Separation Anxiety in Pet Dogs. Where to start?

Описание: This video explores the nuances of addressing separation anxiety in dogs, specifically focusing on a recent case with a nine-year-old Chihuahua. While often perceived as a challenge, separation anxiety can be effectively managed by understanding its roots - often tied to over-bonding and shifts in daily routines, such as those following holiday breaks, as was the case in this instance.

Strategies for Managing Separation Anxiety
Managing this behaviour involves several clear, consistent steps:

Establishing Sensible Boundaries: Encouraging independence by providing the dog with its own comfortable bed on the floor, rather than allowing constant access to the sofa or physical contact with owners.

Calm Interactions: Reducing high-energy greetings and physical attention during the day helps lower the dog’s baseline anxiety and emotional state.

Mental and Physical Stimulation: Implementing activities where the dog must work for its food, such as using puzzle toys, significantly increases mental engagement and physical output.

Structured Outdoor Activity: Regular exercise in open spaces, ideally using a long training lead, allows the dog to engage in natural behaviours like sniffing and exploring, which further helps in draining both mental and physical energy.

By consistently applying these techniques, owners can help their dogs become more settled and prepared for rest at night, even when physically separated from them.

Is your dog struggling with separation anxiety at night?
In this video, I break down a real-life case involving a 9-year-old Chihuahua and the simple, effective strategies we used to restore peace to the household.

We explore the concept of "over-bonding," how holiday breaks can trigger new behaviours, and why simplicity is the key to a settled dog. You’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries, use food for mental stimulation, and why structured outdoor play is a game-changer for anxious pets.

Whether your dog has mild or severe separation issues, these practical tips will help you regain control and ensure your dog feels safe and relaxed on their own.

In this video, you’ll discover:

Why mature dogs can suddenly develop anxiety.

The impact of "over-bonding" and how to fix it.

Step-by-step training to help your dog sleep independently.

How to use puzzle feeders to drain your dog's mental energy.

The importance of calm, low-arousal interactions in the home.

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0:00 Understanding Dog Separation Anxiety in Mature Dogs
0:45 Case Study: 9-Year-Old Chihuahua’s Nighttime Anxiety
1:48 Identifying Common Triggers for Dog Anxiety
2:20 Is Over-Bonding the Root of Your Dog’s Problem?
3:53 How to Set Boundaries: Teaching Your Dog to Sleep Alone
4:55 Reducing Anxiety Through Calm Household Interactions
6:10 Mental Stimulation: Using Food to Calm Your Dog
8:15 Physical Outlets: The Power of Structured Outdoor Play
10:00 Comparing Mild vs. Severe Separation Anxiety
11:55 Simple Steps for Long-Term Behavioral Success

Dog Behaviourist | Dog Trainer | Nick Jones MA
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