Dogs are pack animals and most enjoy interaction with others and their owners, and the separation or exclusion can leave the dog feeling anxious. There are many reasons for dogs to exhibit nervous behaviors due to trauma, lack of training and lack of socialization. It also may be breed specific. Though these habits are not entirely easy to fix, there are ways to prevent and correct them.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety begins once the dog suspects the owner's leave, the dog begins to pace, whine, or follow. When alone anxieties range from continuous barking, howling, drooling, pacing, destruction or even defecating and urinating. This could be a behavior brought on from a previously long absence, lack of exercise, fear the owner or 'pack leader' will not return, or the dog believes they are the pack leader and did not allow the leave. Famous dog trainer Cesar Milan suggests five mantras to practice to help prevent anxieties. "Before you leave, go for a walk," which can prevent anxieties in dogs with built up energy. "No touch, no talk, no eye contact," and "say goodbye long before you leave," are important to teach the dog leaving the house and returning is not a big deal and prevent nervous buildup and. "Stay calm and assertive," and "start out small." This will teach the dog that you are the pack leader, and increasing time left without incident can control anxieties.
Socialization
Dog socialization should begin right when one picks up their new puppy and continue for the rest of the dog's life. Puppies and dogs need exposure to different types of people, places, objects, and even noises to introduce positive experiences and prevent any future fear or aggression in the future. It is important to use positive reinforcement when introducing the puppy or dog to anything new to prevent any negative association.
Phobia
Dogs develop phobias and aggression due to the lack of socialization. Many dog phobias can exhibit the same sorts of behavior shown in separation anxiety. Phobias may develop at any time in the dog's life, and can be something that once did not scare the dog. A move from the country into the city could cause the dog to fear the new noises since they are unknown, which is why ongoing socialization is very important. Once a dog develops a phobia it is important to ignore nervous behavior such as panting, whining or pacing to teach that the behavior is unacceptable and the behavior will result in a lack of attention. Reinforce positive behavior in the form of treats or attention to reward calm or passive behavior during the situation. This will promote calm behavior. With fears of objects, it is important to attract the dog with treats and praise in a familiar environment so he learns to accept and not fear the object or person.
Prevention
Always remember that it never helps to reprimand the dog for nervous problems. Doing so could cause the problems to worsen. A dog should not receive positive reinforcement when demonstrating any aggressive, phobic responses because it that may send the message to the dog that the behavior is acceptable. Dogs should begin socialization at 3 to 12 months because they are the most formative years.
Training the Owner
Most dogs are eager to please their owners and the majority of bad behaviors exhibited in dogs are learned. Victoria Stilwell of popular dog training show, "It's Me or the Dog,' states, "Training is 80 percent owners and 20 percent dog in my book." It is important for owners to act as a pack leader and give praise and attention only when the dog is calm. When owners give their dogs attention during inappropriate behavior, such as jumping up or barking, it teaches the dog to continue these actions. Dog owners also need to be aware that buying a dog entails properly exercising dogs in the form of walks, training sessions or playing, which can prevent some destructive behaviors caused by boredom and can also help the dog understand who the pack leader is.
Tags: pack leader, behavior such, could cause, lack socialization, positive reinforcement