found that dogs who were spayed and neutered prior to one year of age were more likely to exhibit noise phobias and sexual behaviors while they were less likely to exhibit separation anxiety, inappropriate elimination when frightened and to be relinquished.
Desexing your dog will reduce their chance of developing testicular cancer and improve their overall mood and behaviour. Without the production of testosterone, they will have no desire to mate, making them calmer and less anxious.
While behavior modification can be effective in treatment of separation anxiety, anxiolytic drug therapy can facilitate treatment and, in many cases, reduce anxiety more than training or management changes alone.
The number of dogs being euthanized for behavioral issues is much larger than most people realize – this is especially true in animal shelters. In addition to aggression, dogs are euthanized for separation anxiety, resource guarding and even just unruly behaviors.
Unfortunately, puppies don't just grow out of separation anxiety. If you leave it untreated, it will likely just get worse, and it certainly won't get any better! However, thankfully, it's not too difficult to treat and just takes a little TLC and training.
“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels”, says Dr.
Play training games and fetch. Use interactive puzzles. Work their mind as well as their body. That will keep them busy, happy, and too tired to be anxious while you're gone and if these tips don't help, see your veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist.
Recent research has shown that dogs with mild separation anxiety fare better when alone with one minute of slow, gentle petting and soothing talk from their owner just before leaving than being ignored. Dogs with moderate to severe cases should be ignored or just get a “See you tonight” as you walk out.
Never punish your dog
Your dog will become anxious about what you'll do when you return the next time you go out, making the behaviour (like chewing and barking) worse. Dogs who've been told off may lower their head, put their ears back and put their tail between their legs.
Expect to spend around two months working with your dog to alleviate his separation anxiety. Taking it slowly during the early stages–getting your dog comfortable at the moment of your departure–will allow the later stages of lengthening your time away to much more quickly.
A busy dog is a happy dog, so you can help your dog deal with separation anxiety by offering him plenty to do while you're gone. Use puzzle toys, treat toys, KONGS, and more to help him cope. You can also help prepare him for being alone by reserving special, high-value treats and toys for times you head out.
Myth 1: neutering makes dogs calmer
However this is often not the case. In most cases these dogs are receiving insufficient mental stimulation and/or physical exercise for their age and breed and neutering will not alter this.
Castration may make him slightly lazier, but don't expect it to have any effect on adolescent enthusiasm or rowdy behaviour either! If your dog has a behavioural issue, don't rely on castration as a “quick fix”. While it can help in some situations, it can make other problems much worse.
There is no easy way to resolve the problem once Separation Anxiety has developed. It will not go away on its own, and most often a complete "cure" is never experienced.
#1 Vizsla. Known as the ultimate Velcro dog, this Hungarian breed is literally attached to their owner, and is happiest when right by your side. They were bred for falconry, and still have tons of energy, so this pup is best for people who enjoy active lifestyles.
They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors such as vocalization, destruction, or house soiling when separated from the owners. Most dogs with separation anxiety try to remain close to their owners, follow them from room to room and rarely spend time outdoors alone.
Separation anxiety is a serious condition that creates high levels of stress for your puppy and often results in abnormal behaviour when left alone. Puppies may cry a little when you leave the house, but separation anxiety is usually explained by more extreme behaviours, such as: Destructive or disruptive behaviour.
Final Thoughts. If your puppy won't stop whining and crying when confined in a crate or pen or when left at home alone, it's likely they are experiencing separation anxiety.
One of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs is barking, whining, and howling whenever their owners leave the house. This is simply their way of expressing distress. Puppies may also cry a little when you leave them alone for the first time, and this is understandable!
Perhaps instead of your dog sleeping in your bed, have his bed on the floor of your bedroom then outside of an open door, then outside of a closed door and so on & so on. You want Ralph to feel less anxious, and the goal is to get the dog's separation anxiety alleviated.
“In dogs, the onset of separation anxiety most commonly appears before 2 years of age. Occurrence is less frequent as dogs get older,” says Dr. Agapis, “until they reach their senior years, when age-related changes may make them feel more vulnerable.”