If you own a pet, especially a dog, then you’ll understand deeply that the bonds between man (or woman) and animal can be especially strong and meaningful. This is obviously a very positive thing, until you leave. Leaving your pet alone can cause great emotional distress, which is exhibited as separation anxiety.
The roots of separation anxiety are in a dog’s genes. Dogs are evolved from wolves who generally travel in packs. In a pack, wolves each know their place in the hierarchy and essentially rely on those around them for survival. In a pet owner scenario, you are essentially the pack leader, you provide food, pet supplies and emotional support. Therefore, when the owner gone is they can feel as though they’re being ousted from the pack.
How Is This Manifested In Behavior?
Separation anxiety can completely transform the behavior of your pet. They can become disruptive, very vocal and visibly upset. Sometimes the most affectionate pets suffer from separation anxiety most explicitly, and the change in behavior can be very striking.
What Can Be Done?
There are a few ways to lessen the disruptive effects of separation anxiety. For example, you can desensitize your pet to the signs that you’re leaving. Train a dog to get used to the sound of the keys rattling or the door opening and your dog will cease to see them as signs of departure.
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