A fear of being left alone is common in dogs, and typically results in behavioural problems such as persistent barking or whining, inappropriate toileting and destructiveness, which can be very difficult to resolve.
Despite the challenges involved, it is important that separation anxiety be tackled successfully as soon as it occurs, not only to avoid conflict with neighbours over any noise, or damage to property, but to prevent chronic stress occurring which if allowed to persist unchecked, can predispose to a suppressed immune system and a higher risk of developing a wide range of other conditions, including cancer.
Calming, desensitising and rewarding
The secret to transitioning a pet from being anxious when left, to one who has learnt to be comfortable when alone, is to help them stay calm, relaxed and receptive to training, which establishes healthier, new patterns of behaviour.
The natural remedies in Ultimate Anxiety Relief and Behaviour Improvement are specially formulated with this in mind.
And they are most effective when used as follows:
- Give 2 - 3 drops 3 times daily on a teaspoon of fresh food. It also helps to add a little to drinking water daily, and sprinkle on bedding and in areas a pet likes to go when feeling anxious or insecure.
- Leave the house and while standing outside (out of view but within earshot), time how long it takes before any barking / whining / distress begins (this can also be done using a webcam).
- Next, practice leaving and returning home before your dog becomes upset and gently praise calm behaviour. Do this several times daily (more often if possible). After a week or so, slowly begin increasing the time your dog is left (as long as they remain relaxed).
- Continue the remedy and the above steps for as long as necessary, (this may be 3 - 6 months or more if anxiety is intense) until being left alone is no longer stressful.
Note:
It is important when helping a pet with separation anxiety not to inadvertently trigger or heighten fight / flight responses by making a fuss of them when leaving, or creating a lot of excitement upon return. Keeping everything low key and relaxed at these times, helps a pet remain less apprehensive about such events.
Equally important is patience, repetition of reassurance and time, as depending on the underlying cause, it can take some pets 6 months or more to overcome the fear of being separated from their human companions.
Ultimate Anxiety Relief and Behaviour Improvement is not a drug or a 'quick fix.'
By naturally relieving anxiety, and reducing sensitivity to triggers, it is a valuable tool for helping anxious, timid or reactive pets become more receptive to learning new behaviours, and to feel safer and more secure in the world.
As always, do contact us, if you have any questions or queries at all.