how to stop separation anxiety in dogs fast

Dogs, these warm and loyal lives like little suns, have already integrated into every aspect of our lives and become irreplaceable important members of our families. They add countless joys and comforts to our lives with their lively postures, intimate gestures, and unreserved love. However, when separation anxiety quietly entangles the dog, the originally warm and harmonious picture is broken. Watching the dog's fearful and reluctant eyes, restless behavior, and various abnormal behaviors caused by anxiety when we are preparing to go out, our hearts seem to be deeply hurt by countless fine needles. We urgently long to find a quick and effective way to help the dog get rid of this pain and return to a happy and worry free life.

The root cause of separation anxiety in dogs is their deep dependence on their owners. As social animals, dogs regard their owners as the most important presence in their "group" after establishing intimate relationships with humans. Once the owner leaves, they feel like they have lost their strongest support, and their inner sense of security instantly collapses. From the perspective of growth experience, if dogs do not receive sufficient training in solitude during their puppy years and are inseparable from their owners for a long time, it will be difficult for them to adapt to this change when their owners suddenly need to leave for a long time, and separation anxiety disorder will easily take advantage of the situation. For example, a puppy that has always been accompanied by its owner has never experienced the feeling of being alone. When the owner needs to go out for work or other reasons, the puppy will fall into extreme anxiety.

Behavioral training is a crucial step in quickly preventing separation anxiety in dogs. Gradual desensitization training is particularly important, and we can start by simulating outdoor scenarios. Pick up the key, put on the coat, shake it in front of the dog, then sit down and interact and play with it normally for a while. Repeating this process multiple times allows the dog to gradually get used to these pre departure actions and understand that these do not necessarily mean the owner will actually leave. When the dog no longer overreacts to this, we move on to the next step. After holding the key and putting on the coat, we open the door, stand at the entrance for a while, and then return to the house to reward the dog with delicious snacks, gentle touches, or warm compliments. As the dog's adaptation level improves, gradually extend the time it stays at the door until it can briefly go out and then come back. Every time you go out and come back, you should greet your dog calmly and not show too much excitement, so as not to reinforce its excessive attention to the fact that its owner has left and returned. By gradually increasing the separation time training in this way, the dog can gradually adapt to the owner's departure and reduce anxiety.

Enriching dogs' alone time also plays an important role in alleviating separation anxiety. Prepare some fun toys for the dog, such as a leaky ball, and put dog food or its favorite snacks into it. The dog needs to constantly roll the leaky ball to eat food, which not only satisfies its foraging nature but also consumes a lot of time and energy. There are also bite resistant rubber toys, old clothes with the owner's scent, etc. These items can bring some comfort to the dog when the owner is not around. At the same time, playing some soothing music or TV programs can fill the silence in the house, distract the dog's attention, and make it feel less lonely. For example, playing a gentle classical music for your dog before going out, and then leaving home, may attract your dog to the music and reduce anxiety caused by loneliness.

The adjustment of daily behavior habits cannot be ignored. Don't give your dog overly exaggerated reactions when going out and going home. When going out, simply inform it that you want to leave, speak calmly, and do not show reluctance or worry, so as not to let the dog perceive your emotions and exacerbate its anxiety.

If a dog's separation anxiety disorder is severe, some auxiliary tools and methods can also be used. For example, use the pheromone spray, which simulates the pheromone released by the mother dog when comforting the puppies, and can make the dog feel at ease. Spray some pheromone spray in advance in areas where dogs often stay, such as dog kennels and around sofas, to help them keep calm when their owners leave. In addition, considering using a smart camera, you can observe your dog's situation at home at any time through your phone, and also talk to your dog through the camera. When your dog hears your voice, anxiety may be alleviated to a certain extent.

Preventing separation anxiety in dogs, although challenging, is not impossible. Every improvement of a dog, even if it's just a few fewer barks than last time, is a joyful achievement. During this process, our emotional bond with the dog will become even stronger. Let us use love and science to dispel the haze of separation anxiety for dogs, allowing them to regain a happy and stable life, continue to accompany us through countless beautiful times, and become the warmest and most loyal companions in life. Because dogs give us unconditional love and trust, we should give them wholehearted care, repay this precious friendship, help them overcome difficulties, and return to happiness.