Successfully Cured Separation Anxiety
Has anyone successfully cured separation anxiety?
Anxiety Question:
Has anyone successfully cured separation anxiety? I am pretty educated as far as dog behavior, learning theory, and desensitization, I just want to hear from people that have treated it successfully and what worked, what didn't.
My dog just whines when she can't see me and occasionally chews something when nobody's home. It's not serious yet. I've had her for 1 month and she is about 1 year old. I am her second owner.
Anxiety Answer:
My dog has serious separation anxiety. I spoke to a behaviorist who said my problem could possibly be solved with lots of time and money spent on training; trying things like leaving her for a few minutes, then returning. Then leaving for a few more minutes longer, and returning (so she learns that I'm coming back and not abandoning her).
The KEY thing, she said, was to not act any differently when you leave or come back, to just act normally, do NOT show the dog added attention.
For example, when you leave, don't pet the dog, hug it, say goodbye, or show any display of over-attention; maybe just say something neutral, like "Stay."
And likewise, when you come back in, just ignore the dog. Maybe say, "Hi," or "Good girl," in a very neutral voice. But DON'T be all, "Oh!!! My good girl!! How've you've been?!!!" and start petting her all crazy.
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