Advice from a Leading Dog Trainer in Kansas City on Easing Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety – September marks the end of summer and the start of school, and a trusted dog trainer in Kansas City understands how difficult this transition can be for your pet. Many dogs love having their owner’s home for the summer, especially kids that play with them all day. It can be challenging for your pet to adjust to a quiet, empty house; you might also notice their behavior changing.

Often, this behavior change is a sign of separation anxiety and can mean your dog is feeling more anxious than usual. Common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include getting nervous when you leave the house, being overly excited when you return and wrecking items in the home while you’re gone. Some levels of separation anxiety can be considered normal, but it’s crucial to talk with your dog’s vet if you believe it’s becoming too severe.

At K.I.S.S. Dog Training, leader of Kansas City dog training, we believe that dogs are only as good as their owners; that’s why we stick to our motto, “keep it simple, stupid!” We understand how stressful separation anxiety can be for your pet; that’s why we’ve compiled some tips on how to ease your dog’s separation anxiety.

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What is Separation Anxiety?

According to an expert of in home dog training in Kansas City, separation anxiety occurs when dogs become hyper-attached to their owners. When their owners leave, they become stressed and uncomfortable. Separation anxiety is more than whining and barking; it’s a serious condition that should be managed.

Numerous things can cause your dog to develop separation anxiety, including a change of ownership, change in schedule, being left alone, and moving from a shelter to their new home. It’s vital to remember that separation anxiety is normal, and that there are things you can do to manage it.

Signs of Separation Anxiety

Experts of dog training in Kansas City want pet owners to know and understand the signs of separation anxiety. A dog experiencing social anxiety might:

• Have accidents even if they are house trained
• Chew on furniture or other items
• Excessively bark, whine, or howl
• Pacing
• Scratch at windows and doors
• Trying to escape

They likely won’t do these things while you’re around; checking for these behaviors after leaving your home is crucial.

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Tips from a Kansas City Dog Trainer on Managing Separation Anxiety

According to a dog behavior specialist in Kansas City, you should first see your vet. It’s crucial to rule out the possibility of your pup’s social anxiety being caused by a medical condition. If your dog’s case is mild, there are several things you can do to help ease their anxiety.

One of the best ways to help ease your pup’s social anxiety is to get them used to being alone for short durations of time. This can be done either in the crate or roaming free in the home. It’s crucial to give them a reward to normalize you leaving them by themselves. This must be mastered before you are able to leave them for longer periods of time.

Consider giving your dog a special treat or toy, like a puzzle toy with peanut butter; when you leave, you can only give it to them when you’re gone and take it away when you get home. You can also leave out any clothes that smell like you so they can be comforted by your scent.

Hire a Leading Dog Trainer in Kansas City Today to Help Give Your Pet a Positive Motivational Experience!

K.I.S.S. Dog Training has been a leader in Kansas City dog training for over ten years. We take pride in strengthening the relationships between owners and their dogs. We believe it’s essential for humans to understand what their dog needs and the best ways to help them get it.

Contact us online or give us a call at 913-269-7595 to partner with a trainer. We are located in Shawnee and service Overland Park, Olathe, and the Kansas City metro area.