Separation anxiety in dogs can be an incredibly difficult problem to manage, and dog trainers in Virginia Beach are at the forefront of helping pet owners find solutions to this difficult issue. Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes overly attached to their owners, resulting in fear and distress when they are alone or separated from them. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including barking, destructive behaviors, urinating, and even trying to escape.
Fortunately, there are ways to help your dog cope with their separation anxiety, and our dog trainers at Tails of Success are well-equipped to assist in this process. The most important thing you can do is to create a safe and comfortable environment for your pet when you’re away. This means providing them with a comfortable bed, toys and chew bones, and access to food and water. You can also provide them with a favorite blanket or piece of clothing that smells like you.
When it comes to training, the key is to help your pet associate being alone with positive experiences. You can do this by giving them treats and praise when they are alone, and by avoiding negative reactions such as scolding or punishment if they become anxious. Additionally, it’s important to practice leaving the house in short increments of time to make your dog more comfortable with short absence first, while slowly extending your leave.
Working with a professional dog trainer
A professional dog trainer can help your pup by providing one-on-one attention and support. This can help create a strong bond between you and your pup, which can help reduce anxiety when left alone. A professional dog trainer can also help you develop a personalized plan for addressing your pup’s separation anxiety. This plan may include positive reinforcement methods, such as using treats and praise to reward good behavior, or counterconditioning, which involves teaching your pup to associate being left alone with a positive reward.
A professional dog trainer can also provide guidance on how to create a safe and comfortable environment for your pup when left alone. This may include providing them with a space that is comfortable and familiar, establishing a routine with predictability, and other ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your pup.
Contact Tails of Success for a consultation and evaluation. We work with dogs and their families in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and other areas of the Hampton Roads.
