Separation Anxiety

Does your dog have separation anxiety?

Dogs are social animals and don't like to be separated from their pack; that's why it's so important to treat coming and going as no big deal.

We now realize the way we treat our dogs has a direct connection to separation anxiety. Often our dogs are cuddled too much, spoiled and have no rules. Our intentions may be good but the results may be anything but.

Your Dog's Basic Needs

All dogs need plenty of exercise every day, mental stimulation and rules to follow. Of course it's important to show your dog affection, but affection is not just about hugging and petting. You can give your dog a massage, a toy, a game of fetch, the occasional treat and a calm environment. Remember affection should only be given when your dog is exhibiting a behaviour you agree with.

Prevent Separation Anxiety

Never pay attention to your dog when leaving or first returning home. The goal is for it to be no big deal that you come and go. This can be a real challenge for people. Just keep in mind that you will be helping your dog cope with your absence if you act more nonchalant about it.

Exercise also makes a big difference. Start the day with a long walk (try for a minimum of 30 minutes). This has wonderful benefits for you too! When you get home, feed your dog and calmly go about your business of getting ready to leave. You don't have to say goodbye, you won't hurt her feelings. You can leave the house feeling good that you have fulfilled your dog's needs for exercise, food and rest. Isn't that better than feeling guilty for leaving?

If you have a high energy dog, a 30 minute walk might not be enough. You will either have to increase the time or increase the intensity of those 30 minutes. You can do that by jogging, rollerblading or biking with your dog. Or find obstacles to go around or climb over such as big rocks, picnic tables or benches. Walking different routes will also add extra mental stimulation (new smells and sights). Maybe even end your walk with a game of fetch in the park or your backyard.

Confidence Building Exercises

Next time you are out walking find a place where you can safely tie your dog's leash. Walk out of your dog's sight for a few minutes. If your dog whines or barks while you are gone use a verbal correction "shh" in an assertive tone and walk calmly back to her. Continue on your walk and try again at another tree or bench. Once your dog successfully waits for you calmly, you can praise her. It could take many tries but don't give up. Your dog's confidence will build over time.

Also practice going out of the house for short periods of time.  Go out the front door, return by the back door. Do not talk to your dog during this exercise and always remain calm. Remember you can interrupt if she barks or whines with "shh" (or whatever works for you). Your assertive tone is more important that the actual sound or word you use.

Serious Cases of Separation Anxiety

If your dog's anxiety is so severe that she is damaging things and trying to get out of your house, you may consider a crate while you are working on the issue. If you do this you have to gradually get her used to it. This could take days or weeks. A crate should be a safe haven for a dog, not a confinement or punishment. So please if you are going this route, take the time to introduce it properly. And never put your dog in his crate in a rush, it'll benefit you both to be calm about it.

Birds Fly, Fish Swim, Dogs Walk!



Walking is one of the most important activities you do with your dog. I'd even go so far to say if you don't want to walk everyday, you probably shouldn't have a dog!

Walking for a dog is primal. It's what they do and they love doing it. And you can too! Walking can be a special bonding time with your dog. It's a chance to get out and meet your neighbours and also to meet other dogs in the area. And it is great exercise for us and our dogs.

You should aim for 2 or 3 walks a day for at least 30 minutes (this can and will vary depending on the breed, size, age and the energy level of your dog). Imagine sitting at home for 7 to 9 hours a day with nothing to do. On average that's what we ask our dogs to do every single day. We owe it to them to get out of the house every morning for a good walk to relieve themselves and burn off some energy. In turn when it's time for you to go to work, they will be ready to settle down and rest. In nature, dogs migrate, hunt, eat and then rest or play. So go for a walk first and then feed when you get back home. You will fulfill your dog's instinct of working for his food and he will naturally settle down after.

And after a long day of waiting for you, the best reward you can give your dog is a good walk when you get home from work! This is a great time for all family members to get together and walk as a pack. If you have had a stressful or tiring day, this walk will clear your mind and energize you for the evening ahead. And again walk first, feed after and your pooch will be ready to settle down while you go about your evening chores or activities.

If your dog is very high energy you will have to step it up on your walks. During your walk you can do some training exercises (sit, stay, heel). Or go around trees, guide them to jump up on rocks, picnic tables or benches. Next time you go for a walk, look around and think about what you can use to stimulate your dog mentally as well as physically. You can also bike or rollerblade with your dog to burn even more energy. Please use common sense if you've worked your dog very hard during your walk and give them time to calm down before feeding. I highly recommend educating yourself on the subject of "Bloat" in dogs.

Dogs love routine but also need variety so change it up. Do your favourite route backwards or walk down the opposite side of the street (there are different smells there). Have a few routes to choose from so that neither of you get bored. Take your dog to dog parks, trails and even downtown or around other neighbourhoods. Going somewhere new is as exciting for your dog as it is for you, especially if it includes a ride in the car!

Wherever you do walk, make sure you keep your dog on the opposite side of traffic at all times. A six foot leash is the best as it gives your dog room to explore but also gives you control when you need it. Ideally you want your dog to walk either beside you or behind you. Stay tuned for tips on "Loose Leash Walking".

Your Dog's Needs

When you adopt a dog or bring a puppy into your life, you are embarking (no pun intended) on a wonferful journey. Your new addition comes with many needs and will look to you to fulfil them. Your dog's needs are:

• Leadership
• Rules
• Daily walks and exercise
• Mental stimulation
• Love and affection
• Being part of the family
• Safety
• Place to sleep
• Food to eat
• Access to fresh water
• Health care
• Dog friends
• Adventures
• Play time
• Routine and variety

Are you fulfilling your dog's needs?

Things to consider BEFORE you get a dog

I cannot imagine my life without a dog in it. They are wonderful companions and teach us a lot about life. Too often though, people get a dog on a whim not really considering how much work they really are.

So for all you dog owners out there who know someone who is thinking about getting a dog, please share this information with them.  Thank you.

Do you have enough time for a dog?

How much time do you realistically have for a dog? When you own a dog you will need to make time for the following:

• Walks (every day, time and frequency will depend on your dog)
• Training (your dog should know his/her basic commands)
• Mental Stimulation (new places to go, dogs to meet, surroundings and smells)
• Love/affection
• Feeding
• Cleaning up after
• Trips to the vet (planned and possible emergency)
• Trips to the groomer (frequency will depend on breed)
• Trips to the kennel (if/when you travel and cannot bring him)
• Trips to the dog park (socializing is extremely important)

Do you have enough money to have a dog?

Having a dog can be very expensive. Here is a list of the most common costs that

are associated with having a dog:

• Food, Treats, Bowls,
• Leash, Collar
• Bones, Chews
• Grooming equipment (brush, comb, nail clippers, shampoo, wipes)
• Poop bags
• Dog bed
• Toys
• Vet appointments (possible emergency visits to the vet)
• Dog crate (if required)
• Boarding (if required)
• Groomer (frequency will depend on the breed)

Will a dog enhance your lifestyle?

Do you have an suitable lifestyle for a dog? Dogs are pack animals and love to be with their humans. Of course we cannot be with them all of the time, but you should consider the following:

• Do you travel a lot for work?
• Do you like to go to the gym or shopping right after work?
• Do you like meeting friends for drinks after work?
• Are most of your vacations abroad?
• Are you a workaholic?
• Do you spend many of your evenings out of the house?
• Are you single and dating often?
• Are you obsessed with cleanliness?
• Do you or are you planning on having kids?
• Will a dog enhance or hinder your lifestyle?
  
  

Do you have enough space for a dog?

You have to take where you live into consideration when deciding to get a dog. Dogs require space to live, walk and play.

• Do you have room for a dog and all the things that the dog will have?
• Do you have a back yard?
• If no back yard, are you willing to walk your dog to green space every day? Several times a day?
• Are you close to a park or green space where your dog can play?
• Will barking be an issue where you live? (i.e. do you live in an apartment?)
  

How should you choose the right dog?

Once you have decided that you are ready for a dog, there are many things to consider when choosing one:

• Breed (mixed or purebred)
• Energy (you should have ideally have more energy than your dog)
• Age (do want a puppy or an older dog)
• Sex (do you have a preference?)
• Size (you need to know how big they will be full grown)
• Grooming needs (this varies a lot depending on breed)
• Temperament (do you or will you have children)
• Special needs (special health issues or grooming needs)
• Where do you go to find the right dog? (you must do your research)

The bottom line is to have to be honest with yourself. Sharing your life with a dog is a precious and wonderful experience but you owe it to them to make sure you are ready for the responsibility that comes along with it.