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Home » Weimaraner Dog Training » Weimaraner Dog Behavior Problems » Canine Behavior Problems » Stop Dog Separation Anxiety

April 30, 2021 by Steve B Leave a Comment

Stop Dog Separation Anxiety

(Psst: The FTC wants me to remind you that this website contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase from a link you click on, I might receive a small commission. This does not increase the price you'll pay for that item nor does it decrease the awesomeness of the item. Linda)

To stop canine separation anxiety, you need to understand why your dog is so insecure.  While it may be flattering to you at first, it quickly turns into a major dog behavioral problem, if not addressed.

Separation anxiety can develop at any time, but it most often starts when a dog is still a puppy.

Dog with separation anxiety who tore a pillow apart
Dogs with separation anxiety can be pretty busy while you are away!

In addition, dogs who have been abandoned and then adopted are often less secure than others.  It is believed that the loss of their former owners has some bearing on their insecurity.

How common is separation anxiety in dogs?  It is estimated that 14% of all dogs experience anxiety when left alone.

In this article, I’ll be discussing:

  • Separation Anxiety Symptoms
  • Thunderstorm Anxiety – A Close Cousin
  • Treatment for Canine Separation Anxiety
  • Your Dog’s View
  • Aids to Help Calm Your Dog

Separation Anxiety Symptoms

Most people know when their Weimaraner has canine separation anxiety symptoms.  The symptoms occur when you leave your dog alone at home.

You know that you have a problem when you come home to damages and chaos.  Or the neighbors give you reports.

These symptoms are common:

  • When you get ready to leave the house, your dog follows you closely from room to room. She lets you know that she wants to go with you.  By itself, this is not considered to be separation anxiety.
  • Whining or barking – This starts as soon as you leave the house.  It may stop after a while, or it may continue for the entire time that you are gone.
  • Digging
  • Chewing – sometimes on furniture or your home’s furnishings. Chewing releases an endorphin (happy hormone) similar to one that is released when people chew gum to feel calmer.
  • Excessive salivation – an anxious dog will drool and salivate a lot. You’ll find wet puddles of saliva.
  • Soiling in the house – especially if your dog is housetrained, he will pee or poop in the house when you are gone. Do not punish him for this, as punishment will only make his anxiety worse.
  • Huge greeting when you return home
  • Self-mutilation – Your dog licks or bites himself excessively.
  • Running away from home or escaping from the yard – Your dog is looking for you.

Thunderstorm Anxiety – A Close Cousin

Thunderstorm anxiety is a phobia that is closely associated with separation anxiety.  Dogs with separation anxiety often also have thunderstorm anxiety.

Anxiety about thunderstorms is real and your dog can experience true terror when she hears a storm coming.  Unfortunately your dog can experience thunderstorm anxiety, even when you are at home.

When she is afraid of a storm, your dog may get really clingy or he may find a place to hide.

Other reactions include:

  • Panting
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Peeing or pooping in the house
  • Destruction of household items – This usually happens when you are not home for the thunderstorm

Theories about why dogs have thunderstorm anxiety vary, but the treatment for this phobia is the same as the treatment for separation anxiety.

The video below shows examples of dogs with anxiety about fireworks. Watch how they respond to Doggy Dan’s working with them.


Click here to gain access to Dan’s training videos, website and forum, for 3 full days for just $1.

Treatment for Canine Separation Anxiety

You’ll find a lot of advice on how to cope with dog separation or thunderstorm anxiety.  Most people will suggest making sure that you give your dog  lots of exercise before a thunderstorm or before you leave the house.

Others suggest that you get your dog used to being alone by “practicing leaving”, then increasing the time that you are gone.

As well-intentioned as this advice is, it is off the mark!  It really doesn’t get to the real issue with your dog.

Your Dog’s View

Doggy Dan, endorsed by the SPCA in New Zealand, is the only trainer who gets to the core of the anxiety problem.  It’s really quite simple.  You need to establish yourself as the Pack leader or the Alpha dog at your house.

Let me explain.  You need to view separation anxiety from your dog’s perspective, not yours.

If your dog experiences separation anxiety when you leave (and it ends when your come home), she thinks she is the pack leader.  She thinks she is in charge and is worried about you.  She feels responsible for your safety.

Dogs and wolves in the wild do not wander out of the den alone.  The pack leaders (alpha male and female) make all the decisions and they protect others in the pack.  In the wild, the underlings do not leave the den unless they are accompanied by the leaders.

When you establish yourself as the Pack leader, your dog will calm down.  She no longer is responsible for you, and you will take care of her.  Your dog will be happy and calm in her new role.

Watch this video to see how a Bichon Frise calms down and stops his separation anxiety barking.   The dog’s owner will still have to practice this, so the dog understands that her owner is in charge.

You can learn how to do this easily (and it does work!) by accessing The Online Dog Trainer website and forum for just $1 now.

Aids to Help Calm Your Dog

In addition to establishing yourself as the Pack leader, many people want to have a little extra help.  There are a few products that you can purchase to help get your dog calm.

While these products do not solve the problem of anxiety in your dog, they can help your dog calm down.

PetHonesty  Hemp Calming Anxiety and Hyperactivity Chews– Dog treats with a natural chicken flavor and a combination of ingredients like organic hemp powder and oil, and calming herbs like chamomile, ginger and valerian root.  A few tasty chews can take the edge off a trip to the vet, a thunderstorm or your leaving the house.

Thundershirt – Using a principle that has been used effectively with autistic children, the Thundershirt hugs your dog or applies pressure to her chest to calm her.  This principal is also used with tiny babies in Neonatal intensive care units in hospitals,  to help them feel secure.

Mutt Muffs – If your dog is especially sensitive to loud noises, you might try using ear protection for her during thunderstorms or fireworks.

In the end, it is always best to correct a problem, not simply try to treat the symptoms.  Why not check out the Online Training System by Doggy Dan?

Access the training videos now for just $1.

 

Related Posts:

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    Separation Anxiety in Older Dogs
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    Canine Behavior Problems
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    Solving Dog Behavior Issues in Weimaraners
  • This Weimaraner Dog needs canine behavior modification after chewing a book.
    Dog Behavior Modification
  • Dog on dog aggression with 2 dogs fighting
    How to Stop Dog on Dog Aggression
  • Dog biting woman
    Weimaraner Dog Aggression Towards People

Filed Under: Weimaraner Dog Behavior Problems Tagged With: alpha dog training, anxiety in dogs, dog chewing, dog incontinence, dog psychology

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Never without a dog or two in my life, I have always had a love for dogs of all breeds.

Here I combine my love of Weimaraners with my medical background in occupational therapy, to give you the best possible honest and accurate information.

Now retired, I live with my husband and dogs in New England. I enjoy outdoor activities like gardening, biking, kayaking and hiking.
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