is it possible for your dog to be unruly by going on a walk?
Take your dog for a walk if they engage in undesirable behavior while you’re away. They might be able to use extra energy if they run around like they have never seen the blue skies before.
Boredom is the likely cause of this unattractive behavior.
My experience is that bad behavior when you are out of your home is usually caused by separation anxiety and not boredom.
Separation anxiety is a psychological issue in dogs. It can’t be treated with food, treats, or discipline. It is a HIERARCHY problem!
What does this mean?
This is how you should think about it…
You don’t sit down with a cup or tea and just say “Oh, how cute!” when you see a 2-year-old crossing the street.
You chase the child and do all you can to get them.
This is how separation anxiety works.
Your dog may believe that you are an adult, while you think that you are a two-year-old child.
They panic if you move from their sight. Your dog believes they are in control and you are not safe by yourself, which can cause a lot of stress for your pup.
They will not settle if they are unable to do so.
Other types of anxiety could also be present in your dog. You can read one of my blog posts for more information about anxiety and fears your dog may be experiencing (specifically rescue dogs), so that you can help.
There is an easy way to ease your dog’s separation anxiety.
The SOLUTION: You can be the parent in charge
Separation anxiety can be triggered if your dog believes they are the boss in your household.
They believe that you are responsible for everything while you’re gone if you go out of the house. They worry about you and your safety.
You are now free to manage the household without the help of your dog.
They will relax and calm down once they realize that they can trust you for guidance.
They will no longer feel responsible to keep you safe and protected if they trust you to provide them with protection, nourishment, and companionship.
Training and communicating with your dog is key. To establish a healthy relationship with your dog, you must tap into their psychology.
What can you do to achieve this?
My Dog Calming Code
Program helps you to think like your dog, so that you can have deeper connections. You can calm your dog down by using my gentle and kind training methods. Your dog will turn to you when they are most in need of guidance.
When your dog is able to understand their place in the family hierarchy, they will be able to relax and feel secure that you are always there for them.
And…magically…you’ll notice those unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging and escaping suddenly disappear!
You won’t feel bad about leaving your dog behind when you run out to do errands or to go to work.
Find out more about my Dog Calming Code
Today is the day to create a calmer home tomorrow. This program has been used to help over 57,000 dog parents stop their dogs from exhibiting bad behavior.
You can wait and see if your dog overcomes separation anxiety. This can be dangerous. These are some of the most dangerous things that can occur if you don’t train.
Here are some additional tips to help your dog with separation anxiety.
When you’re away, set your dog up for success
It can be difficult to leave your dog.
It can be even more difficult if your dog has anxiety.
These are some tips that will help you make sure your dog is calm and collected when you leave.
Establish a predictable routine. Dogs with anxiety will be calmed if they have a clear understanding of what to expect and when they can expect to receive attention from you. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. Exercise is an excellent stress reliever for both doggies (and their owners). You should designate an area in your home where your dog can relax and lie down. You might use a dog bed, or another comfortable place. Avoid “triggers” such as barking or yelling that could signal that you are about to leave. Start to grab your keys or coat and your dog will stop running wild if you do. These items won’t trigger your dog, so they may be less anxious when you leave the home.
These are just a few tips that will help you prepare for everything in the Dog Calming Code.
If your dog is barking at you, I have a podcast that will help you to reduce their barking and separation anxiety.
Can Calming Aids Help?
Although medications and calming aids can be helpful, they will not solve your dog’s separation anxiety.
They can however be used to temporarily relieve your dog’s pain while you implement a solid training program like the Dog Calming Code.
Doggy Dan’s Angel Oil is a natural CBD oil product that I highly recommend.
It is important to consult a veterinarian before you give your dog any medication or calming aids. Your vet should give you permission to try it.
Separation anxiety can make it difficult for the whole family. It’s not a difficult problem to solve with some training tools.
A happy, calm, and stress-free dog!
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: What Does It Have to Do with Boredom? The Online Dog Trainer.
