Dogs are pack animals and live by the rules of pack behavior. Within a pack there is the pack leader and then the subordinates in descending order of power down to the most submissive of the pack. Within a pack it is only the pack leader who leaves the group at any time. Subordinate members of the pack do not ever go way anywhere on their own. So when I get this question of separation anxiety from a client - the first thought to run through my head is - who is pack leader? Is it the dog owner? Most likely the answer is no - the owner has unintentionally made the dog pack leader - so when the owner leaves the home or the pack, the dog who is pack leader becomes stressed that a subordinate has left - they do not do that. You can try all the anti-anxiety drugs in the world but nothing will stop a dog from living within his ways - pack leader is the only one to leave - I am pack leader and you left - I will stress until you come back.
How to stop this behavior - first is to understand who is boss. You are pack leader :
Eat first, no free feeding
you go through doors first
you do not sit on the floors nor does your dog sit up higher on furniture
pack leader is in full control - dogs must sit at the door and wait until it okay by you for the dog to go through it
leaders win games like tug of war
ignore constant insistence for petting - this can be a sign of dominance - you choose when to give love and you end it first
teach a long down - down is a subordinate position
Dogs are dogs not people. Dogs are dogs first then members of your family. Learn their language and what their behaviors actually mean and you will have a better, more honest relationship with your pet. When you take the position as pack leader, your dog will have an understanding of why you leave the pack and come back. The correct being is in charge and Fido no longer has to feel stress about your disappearing through the door.
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