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Seperation Anxiety Tips Separation Anxiety - Inability of your pet to cope when left by itself. Many of the pets you have seen in shelters or rescues have been abandoned by their owner - a person whom they trusted completely. Confused and emotionally distraught, they may suffer from this condition when you bring them into your new home. You may very well see some troubling behaviors resulting from separation anxiety in your pet. Chewing, digging, barking, whining, accidents, pacing and in severe cases self-mutilation are examples. However, do not panic! It may take some time but there are simple, yet important, steps that you can take to help your pet become more confident and relaxed. It is very important to remember that your pet is not trying to punish you or get even with you for leaving it alone! Rather your pet is acting up because of an extreme fear of being abandoned once again. It is most important NOT to punish your pet! This will perpetuate the problem. The main thing your pet needs at this time is love and reassurance. Your pet's confidence has been severely damaged, and your job is to help reestablish this with consistency and constant praise. Plan to take a few days (weekend or vacation) and practice coming and going. The first time you leave your pet, should be for one minute. Do not make a big deal out of coming home or leaving. Your pet will probably be excited upon your return. Speak to your pet calmly with praise and immediately start a task. After a few minutes reward your dog and spend some time with play. Resume your task, then throughout the day leave and return varying the amount of time you are away. It is important to not make the time consistent, such as 1 minute then 2, then 3, etc... vary the times slowly increasing, until your pet is able to be left alone for up to thirty minutes without acting out a negative behavior. Your pet must come to realize that when you leave, its not forever, and you will return. If your pet relapses, start the process over. Building confidence is the key! The following will also help: 1. Have someone visit your pet while you are away. Get another pet to keep it company. 2. Leave 1 - 2 special toys, and rotate toys for variety to alleviate the problem. 3. Leave TV or radio on at a low level. 4. Leave an article with your scent on it. 5. Obedience train your dog. Practice the commands with your pet which reassures him/her that he/she is pleasing you. 6. Provide a "safe spot" (den) for your pet and confine it if needed. 7. Consult a pet behaviorist. There are SOLUTIONS! Please don't give up on your friend!
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