| "> | | | | comfortably relaxed. This is important when you |
| Rescue dog separation anxiety is common in pets | | | | first start these techniques. A tired dog is a well |
| that have been abandoned or mistreated by their | | | | behaved, calm dog. Leaving a tired and exhausted |
| former owners. Having faced violence and | | | | animal pet at home is a great way to avoid |
| trauma, such dogs simply cannot embrace new | | | | problems. Some dogs are anxious due to lack of |
| shelters and new masters with complete trust | | | | exercise alone! |
| and confidence. Hence, abandonment and | | | | Once your dog has had some exercise, go |
| attachment issues are common in rescues dogs. | | | | through your normal routine before you leave. |
| One effective way of solving this predicament is | | | | Head directly to the door, go out and come back |
| through desensitization, or a behavioral conditioning | | | | again. Repeat this drill until your dog gets used to |
| scheme that is geared towards making a pet dog | | | | you coming and going, but not leaving. Your dog |
| less vulnerable to anxiety. This is done through | | | | should be showing no signs of stress. If your |
| gradual exposure to whatever triggers the fear. | | | | rescue dog is stressed out or anxious when you |
| This process needs a new stimulus (the treat) | | | | leave, they are likely to be stressed the entire |
| that will be presented as a reward or as a | | | | time you are gone. Leaving your dog in a calm |
| positive distraction. The treat distraction is used to | | | | state is crucial. |
| divert the dogs attention from feeling any anxiety | | | | You can couple the desensitization training process |
| upon the sight of you preparing to leave. That | | | | with medication to stop severe anxiety and speed |
| treat stimulus may take the form of an exercise, | | | | up your results. The key to overcoming rescue |
| food, or other conditioning tricks. | | | | dog separation anxiety is a consistent plan. You |
| Here is an example: | | | | and your dog will have a rewarding healthy |
| Take your dog out for an exercise. Allow your | | | | relationship as a result of all of the effort you put |
| dog to use all its excess energy until they are | | | | in together. |