How do I deal with separation anxiety in dogs?
How do I deal with separation anxiety in dogs where it occurs naturally? My family wishes to get a dog that works well with kids, but all of these dogs have issues with separation. This is a problem because the dog will have to be by itself for 7 hours a day when everyone is out of the house. Any solutions?
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You can’t categorically eliminate entire breeds as having ‘separation anxiety’! Any breed, if raised correctly, exercised as much as the breed requires, socialized, trained, etc., can be left alone for 7 hours a day. People do have to work to live, so if you’ve been told that some breeds can’t be left alone, you’re talking to the wrong breeders.
Have you already gotten the dog..?
Cuz if you haven’t I don’t think it would be wise to get one.
7 hours a day home alone will be very lonely for a dog.
Some dogs when left alone can be very destructive in which case most people put them in a cage for the day.
If you don’t have the time to devote to the dog, don’t get one. It’s not fair to the animal.
Hello there,
good to see you plan ahead! It’s true that many dogs can experience "separation anxiety" however, when the dog is well balanced and if you get a "walker" that comes once a day to take your doggie out, all will be fine.
Wishing you the best.
Can someone come home during lunch to walk the dog? I did that a few years ago instead of a walker to save money-just had to explain the situation to my boss and he worked it out with no fuss (gave me an hour and a half then I stayed an extra hour–most companies are flexible if youre upfront).
Could try similiar with working long and short days during the week or have someone switch to a later or earlier schedule so the dog is only stuck at home alone for 3 hours or so.
How about getting two dogs? It would give them company and someone to play with all day.
7 hours is quite awhile, especially if youre getting a puppy.
Remember, get him used to it in stages, and start early. Dont expect him to go from being with people all day every day to being alone for 7 hours without some work first.
Also give him good toys-Kong stuffed with treats (or the one from planetdog.com is good). Give him a toy or two that he only gets then, no other time. Then he has something to look foward to.
If you absolutely have to, for training purposes, they do make medications and herbal supplements that will help ease separation anxiety until the dog is used to the situation and knows that is a good time for a few naps and some playing alone (only time our dog is allowed to be as rough as he likes, so he actually enjoys playing alone).