Separation Anxiety Specialists Wish Pet Parents Knew…
Many people believe that when their dogs act destructively when left alone, they’re deliberately trying to spite us or are being “naughty.” It’s easy to fall into this way of thinking when our dogs' behavior becomes inconvenient for us. After all, this was not part of your plan for your dog's life—or yours, for that matter. But what if I told you this perspective is not just wrong but actually counterproductive?
Believing that our dogs are being malicious or defiant sets us up for frustration and a punitive approach. This only serves to make our dogs more insecure and can exacerbate the issue. This mindset is not just inaccurate; it’s damaging. Dogs don’t act out of spite. Instead, they’re experiencing something much more profound and distressing.
Let’s get straight to the point: your dog is having a panic attack every time they’re left alone. When dogs are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, they lose control over their actions. Their brains are consumed by panic, leaving no room for rational thought. Imagine being locked in a burning house—you’d be terrified and trying to escape by any means possible. That’s the level of distress your dog is experiencing.
This intense panic is the root cause of their destructive behavior. Recognizing that your dog’s behavior stems from deep-seated fear rather than a desire to misbehave is the first step toward helping them. With this awareness, you can begin to address their anxiety in a way that’s constructive and compassionate.
So, what do you do to move forward with your dog? Separation anxiety is a tough phobia to work through, there's no doubt about that! Luckily, there are dog trainers and behavior consultants who specialize in this particular issue, like me. We are educated and experienced in helping you work through this issue in a humane and effective way. Look for trainers who are Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultants (CSAP-BC) or Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSAT). Your dog’s well-being hinges on your ability to choose the right behavior professional for the job!
Written
Written By:
Lauren Sorensen
CSAP-BC • CPDT-KA • FFCP • FDM
lauren@healthymindcanine.com
