The saying “absence makes the heart grow stronger” may not apply to dogs. While couples in love may feel their feelings intensify when they are apart, dogs often feel abandoned and show their objection. Dogs love our company, and when we leave them to go shopping or work, they feel a pang of sadness just like we do.
Signs a Dog is Feeling Their Owner’s Absence
When you tell your dog you’re leaving and they react with sadness, it’s a sign they are feeling your absence. For example, your dog may have a sad face when you’re getting ready to leave or bark excessively when you’re gone. They may also engage in destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or urinating in the house. These signs indicate that your dog is struggling with separation anxiety.
History of Dogs Coping with Absence
Dogs have been part of human lives for a long time. The relationship between humans and dogs dates back to when wolves and humans formed a hunting team. Over time, dogs became not only working animals but also beloved companions. Dogs have a deep connection with humans and are known to connect on a deeper level than any other animal.
The Science of Dogs Feeling Absence
A dog feeling the absence of their owner is similar to a child clinging to their mother’s coat when she’s leaving for work. The dog experiences panic as stress hormones are released, leading to a “fight or flight” response. Dogs can develop separation anxiety due to early trauma, abandonment, or changes in their living situation. Like people, dogs may struggle to cope with being left alone.
Training Dogs Who Feel Their Owners’ Absence
There are different approaches to training dogs with separation anxiety. Some trainers emphasize exercise, discipline, and asserting yourself as the pack leader. Others focus on positive reinforcement and providing alternative sources of companionship, such as doggy day care or a dog walker. It’s important to find a method that works for your dog and consult a vet if the problem persists. Avoid using bark or shock collars, as they can worsen the dog’s stress.
“Dogs feeling their owner’s absence: Understanding separation anxiety and how to help”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Understand the signs: Pay attention to your dog’s behavior when you leave the house. Look for signs such as barking, chewing, jumping up, scratching, low tail carriage, whimpering, and avoiding eye contact. These are indicators that your dog may be experiencing separation anxiety.
2️⃣ Identify triggers: Take note of what triggers your dog’s anxiety. It could be putting on a certain coat or jingling your keys. Once you know the triggers, try modifying them. For example, change the coat you wear or use a different door to exit.
3️⃣ Seek professional help if needed: If your dog’s separation anxiety persists despite your efforts, consider consulting a dog trainer or veterinarian. They can provide guidance and, if necessary, recommend medication or other interventions to help your dog cope with their anxiety. Avoid using bark or shock collars, as these can make the problem worse.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How do dogs show signs of separation anxiety?
– Dogs may bark, chew, jump up, scratch, have a low tail carriage, whimper, avert their eyes, urinate in the house, try to escape, walk in circles, chase other animals, chew on their paws, engage in destructive behavior, or self-harm.
2. Why do some dogs experience separation anxiety?
– Dogs may experience separation anxiety due to early trauma, abandonment, noise phobia, hyper-attachment to their owner, or changes in the family dynamic such as a divorce or a move to a new home.
3. What are the possible effects of separation anxiety on dogs?
– Dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit destructive behavior, urinate in the house, harm themselves, or experience extreme stress and panic when left alone.
4. How can I help my dog cope with my absence?
– Some approaches to help dogs cope with separation anxiety include exercise, obedience training, crate training, positive reinforcement, providing a safe space, avoiding triggers that cause anxiety, and considering professional advice or medication if necessary.
5. How does the history of dogs and humans influence their emotional connection?
– Dogs have been part of the human landscape since the partnership between man and wolf. Through generations of selective breeding, dogs have become hyper-social with humans and form deep emotional connections with their owners.
