With dogs being the social animals they are, a good owner knows that they require a great deal of companionship and attention to keep them happy and well-adjusted.
Here are some reasons why dog's develop separation anxiety:
~ Their breed is genetically predisposed to this behavior. At the top of the list are: Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Airedales. Not every dog from these breeds will have separation anxiety, but if you are thinking about adopting a dog you should research what type of dog will be most compatible with you and your family.
~ Dogs can develop this behavior if they were adopted from a shelter. Most rescued dogs have experienced serious trauma already, since they were abandoned by their previous owners. It will take some time to build trust with the dog, before they feel like you won't do the same thing to them. Adopting a rescue dog can be very rewarding, but it can take a lot of patience to attain a healthy relationship with your dog.
~ The dog was separated from their mother and siblings too early. This is very true with many pet store puppies, since most of the time they are taken from their mothers before 8 weeks, and then confined to a small enclosure with no exercise or attention. The combination of the early weening and their environment can be very traumatic to the puppy. If you want to adopt a puppy it is always best to find out how early he/she was taken from their mother.
~ Neglecting a dog is the top reason they develop separation anxiety. Spending large chunks of time away from home can be detrimental to your dog's happiness, so it is best to research the personality traits of each breed before adopting a dog. If you already have a dog, and have to work long hours, it would be wise to spend a lot of time with your dog when you are at home, and consider hiring a dog walker/sitter so he/she gets some attention. This can make all the difference for your dog's anxiousness.
All of these points are vital to know if you are thinking about adopting a puppy or dog, since it will help you better understand your future pet. It is best to keep in mind that a lot of the time the dog we want isn't always the best suited dog for our lifestyle.
Sally Canela is an expert dog trainer with more than 15 years experience; specializing in training dogs rescued from shelters with behavioral issues.
If you would like to find out more information on how to cure your dog of separation anxiety, please take a look at Secrets To Dog Training.
The-True-Review.info also has reviews on many different dog training guides.
