WHY SEPARATION RELATED BEHAVIOUR IS NORMAL
I often get asked to assist dogs with Separation Related Behaviours.
Firstly, dogs are pack animals and instinctively are driven to be part of a social group.
Most clients feel ashamed thinking that they have caused a problem in their dog. This is not the case. There is nothing wrong with Separation Related Behaviour unless it becomes dysfunctional.
If a dog does not miss being around you, then you do not have a good bond with it.
If you don't miss your partner when he or she is away then you really don't have a great relationship.
The problem is where the Separation Issues are stronger than the dog’s ability to be independent in a positive way.
I have been specialisng in dealing with dogs of mild to extreme Separation Related Responses to very high degrees of success. If you feel that your dog has a potential for this, these are some of the more typical issues you need to be aware of;
- Following you from room to room,
- Barking excessively when put outside,
- Pacing and panting before you leave the house,
- Licking the windows when outside,
- Destructive behaviour inside and outside,
- Marking on your bed or places that smell of you,
- Chronic licking or chewing itself, (Self Mutilation)
If your dog is exhibiting any of these issues contact me ASAP.
All of these behaviours are resolvable with the correct approach that targets the need around the behaviour NOT the symptoms.
The problem with Separation Related Disorders is that they are a slippery slope from Mild to Extreme and you have no idea how bad the dog is feeling during the process until it is often very late and much harder to remedy.
Medication is often used and should only be used as the last resort as training will make a considerable difference.
If your dog is on medication, we need to discuss options with your Vet before we start training as often the medication will impair learning.