Separation anxiety: what actually helps
Why leaving them to cry it out makes things worse.
3 min read 1 views 0 likes
Separation anxiety is a panic response, not disobedience.
Signs
Distress within minutes of you leaving, howling, drooling, destruction at exit points, toileting, refusing food while alone.
What helps
- Work out how long your dog can be alone before panic starts, and stay under it
- Build up in tiny increments, ending every session before distress
- Decouple your leaving cues: pick up keys, sit back down
- Meet their needs first: exercise, sniffing, food
What does not help
Leaving them longer to get used to it, punishment, or a second dog bought as a cure.
Get help
A qualified behaviourist, working with your vet, will get you there far faster. Medication is appropriate in some cases and is not a failure.
#anxiety#behaviour
Was this helpful?
Likes help us work out which answers to write next.