How do you deal with Doggie Separation Anxiety?
As a pet psychic, one of the most common reasons I get calls for help from troubled pet owners is separation anxiety. Many owners are at their wits end trying to figure out what to do with a dog that barks or howls constantly when they are gone, destroys things in their absence, and basically makes a nuisance of himself.
These people may not understand that the dog is not being disobedient - he is most likely suffering from separation anxiety.
Often dogs who have been traumatized in some way; abandoned, sent to the pound, abused, or simply lost, find it difficult to settle into a new home and trust that the new human in their lives will stay. Resulting in separation anxiety. This in not simply a case of abandoned, lost or abused animals.
Sometimes a dog that has not experienced these events or changed homes or humans can be just as fearful. Perhaps some change in their daily environment set off these behaviors other times it may just be a naturally anxious dog.
Dogs are pack animals. As his family, you are his pack.
When you leave him alone, he feels lost and scared. Often loud noises will frighten him. His howling and destructiveness are the only way he has of showing his displeasure. You can help him get through this with patience and a few simple changes in his and your behavior.
Some practical methods for helping dogs with separation anxiety are:
Try to find a room where he feels comfortable - one that isn’t close to a street or other traffic. If possible, buying a crate made specifically for the size of your dog will help him feel more comfortable. Placing a loved toy and an item of clothing that smells like you inside with him will increase that comfort.
Start by leaving him only a few minutes at a time. He needs to be confident that you will return. You can gradually extend the amount of time as he becomes more comfortable. Praise him greatly every time he waits quietly.
Swaddling is another choice, many dogs find a swaddle vest that provides a gentle but secure "hug" comforting and calming. And don't forget soothing music- dogs love it!
If all else fails, talk with your vet and see if he can prescribe some type of calming herbs or in extreme cases anti-anxiety medication to give your dog when you need to be away.
Psychic methods for helping dogs with separation anxiety are:
As a pet psychic one method I often use in these cases is to send the dog psychic telepathic messages of safety, security, and continuity. I assure them they are loved, and their people will not leave them permanently.
Along with the verbal messages that "you will come back," I send them the emotions/feelings of safety, love, and homecoming. The final step is to send them images of you returning home, full of joy. I visualize the time of day, if you are to return home in the evening I visualize it being dark outside and send this image to the dog.
Dogs are very psychic, they often follow you psychically throughout your day and know what you are doing- send them a message reassuring them you will be coming home, visualize the time, and they will be calmer.
You do not have to be psychic or particularly telepathic to do this yourself. I often instruct my clients that before they leave they should take their dogs face in their hands, look the dog in the eye and send the message, the feeling, and the assurance that they will be returning at a particular time, and that the dog need not be afraid.
Then during their time away I tell them to take a moment to send the message again to their dog, several times if your absence will be long. This may sound silly to many but I have seen profound changes in anxious dogs via this method.
Until you are sure your dog has overcome his anxiety, do not leave the house without letting your dog know, make him part of your daily parting routine and you will both be happier.
Remember, your dog can’t help his anxiety. You are his safety and he feels lost without you. Give him time and patience and he will eventually learn to tolerate your absence and calmly anticipate your return.
There is no reason to get rid of a dog simply because he loves you so much he misses you when you are gone. Work with him. You and he will both benefit and be happy.
Thank you, for reading groundedpsychic.com
Remember your dog loves you!