Dog Behavior Modification – Three Helpful Tips for Separation Anxiety
What is dog behavior modification? Dog behavior modification is the manner to shifting behavioral issues. Obedience training alone cannot achieve behavior modification. Fact is, teaching obedience commands to fix a behavioral issue often does get in the way of helping the dog deal with his or her problem.
Here are three dog behavior modification hints to assist in separation anxiety.
1. The utmost productive remedy for separation anxiety incorporates dog behavior modification. Many dogs react well to confinement in a small space because it makes them feel safe. If your dog enjoys crate or room confinement, acting as napping or snacking while confined, owners should use this tip both when the owner is at home, as well as, when they are absent. Bear in mind, the crate or “safety place” is an area where your dog feels safe and happy; never treat the crate or “safe room” for punishment.
2. One of the beneficial techniques for dog behavior modification is activity or exercise. The more you exercise your dog, the more stress is relieved, hence, the less your pet will gnaw your sneakers when you are gone. There is a direct connection with stress reduction in people and exercise. The same goes with pets. Take your “furry friend” for a long, and I mean a LONG walk. It will be a terrific tension reliever for you and your dog. Think of all the connecting you will have and the terrific health benefits!!!
3. Dog behavior modification starts with you, the dog owner. Identifying the signs of discomfort are not difficult if you pay attention. Canines that get bothered after owners depart are normally distressed before they go. Owners need to learn to identify the signs of distress: panting, pacing, whining, trembling, digging, failing to eat, ears tucked down and back; all these indicate: anxiety. Owners can not reward these behaviors by stating, “You are OK!” Before the dog gets distressed, owners must soothe the behavior by speaking to the dog, massaging it or grooming it. If your pet still gets distressed when you depart, you should disregard the behavior and not fuss over the dog. Making a big “to do” or pitying inadvertently rewards the anxious behavior.
Related posts:
- Dog Training and Separation Anxiety
- Dog Training and Separation Anxiety
- Dog Training and Separation Anxiety
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I adopted my Goldie from a shelter after she had been there a good 7 months, admist a month-long adoption only to be brought back. Needless to say, she had separation anxiety pretty bad. I am happy to announce, however, that she has gotten much better! One thing that has proven really helpful is to give her something to do when I’m about to leave her (stuffed Kongs are the best) and not get her all excited when I return. My veterinarian had told me that a big reason why dogs develop separation anxiety is because they are anxious about the stressful return of their owner.