Separation Anxiety Dog Training Corpus Christi

Separation anxiety happens when a dog that is very loyal to their owner becomes excessively anxious if left alone. It's not just a little whining or being upset, it's a significant problem that causes repeated stress to you. It can be caused by them being left alone for the first time when they're used to being around people, changing owners, a move from shelter to home that they're not yet accustomed to, adjustment in routine or schedule, or loss of a family member. Separation anxiety is overall due to your pet not feeling confident or secure enough in their environment to be comfortable in it alone, but that can be changed. 


A dog who has it may whine, bark, or howl to excess, have accidents in the house even after they are potty trained, chew your belongings/things they shouldn't or scratch at doors or windows, pace (typically in an obsessive pattern), or even attempt to escape. While you're home, they probably rarely do these things and definitely not to any extreme. However, a dog experiencing separation anxiety tends to do them virtually all the time. 


A good place to start is talking to their veterinarian, as some of these "symptoms" can be caused by medical issues like hormone disorders or infections. Once these are ruled out, if your dog is only mildly concerned by your absence you could try giving them a designated treat every time you leave (i.e. a puzzle toy with tasty contents) that is only given while you are gone and taken away once you return, not making a big event of your arrivals or departures- such as grand goodbyes or enthusiastic greetings- and you may actually even try ignoring them for the first few minutes after getting home, or leaving them some clothes that smell like you because you recently wore them.

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Separation anxiety happens when a dog that is very loyal to their owner becomes excessively anxious if left alone. It's not just a little whining or being upset, it's a significant problem that causes repeated stress to you. It can be caused by them being left alone for the first time when they're used to being around people, changing owners, a move from shelter to home that they're not yet accustomed to, adjustment in routine or schedule, or loss of a family member. Separation anxiety is overall due to your pet not feeling confident or secure enough in their environment to be comfortable in it alone, but that can be changed. 


A dog who has it may whine, bark, or howl to excess, have accidents in the house even after they are potty trained, chew your belongings/things they shouldn't or scratch at doors or windows, pace (typically in an obsessive pattern), or even attempt to escape. While you're home, they probably rarely do these things and definitely not to any extreme. However, a dog experiencing separation anxiety tends to do them virtually all the time. 


A good place to start is talking to their veterinarian, as some of these "symptoms" can be caused by medical issues like hormone disorders or infections. Once these are ruled out, if your dog is only mildly concerned by your absence you

Speak With A Dog

Training Expert

Speak With A Dog Training Expert

dog training corpus christi separation anxiety

could try giving them a designated treat every time you leave (i.e. a puzzle toy with tasty contents) that is only given while you are gone and taken away once you return, not making a big event of your arrivals or departures- such as grand goodbyes or enthusiastic greetings- and you may actually even try ignoring them for the first few minutes after getting home, or leaving them some clothes that smell like you because you recently wore them.

dog training corpus christi texas separation anxiety blog
training or puppies separation anxiety

But if your pet has a massive reaction when you leave, they may need more vigorous help. You'll either need to gradually acclimate them to your absence, or get them in dog daycare as a more permanent solution. Desensitize them to things they associate with you leaving, such as putting your shoes on or picking up your keys but not leaving. Do this several times a day. As they react to these actions less and less, you can begin to leave after doing them for short periods of time. Slowly increase the amount of time you are gone. You know your dog, you'll know when they're ready; don't rush them. You can build up to longer and longer periods of being gone and they'll begin to realize that nothing bad happens when you leave and that you always inevitably return.


Make sure they get plenty of exercise every day. If your dog is tired they will have less pent up energy that can manifest as anxiety. It's important to challenge their mind and give them interactive puzzles. With the help of a professional trainer, even severe separation anxiety can be overcome and Elite-K9 is here to provide flexible training at your home, in your pet's personal environment.