Whining, barking, misbehavior, oh my! I’ve dealt with it all when it comes to my Lab-mix, Riser. She has been with me since she was just over 10-weeks-old. Now, at just over a year, Riser and I have fully bonded, and we are closer than ever.
I have moved into a new apartment, and it has been quite the adjustment for Riser. When she would bark non-stop whenever I attempted to leave the house, I grew very frustrated. I wasn’t too sure what to do, especially because a neighbor had politely mentioned it to me.
I was surprised to learn that moving impacts your dog a lot more than you may think, especially when you head back to work once you’re all settled in. In fact, I discovered that it takes dogs weeks or even months to fully adjust to their new home!
Separation anxiety in dogs can be displayed in quite a few ways. Riser, who is fully potty trained, was suddenly having accidents in the house, chewing excessively, and barking for hours on end.
I was shocked and realized there could be something I could do to ease Riser’s anxiety when she is home alone.
How I Helped My Dog's Separation Anxiety
Essential Oils
The first thing I did was research which essential oils are calming for dogs. I moved my diffuser next to her crate and added lavender, mint, and chamomile oils to the water. Lavender alone creates a calming effect for dogs and provides peace and tranquility.
Re-introduced Snuggle Puppy
Next, I re-introduced Riser to her Snuggle Puppy. As soon as I would turn on the Real-Feel Heartbeat and added the heat pack, Riser would calm down and quit whining. I started to notice that she would spend time in her crate outside of my work schedule and that it became her safe zone.
Changed Up Routine
While Riser began to calm down and her anxious behaviors subsided, I noticed she would get very antsy and pant when I would start to grab my keys and pack my bag for work. I quickly realized that these were all signs for her that I was going to be leaving the house.
As an adjustment to my routine, I started to grab and move my keys throughout the day instead of just when I was leaving. This way, Riser wouldn’t get anxious that she would be alone.
Ultimately, anxiety can happen, especially if your pup is adjusting to a new home or routine where you won’t be home as often. It’s all because they love you! Here is the final list of tips I recommend from one dog parent to another.
Additional Tips
Crating
If you crate your dog, make it their safe zone! Add lots of blankets, toys, chews and even a Snuggle Puppy!
Pay Attention
Play close attention to your dog’s reaction to your behaviors and routine. I would have never noticed that Riser was reacting strongly to me grabbing my keys without noticing some of her other anxious behaviors like barking, panting, and having accidents in the house.
Recognize
Recognize that dogs can have issues with mental health as well. Like humans, your dog will have good days and bad days. Be patient, and make sure you put time and effort into listening to their behaviors and acknowledging the situation at hand.
The Snuggle Puppy Blog has many tips and tricks for new dog parents. As a fellow dog mom, I’d recommend checking out ‘Top 10 Puppy Training Tips’. All dogs have different personalities and respond differently to behavioral techniques, so always keep reading and learning how to comfort and communicate with your dog effectively.
From your Snuggle Puppy dog mom,
Ashley Handy
