Separation Anxiety in Dogs

How to help a dog with separation anxiety

Separation Anxiety Dog

Dog Separation Anxiety Game

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This weekend we discovered the most fun game ever… and the best thing is that our owner thinks this is a safe game for when we are left alone to help distract us and maybe even let us have fun instead of having dog separation anxiety! So what is the game to help cure separation anxiety in dogs you ask? Well I’m going to tell you!! The game is quite simple but appeals to and anxious dog’s strongest sense, his or her sense of SMELL!

Here is what you need:

  • A toy that your dog with separation anxiety really loves.
  • An old blanket that your anxious dog can destroy!

The next steps are simple:

  • First take the toy and put it on the ground
  • Second cover the toy up with the old blanket
  • Third, tell your separation anxiety dog to search or find the toy!

You can do this to tire your dog with separation anxiety out before you leave him or her home alone OR you can leave it with them to search for as you leave the house so they are distracted and having a good time while you leave!

Woof!
Manchego the Anxious Dog

Dog Separation Anxiety Cues

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Hi Dogs and Humans!

Remember that when your dog has separation anxiety they are experts at reading your body language! They can read the signs and cues that you are about to leave and it will set in motion their dog separation anxiety! Some of those cues can be the following:

  • Putting on your Jacket & Shoes
  • Picking up your keys and purse
  • Putting on make-up
  • Going to the bathroom before you leave
  • Some dogs even recognize the clothes you might wear when you leave without them vs. when you are getting ready to take them with you!

So remember, once you figure out the cues that give your dog clues that you are about to leave you will need to work with you dog to desensitize the cues by changing what the cues predict! Try picking up your keys and then sitting down to watch tv, or putting on your jacket and then feeding your dog dinner. The earlier your dog’s separation anxiety starts the worse the pain and suffering he or she will feel while you are away. It is best to desensitize the leaving cues to help your dog from working himself up into a separation anxiety frenzy even before you leave the house.

Good luck! Woof Woof!

Manchego

Anxious Dogs on Halloween

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Hi anxious dogs (and their owners too!)
We just got back from a walk and boy is it ever spooky out! There are lots of kids and adults running around in scary costumes and firecrackers going off. As an anxious dog I found it very stressful! Here are some tips that my owners use to help me and my sister stay calm and happy when things spook us out, especially around Halloween:

Tip One: Always Stay Happy!
When your dog gets scared by a person wearing a costume that looks weird to them or a loud firecracker always use an upbeat and happy voice and maybe even try playing with your dog. Us anxious dogs really appreciate that when we are stressed… NEVER yell at us because then you are confirming that there really is something to be afraid of!

Tip Two: Avoidance and Space are Key.
Most of us anxious dogs (especially me!) are very proximity sensitive, meaning we are very aware of how close scary things get to us and get even more scared and anxious when they get closer. Be aware of this and give your anxious dog space. If you see a trick-or-treater coming down the street cross the road so we anxious dogs don’t have to feel stressed about the approach of scary things we do not recognize!

Tip Three: Keep Us Away from Ding-dong SCARY COSTUMES!!
All anxious dogs will be very thankful if you keep us away from the door when all the trick-or-treaters come knocking. Keep us in a safe place ideally where we can not hear the doorbell. This will help keep our stress levels down so we can be calm and happy dogs.

Tip Four: Distractions are Key
In any situation but especially if you are leaving us home alone and we have separation anxiety be sure to leave us with something to do. A frozen Kong works best filled with your anxious dog’s favorite food and treats! Also if people in your neighborhood like to light off firecracker be sure to put some classical music on to drown out the noise and keep us calm. Speaking of calm don’t forget to plug in the DAP Dog Appeasing Pheromone Electric Diffuser and give us Rescue Remedy! And definitely DON NOT let us look out the window at all of the ghosts and goblins walking by the house!

I hope this helps you all! Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Your pal,
Manchego the Anxious Dog

Dog Separation Anxiety

Dog Separation Anxiety Video: Before

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My owner recently found this video of me from when I used to have really bad dog separation anxiety!! She said that this was why the neighbors were complaining about me and my sister. We are really glad we are not such anxious dogs any more and we’ve learned to relax when we are left home alone. She says she will let me post an ‘after’ video soon so keep an eye out!

We were REALLY ANXIOUS dogs weren’t we?

Thanks for looking!
Woof!
Manchego