Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Dog Behavior Modification - Three Beneficial Tricks for Separation Anxiety

What is dog behavior modification? Dog behavior modification is the course to shifting behavioral issues. Obedience training alone cannot accomplish behavior modification. Fact is, teaching obedience commands to fix a behavioral problem often does get in the way of helping the dog deal with his or her dilemma.

Here are three dog behavior modification tips to assist in separation anxiety.

1. The utmost effective remedy for separation anxiety incorporates dog behavior modification. Many canines react well to confinement in a small space because it makes them feel secure. If your canine enjoys crate or room confinement, as shown by napping or snacking while confined, owners must utilize this trick both when the owner is at home, as well as, when they are away. Bear in mind, the crate or "safety place" is a place where your dog feels secure and at ease; not under any condition treat the crate or "safe room" for punishment.

2. One of the beneficial techniques for dog behavior modification is exercise or activity. The more activity you and your dog get, the more tension is relieved, hence, the fewer times your dog will chew your sandals when you are away. There is a direct connection with tension reduction in humans and exercise. It is the same with dogs. Take your "furry friend" for a very long, and I mean a LONG walk. It will be a great tension reliever for you and your pet. Imagine all the bonding you will have and the terrific health rewards!!!

3. Dog behavior modification begins with you, the pet owner. Watching for the signs of discomfort are not complex if you pay attention. Canines that become bothered after owners leave are most often anxious before they go. Owners need to learn to see the signs of distress: digging, whining, pacing, panting, shaking; all these reveal: anxiety. Owners can not reward these behaviors by saying, "You are OK!" Before the canine becomes anxious, owners must soothe the behavior by talking to the canine, rubbing it or brushing it. If your dog still becomes anxious when you leave, you must ignore the behavior and not fuss over the dog. Fussing or pitying inadvertently rewards the anxious behavior.

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