Dogs Home Alone: Recognizing and Relieving Separation Anxiety
Breaking up the house, barking, waiting at the door - these are not necessarily "disobedient", but more likely separation anxiety. How to judge and how to train step by step.
First determine whether it is separation anxiety: it only appears after the owner leaves (gnawing at the door frame, barking continuously, excreting in the house, drooling), and it is completely normal when the owner is at home. You can set up your phone to record for 30 minutes and see how long it takes for it to become restless after leaving.
The core of relief is to "turn leaving into a boring thing": don't say goodbye with a grand ceremony, and don't come home with a warm hug. Do "fake going out" 10 times a day - get your keys, put on your shoes, go out for 10 seconds and then come back, and gradually lengthen it to 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 30 minutes.
Give him a high-value treat he only gets when he's alone (a leaky toy, a freeze-dried stuffed Kong) to divert attention away from the door. Take him for a walk 30 minutes before you leave to burn off some energy.
In severe cases (continuous howling for more than 30 minutes, self-injury), it is recommended to seek intervention from a behavioral veterinarian, rather than relying on a cage.
Continue reading
Cats
The first week of cat ownership for novices: starter checklist and mistakes to avoid
What should I prepare before taking my cat home? How to set up the cat's litter box, what to feed in the first week, and what not to do - a list that can be followed directly.
Classics
Elderly Dog Care: How to Live Comfortably in the Last Years
After age 7, joints, teeth, vision, and sleep can all change. Specific adjustments to diet, exercise, home modifications, and frequency of physical exams.
Dogs
Dog bite training: four steps from biting to nibbling
The bite inhibition window in puppyhood is only three months.