I mentioned separation anxiety in a few of my blogs, like the signs, how Comfort Blend can help, how to apply it, etc. But sometimes, we may think a dog has separation anxiety based on the symptoms, but actually, it’s not separation anxiety.
Let’s remind ourselves what the signs of separations anxiety are:
Dilated pupils
Panting and trembling
Pacing and fidgeting
Whining
Urinating
Destructive behaviour
But sometimes the real problem can be boredom or a lack of house training.
Instead of just using Comfort Blend for separation anxiety, and getting your dog used to be left alone, try the following:
More prolonged exercise before you go
Not just a longer walk but trying different exercise types. One day it could be a short run (depending on your and your dog’s fitness level), home agility, swimming, running, and playing with other doggie friends. Explore new walks, new parks… make it as enjoyable and attractive as possible.
Enrichment games
My dogs love enrichment games. And they get more tired than after a long walk. I have a few Nina Ottosson mind games at home. You can easily find them on Amazon. But we also have a very simple game I learned from dog trainer Niki French. I get a cardboard box, fill it with some paper, and sprinkle few treats. Dog’s then have to dig in the box, pull the paper out to get the goodies. To make it more challenging, I get few boxes and put them into each other like a Russian doll, with a few treats are hidden here and there. Richard loves this game as he loves tearing the boxes and paper.
Back to basic house training
Sometimes we need to go back to basic puppy training. If you need professional help, check Niki French Puppy Starter Pack. All her sessions are tailored to what your biggest struggles are – toilet training, over-excitement, biting, barking, jumping up, etc.
Long-lasting chews
After a nice long walk and just before you leave, give your dog long-lasting chew. My latest discovery is Wooly Bully plates from Pet Concierge. They are super duper chewy and long-lasting. They are a bit smelly, but it’s not any worse than when you cook a steak. Also, cow hooves are great. Sometimes I fill them with mashed fruit and veggies, freeze them and give them to my dogs. Or I spread a bit of dog-friendly peanut butter or soft cheese on the inside walls.
Once your dog is settled with a chew, you can just spray the air with Calming Floral Spray to enhance the calmness.
And if it is you who is feeling anxious because you are leaving your dog alone, have a few deep breaths of Comfort Blend.
Are you anxious when leaving your dog?