As an honest lab owner and loyal worker, you need to get out of the home to earn a living, isn’t it? Just as you step outside, you hear the cries, the howling, and the barking of your loved dog. It seems very frightening and a horrible experience. This may point towards that your lab have separation anxiety. If you are experiencing the same, you are at the right place. In this article we will talk about separation anxiety in Labradors.
Do labs have separation anxiety?
Labs are more affectionate and attached to their owners. When the owners go out to work, they start crying, thinking that owner has left him. So yes, labs do have separation anxiety.
How do I fix my dogs separation anxiety?
Labs with separation anxiety howls, growls, and cries when their owners are not at home. Fix dogs’ separation anxiety, professional trainers and let us follow the steps given below:
- Ignore your dog 30 minutes before going at 30 minutes after coming back. This gives signal to dog’s brain that it is very boring that my owner is leaving and coming back.
- Before leaving, it is particularly important to give him mental stimulation toys. Hide treats in those toys and let your pup find his treats.
- Do not forget basic training commands as they help a lot in fixing your dog’s separation anxiety.
- Give them access to food and water so that they do not starve and left being thirsty while left alone at home.
- Repeat all points and never forget to follow these points so that dog’s separation anxiety can be easily and permanently cured.
What not to do with an anxious dog?
If your dog is anxious, you should not do the following things:
- Do not pet or calm him down if he is anxious as it would give signal to his brain that when I am anxious then only, they come and calm me.
- Do not ever punish them as punishing what put an end to the behavior but worsen it.
- Do not skip exercise as it will lead to boredom and more anxiety.
- Do not over stimulate with loud environments and chaotic homes as this could increase their anxiety.
- Do not force interactions if he is not in mood as this could increase anxiety and damage the trust.
How to deal with an anxious dog?
Dealing with anxious dog is not easy and quick requires calm approach and patience. Here are some useful ways that you could use to deal with anxious dog:
- Giving them proper exercise
- Spending quality time with them
- Train basic commands
- Exposing them to soft music
- Patiently handling them
How can I calm my dog anxiety naturally?
Dogs with anxiety do more barking, holding, and crying. So, farming your dog with exility requires patients. Here are some tips that you can follow to calm your dog’s anxiety naturally:
- Using calming scents such as sandalwood, chamomile and cedarwood
- Play soft music or white noise
- Petting your dog slowly and gently
- Practicing calm breathing with your dog
- Offering mental stimulation and toys
- Trying vet approved natural supplements like CBD oil (pet grade), valerian root or L-theanine.
- Creating a safe and quiet place
- Structuring routines and keeping exercise routine
- Using gentle pressure like thunder shirt
- Spending quiet and alone time outdoors
How do anxious dogs behave?
Anxious dogs behave differently from normal dogs. They howl, cry, bark continuously, do not eat and drink, stays in couch for all day and do not enjoy activities that they used to.
Can you cure dog separation anxiety?
Yes, it is possible to cure a dog separation anxiety. Well, this may take some time, but it will be worth it. You can follow the above tips that I have given to cure a dog’s separation anxiety.
Are dogs born with separation anxiety?
No, dogs are not born with separation anxiety. Separation anxiety may develop due to some factors like trauma in past, not getting enough attention and genetical factors.
How Long Does It Take to Break Separation Anxiety?
The recovery time depends on severity:
- Mild cases: 2–3 weeks.
- Severe cases: 2 months or more.
With patience and consistent training, progress is always possible.
Conclusion
Labs with separation anxiety behaves abnormally. They do not enjoy the food, activities at even howl, bark, and cry. Separation anxiety in dogs is highly curable; you just need to stay patient and follow the tips regularly and every day.
If you have another enquiry the comment box is down. Stay tuned for more such articles. Bye and have a nice day!
