Thursday, August 16, 2012

Reasons why dogs have separation anxiety?

By Jerry Welsh


Dogs have certainly made a great difference to people's way of life. One of the reasons why dogs are considered as man's best friends is the legendary attachment these animals have for humans. The close bond pet owners have with their dogs is one of the joys of keeping these affectionate and loyal animals. Unlike cats, dogs become too dependent on their owners.

Because these animals form a strong bond with the human family they would not only expect to receive attention but would also demand to be with the master at all times. Because of this, dogs are dubbed as Velcro pets. The pet's strong bond with its owner is not always a good characteristics as it can cause separation anxiety, a condition that can make owners decide to abandon their pets. Separation anxiety causes dogs to be problematic pets because they turn destructive.

Barking, chewing, digging and house soiling comes with the territory of owning a dog. In dogs with separation anxiety disorder, the normal canine behaviors becomes destructive behaviors. When a normally well behaved dog manifests inappropriate behavior like excessive barking, chewing and digging when separated from its owner, it is highly likely that the dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Dogs with severe separation anxiety disorder not only manifest excessive and destructive canine behaviors but also mutilates its body because of panic attacks.

What are the reasons for a dog's separation anxiety disorder? Apart from receiving attention and affection from the family, a dog would also love to be with is human friends always because they are social creatures. Dogs can be the shadow of the master as these pets follow their masters around. Because of the close bond, dogs would want to be with the master always as when the master is not seen the dog would have panic attacks. Dogs are pack animals and they can consider the pet owner as the leader of the pack. Dogs, especially those with weak willed owners would think of themselves as the leader of the pack and consider humans as pack members lower in rank. On both cases, the dog would suffer from separation anxiety and manifest destructive behavior when separated from the master.

Abused and abandoned dogs commonly suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs that start to be destructive as soon as the master leaves home are suffering from separation anxiety disorder. At the sight of the master picking the car keys or taking the coat from the rack will trigger a panic attack and make the dog starts its destructive behavior.




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