What Is Separation Anxiety, and How Do I Fix It?

December 9, 2015

It is normal for your dog to watch from the window as you leave the house; he may even bark or whine. When these behaviors are taken to the extreme, however, it may be a case of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a real condition that can be very serious in dogs, and it is not something that should be ignored.

To protect your dog against separation anxiety, or to deal with a dog that has it, read these tips:

The Details

Dogs with separation anxiety typically display stress and behavioral problems. These problems, such as excessive barking and whining, typically manifest when the dog is left alone, but they may also be triggered when you are making preparations to leave the house.

Dogs with separation anxiety often follow their owners around the house. When you are at home and your dog follows you from room to room, it could be an indication that he has separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety can occur with both short and long absences. It doesn’t matter whether you leave the house for two minutes or two hours, a dog with separation anxiety will react the same way to your leaving.

There is no distinct cause for separation anxiety. Dogs may develop this condition for different reasons at different times in their lives.

Separation anxiety may manifest differently in different dogs. Some dogs may only bark and whine, while others scratch at the door, tear apart the house or even attempt to escape.

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Don’t exacerbate the problem. If your dog is only suffering from mild separation anxiety, you may be able to teach him that your absence isn’t a cause for concern. Try ignoring him for the first few minutes after you get home; then pet him calmly.Certain scenarios can trigger separation anxiety. A sudden change in residence or routine (like a family member taking a full-time job or moving to a new house) can trigger separation anxiety in dogs.

Leave your dog with something to keep him occupied. When you leave the house, give your dog some kind of toy or treat that will occupy him for 15 to 20 minutes. Take the object away as soon as you get home, so he learns to associate that toy (a good thing) with your leaving.
Creating a safe space for your dog might help. Try to create a confined space to leave your dog in when you leave the house; choose a room with a window and confine the dog with plenty of toys as well as a piece of your clothing that carries your scent.

Never crate a dog with separation anxiety. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety will continue to exhibit the same behaviors in a crate. These behaviors may include urination or defecation, and your dog could hurt himself in attempts to escape.

Never punish your dog for this condition. You may be tempted to punish your dog for urinating in the house, but if it is a symptom of separation anxiety, this could make the condition worse.

Seek veterinary care in extreme conditions. If your dog’s separation anxiety becomes so severe that he hurts himself (or has the potential to), you may want to seek the help of a veterinarian or animal behavior specialist for treatment.

The Bottom Line

The truth is many dogs become upset when their owners leave the house. but most dogs understand that it is only a matter of time before their owner returns. Dogs with separation anxiety often fear that their owner is never coming back, so they become stressed and may even attempt to escape the house. If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, do not ignore the signs ¾ seek

What Are the Dangers of Muzzles and Choke Collars?

wil_admin

December 9, 2015

There are times in which it may be useful or necessary to use a muzzle or choke collar on your dog, but if you do not know how to properly use them, you could end up seriously injuring your dog. Before using one of these collars on your dog, take the time to learn about the appropriate applications, as well as basic safety precautions.

The Details

A muzzle should only be used as a last resort. Muzzles are typically used when it is necessary to keep a dog from biting, such as during a veterinary exam.

Muzzles should not be used for extended periods of time. Your dog should never wear a muzzle for more than 30 minutes, and it should certainly not be the main type of collar you use.

Muzzles can contribute to heat exhaustion in dogs. A muzzle is designed to keep your dog from opening his mouth. In extreme heat, dogs open their mouths and pant to keep cool ¾ preventing your dog from doing this could result in heat stroke.

A muzzle should never be used on a sleeping dog. Using a muzzle on a dog while he is sleeping could interfere with his breathing.

Over-use of muzzles could result in the development of fear or aggression. If your dog is always kept on a muzzle, he may feel vulnerable and could react to situations out of fear or panic.

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Prong collars could pinch or puncture your dog’s skin. Prolonged or repeated use of prong collars could result in physical injury to your dog’s neck.Choke collars can cause damage to the dog’s neck. Because a choke collar is designed to tighten when the dog pulls against it, this could result in dangerous pressure on the dog’s neck and windpipe.

Over-use of choke collars and prong collars can result in resistance. If you keep your dog on a choke collar or prong collar all of the time, he will likely develop scar tissue around the neck, which has decreased sensitivity. Because he cannot feel the collar as much, he will be more likely to pull, causing you to pull harder, which could result in injury.

Using a choke collar could induce aggression. If your dog feels threatened by the collar tightening around his neck, he could react out of fear.

Choke collars and muzzles can cause emotional, as well as physical damage. This is especially likely to happen in situations where the choke collar or muzzle is used as a punishment.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that both muzzles and choke collars have their uses, but unfortunately, many people misuse them. Over-use or misuse of a muzzle or choke collar can be very dangerous for your dog, so if you plan to use either, take the time to learn how to use them safely.

What Are the Benefits of Crate Training?

wil_admin

December 9, 2015

When it comes to housetraining your dog, there are many options to choose from. One of the most effective options, and also one of the easiest to implement, is the crate-training method. If you are looking for a housetraining method that is likely to have your puppy fully housetrained within a matter of weeks, consider crate training.

The Details

Confining your puppy to a crate will help prevent accidents. Dogs have a natural aversion to soiling their beds, so by keeping your puppy in a crate overnight, he will be more likely to try to control his bladder.

It is easy to implement. Crate training doesn’t require the use and purchase of puppy-training pads or any special equipment ¾ you just need a crate!

Crate training will also teach your puppy discipline. If you use a certain word or phrase each time you put your puppy in the crate, he will eventually learn to associate that word with the crate and can learn to go into the crate on command.

Crating limits your puppy’s access to the house. By keeping your puppy in a crate overnight and during long absences, you can be sure he isn’t getting into trouble.

Your dog can learn to love his crate. As long as you don’t use the crate as punishment, your dog is likely to view it as a safe place where he can go for solitude and rest.

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Crate training can be very quick. Depending on how consistent you are in implementing the crate-training method, you can housetrain your puppy in a matter of days or weeks.

Crating may help prevent separation anxiety. By giving your dog a safe place to stay while you are away, it may help ease his anxiety at your departure. To prevent your dog from becoming anxious about your absence, keep your arrivals and departures as low-key as possible.It is easy to get your puppy to like the crate. To get your puppy to like his crate, try feeding him a few meals in the crate (with the door open) or play games involving hiding treats in the crate for him to find.

Crate training can be used for dogs of all ages. Because dogs of any age can be trained with the right amount of consistency and repetition, crate training is an effective housetraining method for both puppies and adult dogs.

You can rent a crate to save money. When crate training your puppy, it is important to choose a crate that is just large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in. As your puppy grows, you will need a larger crate, so renting is a cost-effective option.

The Bottom Line

No matter which housetraining method you choose, you have to be consistent if you want your puppy to learn. Not only do you need to consistently confine your puppy to the crate overnight and during long absences, but you also need to be consistent about rewarding him for doing his business outdoors. This will teach him to repeat his behavior to earn your approval.

How to Keep Your Dog Calm at the Vet

wil_admin

December 9, 2015

Going to the vet can be a scary and stressful time for dogs. Not only are they being forced into an unfamiliar situation around other people and animals, but they may also be given shots or exams that startle or scare them. In some cases, it may be important for your veterinarian to administer treatment or to perform an exam, and during that time, it may be necessary to keep your dog calm.

The Details

Form a good relationship with your dog. If you and your dog are closely bonded, he is likely to feel more secure just by having you around.

Teach your dog the basic commands. Teaching your dog to respond to basic commands, such as sit, stay and come, is important for many reasons beyond simple training. It also gets your dog used to responding to you and your direction.

Get your dog used to being handled. If your dog is skittish or shy, you may want to spend a few minutes each day just gently handling his ears and belly so he gets used to that kind of contact.

Take your dog to the vet before the first appointment. Bringing your dog in to meet the staff and to get a feel for the office before his first exam may help to relieve his anxiety the next time he goes.

Arrive a little early. Make sure you get to the vet early enough to give your dog a chance to sniff around outside and to do his business.
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Keep him close while waiting. While in the waiting room, keep your dog close by, and try to distract him with a toy or treat. This may help to ease his anxiety.

Be mindful of other pets and people. Maintain a respectful distance from other pets in the office because you do not know how they might react to your dog. Similarly, if your dog is afraid, he may act out in a different way than usual.

Distract him during the exam. It may help to give your dog a treat that takes several minutes to eat, so he is distracted while the vet performs the exam.

Remain calm yourself. Dogs are very sensitive to human emotions, so if you are frantic, he is more likely to be frantic as well.

Teach your dog a “watch me” command. Hold up a treat when you use the command, and give it to your dog when he makes eye contact. You can use this command in the office to distract your dog when he is being given a shot.

The Bottom Line

Taking your dog to the vet can be stressful for both of you if you don’t take a few simple precautions. The key thing is to remain calm yourself and to give your dog no reason to worry. If you can distract your dog from the exam, you will be even better off.

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