#dog separation anxiety

[navelgazed]

"Just leave your dog alone for several hours" when she can't bear to be by herself for 30 minutes without pacing and barking. Yeah, no, I don't think I will

[puppyexpressions]

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs and Puppies

There’s been a huge shift in understanding and treating human anxiety over the past decade. Our canine counterparts also feel stress and anxiety, but they can’t verbalize their feelings, which makes it hard to know when they’re feeling anxious.

When you become a dog parent, you take on the job of recognizing what causes anxiety for your pup. If you lessen these causes, you can make your dog feel as safe and comfortable as possible in their environment. Signs of anxiety in dogs can be subtle, which makes it even more important for you to be vigilant and learn to identify what may be causing their stress.

Stress in dogs can be broken down into three types: fear, phobias, and anxiety.

Fear is an instinct in response to an external threat. Analyzing the situation helps you figure out if it’s a normal or inappropriate response. For example, fear aggression could be normal if there’s a true threat to your dog or their loved ones. In other cases, fear aggression is considered inappropriate if it’s directed at a person who is not showing any signs of being a threat to your dog. Remember that your dog may interpret the situation differently, and something that is not a threat to you may be to them.

Phobias are excessive fears to an external stimulus. The most common phobias in dogs are noise phobias (fireworks, loud noises, thunderstorms).

Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling or fear related to the anticipation of danger. For instance, separation anxiety occurs when a pet has abnormal reactions to being away from their owner, whether for short or long periods of time.

Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Dogs

It is important to be able to distinguish between normal and anxious dog behaviors, which requires familiarity with your dog’s normal behavior.

Most of the time, relaxed dogs will have round, open eyes; weight on all four legs; a raised tail; and raised, forward-facing ears. They will breathe normally unless they are panting from play or exercise.

Here are some dog anxiety symptoms to watch for.

Pacing and Shaking

Just like humans, dogs often pace or make wide circling movements repeatedly when stressed. This can be a sign of panic or nervousness in general. Your dog may also shake or tremble. This often stops once the stressor is gone.

Increased Heart Rate and Panting

The autonomic nervous system kicks in automatically when stress occurs. This is the “fight, flight, or freeze” response to external fears or stressors. It is an involuntary response system for survival and adapting.

Dogs also have a sympathetic nervous system. When a dog is stressed, this system releases adrenaline and increases their heart rate and respiratory rate, which is often seen as panting.  

Yawning

Dogs do not only yawn when they are tired—they also yawn when they’re nervous. Usually, these yawns are frequent and longer than when they are tired.

Drooling

A dog’s nervous system is activated by stress and causes drooling and frequent lip-licking or “lip-smacking.” This is also seen when a dog has nausea and may have something to do with activation of the gastrointestinal tract by the nervous system.

Compulsive Behaviors

Dogs engage in a number of behaviors to help calm themselves, but these can become compulsive and destructive when they are really stressed. Common compulsions include licking themselves excessively, licking floors or walls, barking excessively, or chewing objects compulsively.

Often, this behavior can lead to skin infections from overgrooming, foreign body ingestion, upset stomach from ingesting things, digging behavior (holes, bedding, rugs), or destroying their crates in order to break free. Crying or barking can also be a self-soothing behavior in anxious dogs, or a way to alert us to their stress.  

Hypervigilance (Dilated Pupils, Ear Signals, Stiff Posture)

Dogs with anxiety often have dilated pupils and blink faster. They tend to stand stiffly at attention when preparing for impending danger, but this behavior may also be related to the involuntary freeze, fight, or flight autonomic nervous system response.

The whites of their eyes tend to show more than when they are calm, and their ears can either be standing at attention or pinned back against their head in times of stress. Tucking their tails between their legs or shifting their weight to their hind end can also be signs of fear in dogs.

Hiding or Acting Depressed

Stressed dogs will often hide behind you or objects such as chairs or cars to avoid stressors. They may seem hyperactive and use their muzzles to nudge your legs or hands to tell you to move away from the stressor. Your dog may also completely shut down, stop moving, and seem depressed or disassociated from the situation.

Having Diarrhea or Accidents

Adrenaline affects dogs similarly to humans, causing an urge to go to the bathroom. Your dog may immediately posture and urinate as a result of stress, dribble urine, lose control of their bowels, or even have diarrhea.

This behavior is modulated by the sympathetic nervous system. A lesser gastrointestinal sign of stress in dogs is a decreased appetite. A stressed dog may even refuse their favorite treats if their anxiety level is too high.

Shedding

Dogs who are stressed often shed more, and this is frequently seen during veterinary visits.

How to Help an Anxious Dog

Here are some tips you can use to help your dog avoid or react to stress.

Avoid Stressful Situations

The most important treatment for stress and anxiety in dogs is limiting the exposure to stressful situations. Avoid interactions that may cause an anxious response.

For example, in cases of separation anxiety, set up a calm, quiet space with safe toys and items that smell familiar. Start training your dog by leaving them for very short periods of time.

Every time you return, praise your dog, and perhaps give them a small, healthy treat. Through repetition and slowly increasing the length of time that you are gone, your dog will learn that you will always return, and their stress will start to fade.

If your dog is stressed by having new people in their environment, keep them confined in a calm area of the house when new people are there to avoid a fear-induced interaction.

Try New Strategies in a Safe Environment

Abrupt desensitization, where you expose your dog to the thing that is causing stress until they no longer react, is no longer thought to be the best way to help with stress and anxiety in dogs.

Continuing to introduce triggers often increases your dog’s fearful responses. Instead, you should teach new strategies and ways for your dog to respond to stress.

To establish a new response to a stressor, you must develop a reward program for your dog, such as offering food, love, or an activity/playtime. The reward should always be earned, and training will be slow and steady. This should be done in a stable, safe environment, and not during anxious situations.

Treatment starts with learning control strategies at home, where your dog is required to earn everything by responding appropriately when you give a specific cue. This creates a predictable response from your dog’s perspective. Starting with calm tasks such as “sit” or “lie down” and then eventually moving to “focus” and “escape” responses will help set expectations for what will happen.

With focus responses, the goal is to have your dog make eye contact with you or focus on a treat/toy to distract them from stressors. Escape response is training your pet to go to a safe, calm environment (such as a bed or a room) as soon as they feel stressed. Using yummy treats can be helpful until they learn where their safe space is.

Never punish your dog physically or by scolding them, since this is ineffective and will only raise their stress level and teach them to fear you.

It is important to have realistic expectations. Some issues may be lifelong or require training or medications that can only be given by a training specialist, veterinary behaviorist, or veterinarian.

Ask Your Vet About Anti-Anxiety Medications

Your veterinarian may recommend prescription anti-anxiety medications (including Fluoxetine, Clomipramine, or Alprazolam). These are almost always prescribed with the recommendation of behavior modification training.

The medication type and dosage will be based on your dog’s age, other medical conditions, and triggers. Medications often take several weeks to months to improve anxiety, and they often require adjustments and regular bloodwork. The minimum treatment for anxiety in dogs usually averages 4-6 months but can take years in some cases.

Medication therapy may help alleviate your dog’s response to triggers and can assist in learning new behaviors. However, when medication is weaned or discontinued, their anxious behaviors may return. Medication is usually continued lifelong.

Your primary care veterinarian may refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist when severe anxiety issues are noted, or if previously attempted treatment plans fail to help. It is important to learn your dog’s triggers to be able to help them have a calm, balanced, and positive quality of life.

[eastgaysian]

[scottysmurf]

Mastering the Art of Canine Training: Opening the Key to a Well-Behaved Pooch Companion

""

Pet dog training is a necessary aspect of accountable pet dog ownership. Whether you have a new young puppy or an older dog, investing time and initiative right into training can make a world of difference in their behavior and overall joy. From fundamental commands to specialized training strategies, there are numerous strategies to take into consideration when it pertains to dog training. In this article, we will certainly discover the importance of pet dog training and how it can foster a solid bond between you and your furry friend.Effective pet training

exceeds teaching your canine buddy to sit or remain on command. It is about developing clear communication, establishing boundaries, and providing psychological stimulation. A trained pet dog not only comprehends what is expected of them yet also feels confident and safe in their atmosphere. From obedience training to addressing behavior problems, pet dog training addresses a broad variety of issues that can arise in daily situations. Whether you are looking for guidance on house-breaking, leash walking, or socializing, this article will certainly cover key facets of dog training to help you navigate the fulfilling journey of increasing a well-behaved and well-adjusted four-legged relative.

Read more here https://happylifedog.com/dogs-that-dont-get-separation-anxiety/

[comicryan]

Understanding the Art of Pet Training: Unlocking the Secret to a Mannerly Dog Companion

""

Pet dog training is a necessary aspect of responsible pet possession. Whether you have a brand-new young puppy or an older pet dog, spending time and effort right into training can make a world of difference in their behavior and overall joy. From fundamental commands to specialized training strategies, there are numerous approaches to think about when it concerns pet training. In this article, we will check out the relevance of pet training and exactly how it can cultivate a strong bond between you and your furry friend.Effective canine training

goes past showing your canine friend to sit or remain on command. It is regarding establishing clear communication, setting borders, and providing psychological excitement. A trained canine not just comprehends what is expected of them yet additionally feels great and secure in their environment. From obedience training to fixing behavior troubles, pet dog training addresses a wide variety of issues that can develop in everyday scenarios. Whether you are looking for assistance on house-breaking, chain walking, or socialization, this post will cover crucial facets of dog training to aid you browse the fulfilling journey of raising a well-behaved and well-adjusted four-legged family members member.

Read more here https://happylifedog.com/dogs-that-dont-get-separation-anxiety/

[countesscross]

Understanding the Art of Canine Training: Opening the Secret to a Well-Behaved Canine Buddy

""

Pet dog training is an essential facet of liable animal possession. Whether you have a new young puppy or an older pet, investing effort and time right into training can make a world of distinction in their actions and overall joy. From standard commands to specialized training strategies, there are various methods to take into consideration when it pertains to dog training. In this article, we will certainly explore the importance of canine training and just how it can cultivate a solid bond between you and your hairy friend.Effective dog training

surpasses educating your canine friend to rest or stay on command. It has to do with establishing clear interaction, setting boundaries, and providing psychological stimulation. A well-trained dog not just understands what is anticipated of them but likewise feels great and safe in their setting. From obedience training to fixing behavior issues, dog training addresses a vast array of problems that can occur in everyday circumstances. Whether you are seeking assistance on house-breaking, leash walking, or socializing, this article will certainly cover key aspects of dog training to help you browse the satisfying trip of raising a well-behaved and well-adjusted four-legged member of the family.

Read more here https://happylifedog.com/dogs-that-dont-get-separation-anxiety/

[itsattorneyhiringtipsstuff]

Grasping the Art of Dog Training: Opening the Trick to a Well-Behaved Dog Friend

""

Dog training is a crucial facet of responsible pet possession. Whether you have a new puppy or an older pet dog, spending effort and time into training can make a globe of distinction in their habits and total happiness. From basic commands to specialized training strategies, there are various methods to take into consideration when it involves pet training. In this post, we will certainly check out the value of pet training and just how it can foster a solid bond between you and your furry friend.Effective pet training

surpasses showing your canine friend to sit or remain on command. It has to do with developing clear interaction, establishing limits, and offering psychological excitement. A well-trained canine not just comprehends what is expected of them but also feels great and safe and secure in their environment. From obedience training to fixing behavior troubles, canine training addresses a variety of issues that can develop in daily circumstances. Whether you are seeking support on house-training, chain walking, or socialization, this blog post will certainly cover vital elements of pet training to assist you browse the fulfilling trip of elevating a mannerly and well-adjusted four-legged relative.

Read more here https://happylifedog.com/dogs-that-dont-get-separation-anxiety/

[templeofapelles]

Grasping the Art of Dog Training: Unlocking the Secret to a Well-Behaved Pooch Companion

""

Dog training is a vital element of liable pet possession. Whether you have a new young puppy or an older canine, spending effort and time into training can make a world of difference in their behavior and general joy. From fundamental commands to specialized training techniques, there are numerous techniques to think about when it pertains to canine training. In this post, we will certainly check out the relevance of dog training and how it can promote a strong bond between you and your hairy friend.Effective canine training

goes beyond instructing your canine buddy to rest or remain on command. It is about establishing clear communication, establishing borders, and offering mental excitement. A trained pet not just comprehends what is anticipated of them but also feels great and safe and secure in their atmosphere. From obedience training to resolving behavioral problems, canine training addresses a vast array of problems that can occur in everyday circumstances. Whether you are looking for advice on housebreaking, leash strolling, or socializing, this post will cover vital elements of dog training to help you browse the rewarding journey of raising a well-behaved and well-adjusted four-legged relative.

Read more here https://happylifedog.com/dogs-that-dont-get-separation-anxiety/

[emdenning]

Understanding the Art of Canine Training: Opening the Secret to a Mannerly Dog Buddy

""

Pet dog training is a necessary element of responsible pet dog ownership. Whether you have a brand-new pup or an older pet dog, spending time and initiative into training can make a globe of distinction in their habits and general joy. From basic commands to specialized training strategies, there are different methods to take into consideration when it pertains to dog training. In this article, we will certainly check out the value of pet training and just how it can foster a strong bond between you and your hairy friend.Effective pet training

goes past instructing your canine buddy to rest or remain on command. It is concerning establishing clear communication, establishing borders, and giving psychological stimulation. A well-trained pet not just comprehends what is expected of them yet likewise feels certain and protected in their atmosphere. From obedience training to resolving behavior issues, dog training addresses a wide variety of problems that can occur in daily situations. Whether you are seeking assistance on housebreaking, chain strolling, or socialization, this blog site article will cover vital facets of dog training to help you navigate the gratifying trip of elevating a mannerly and well-adjusted four-legged household participant.

Read more here https://happylifedog.com/dogs-that-dont-get-separation-anxiety/

[local-hellhound-steals-spaghetti]

Jfc so many TikTok dog trainers push this idea that giving your dog attention when they ask for it, getting excited when you come home and letting your dog sleep in you bed causes separation anxiety.

It doesn’t. Research has shown that separation anxiety are caused by factors like genetics, trauma, sudden environmental changes, moving house and other usually completely out of control factors.

Your dog is a goddamn social animal. Social sleeping is natural behaviour, big excited greetings is natural behaviour and seeking social support and interaction is NATURAL BEHAVIOUR. Because you have brought a social living breathing animal into your house and you are their social group.

Withholding attention and being unpredictable or conditional about interacting with a social animal makes you kind of an asshole. Sure, you should set boundaries and your dog doesn’t have to live in your skin either, but don’t let unqualified so-called “professionals” shame you for loving your dog how you choose to love them.

Let them sleep in your bed if you want them to, revel in the joy of an excited dog greeting you when you come home, give your dog pats and cuddles when they seek you for them.

And don’t let anyone tell you that giving social support to a social animal is going to cause them anxiety. Because that is not how anxiety works at all.

(I have a Bachelor degree in Canine Science and am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer)

[hometoursandotherstuff]

[yayll]

~ a little something about Dazai and his tantrums ~

"... Hmph. I hope you crash this car and we both die."

The moody brunet mutters under his breath as he looks out of the car window, his arms crossed over his chest, refusing to look at you. He was awfully cute whenever he did this, and oh so vexing at the same time. You learned to acclimate to this very early into your relationship with him.

"What? All I said was that I was going to be driving us, Osamu!"

Your laugh is light hearted as you focus on the road ahead, dismissing his whiny behavior for another one of his... Melodramatic performances, his co-workers once called it. He finally turns to glare at you, but a wicked glint in his narrowed eyes betrays him... You can tell he's more unserious than anything. Playful, even. And besides, he would never actually be upset with you, he just can't stop thinking up schemes to make you roll your eyes at him. Your smile alone makes his thoughts impure, shame on you!

"Yeah, well... I feel dehumanized! overlooked! neglected..." He feigns offense, sighing heavily as he slouches into the passenger seat. He places a bandaged arm over his face, groaning softly but still side eyeing you to check if you're looking at him or not.

"You do that all on your own, silly."

"Excuse me? I'm expressing my grievances and you're calling me silly? Oh, so that's what this is really about. You don't love me anymore! What a cruel beauty you are..."

He gasps, now burying his face into the crook of his elbow, pretending to weep as he mumbles incoherent nonsense about how much you mistreat him. In actuality, he was giddy as hell. You park the car, and turn to face him, a coy smile flashes on your lips.

"Nobody said anything about not loving you. Now, what can I do to fix this, Mm?"

He lifts his head up, suddenly composed and shrugging his shoulders as if nothing ever happened, speaking in a matter of fact voice that somehow deepened.

"Well, definitely don't let me drive. I don't even have a license. I'd kill us in an instant."

"... Then why argue about it?!"

"Because you look so beautiful when you're yelling at me. And you make me feel alive. Anddd, because I'm bored~"

He flashes you a cheeky grin, it's dreamy and sickening. His eyes twinkle with mischief as he leans over the seat and flicks away a stray hair from your face. Dazai then taps the tip of your nose, slowly dragging his finger down to your plush bottom lip, gently flipping it over to expose your teeth. The pad of his finger gently swirls against your canines, and finally, retreats... He knows there's a time and place for his worship prodding. His eyes travel back up to yours, and you can swear they look darker than usual. If only the Port Mafia could see what became of the Demon Prodigy... A new man reborn! A man who loves!

The rest of the day is spent with you indulging Dazai, something along the lines of 'reparations' is what he calls it. Only he knows how much it means to him that you can handle him during his calculated outbursts... or rather harmless tests to prove you won't leave him at the first sign of trouble. He needs you to be in it for the longhaul, just like he is. It's deceptive, but no one has to know! He just loves you and these are simply counter measures. You'd probably call him selfish, but as long as you call him at all, he doesn't give a shit. Because in the grand scheme of things, he really can't drive, and you two are inevitably endgame.

You're the ball, and he's your chain.

[phoenixcatch7]

Dp x dc twin au where Danny and Damian were in fact conjoined/siamese twins, but the most dangerous type - one head, two bodies.

Their early removal from talia being because their shape would not have allowed for natural birth, they were written off but talia begged for the chance to send them off in the lazarus pit.

By some bizarre miracle, before she turned to leave, two small bodies bobbed to the surface - identical in every way, except for the eyes. The previous blue eyes now split in two, one left, one right, and the new eyes, pit created, a bright green.

She took her child, her two children, and together, they survived.

Being removed prematurely, their early years were tough, but soon they blossomed into promising heirs for the league. In sync with every step, the closest of brothers, the league was certain the old fairy tale of twins being telepathic had been granted by the pit that separated them, the remnants of being born as one mind, one brain, one skull.

But then Danny had to flee, and leave his other half behind. Stretched by distance for the first time, the bond grew thin and stretched, and Damian grieved his brother as dead. When he started being sent on public missions, he hid his distinctive heterochromia, choosing the green in memory of the pit that had given him and his brother life.

Danny, hiding his pit aura in the ocean's worth that was Amity park, took to blue, the colour that he and Damian were born with.

Damian moves to Gotham, and continues to mourn his brother as dead, right until one day when he is twelve, when he learns what the death of your other half truly feels like.

-

Their reunion is a thing of family legend. Violence runs hot in both bloodlines, ghosts are highly emotional and prone to fighting a the drop of a hat for bonding, playing, testing, every reason under the green sun. Their training and play often consisted of friendly spars, competitive spars, furious spars, venting spars. Both have been exposed to unhealthy amounts of ecto since before their birth.

There is a long, long minute of staring, before they rip themselves away and lunge at each other like wolves.

The bat family are horrified by their brutally efficient youngest suddenly barreling towards a clone (?) and trying to claw his throat open with his bare hands while openly sobbing.

It ends with them wrapped around each other crying into the others shoulder as their minds finally meet again and relax from the painful stretch for the first time in years.

But nobody else has any idea what to do.

[pallanophblargh]

Wake up, new cryptid just dropped!

It’s true that I’ve had to reimagine my day to day life since we got her, but I can’t imagine how we got this lucky. We thought we would have to work to earn her love, but from the moment she entered our house it’s been a cuddlefest, one I couldn’t possibly deny. There are hurdles she will be facing to be sure (and she will still need to meet the cats face to face) but I’m so happy to see this happy lil cheese every day. Welcome home Raclette!

(The couches will always be hers, even if it means she does try to smush whatever I’m working on at the time!)

[tobyislame]

love like a dog : fucked up toby romance headcanons

puppy love but make it depraved

he gives you a love like rotten fruit. maybe it could've been good if he hadn't been touched by decay, if he hadn't allowed himself to spoil. unfortunately, the rot flows through his veins like a sludge, infecting the things that get too close. just like you did. his sick latched onto you and festered like an infected scar.

he knows the mold is inherent to him, that it's in his instincts; this incessant drive to be fed, satisfied, noticed. he takes warmth from whoever will give it, wherever he can get it. he roams like a mutt with his nose to the ground, a fugitive hunting for scraps. wagging his tail at even the suggestion of tenderness, uncaring of where it comes from, only that he's receiving it.

he sticks to your heels, stays so close that you trip over his unrelenting fervor for you. as a stray, he sat and waited for someone to accept the things he couldn't change, for someone to stop and look between the bars of his cage. he waited so long for you. when you leave he'll wait for your return. if you're late he'll wait until then. he'll wait and wait and wait.

he worships the hand that feeds him. that hand is yours. he leans into it, tries to force himself under your palm, thrusts himself beneath the divine light of your gaze. if you even cast a glance his way it's enough for his tail to wag. he pursues your attention and affection like a hound, with no regard as to whether or not he's hurting himself in the process. the only thing you do is reinforce it with every bit of praise you give him, and he accepts it graciously. you're his person.

he doesn't bark or bare his teeth for fear of getting hit again. he bares them at the world, but never at you. he had been taught to bite, but he is not a bad dog. everything he does is with the intent to please. he brings you gifts, kneels and lays them at your feet with his tail between his legs, hoping that he'll be rewarded with your touch. hoping that it makes him worthy.

he doesn't even care if you love him as much as he loves you. he'll sleep at the foot of your bed if it means he can be on it, follow you if it means he can be close, spend his days at your feet if it means there's a chance you'll scratch him behind the ears. he'll sit at your door until you want him. he'll pull out his canines and declaw himself just to prove he'd never hurt you.

he loves like a dog and he takes what he is given.

[nat-20s]

Can I be honest with all of you for a second? I enjoy a guard dog dynamic well enough but to me? It pales in comparison to a purse dog dynamic. Make that man carryable in a grocery store and start whining if he's left alone in the house away from his person for too long. (too long being about 5 minutes)