Dachshund Separation Anxiety

Dachshund Experiencing Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is typically triggered by loneliness and a fear of abandonment but can also be caused by the owner’s excessive attention, times, or affection. If training methods are not implemented to curb this behavior, the stress may continue to grow, eventually developing into more aggressive behaviors.

Dachshunds are often renowned for their stubborn, headstrong behavior. They can be calm and friendly with strangers but have an innate desire to guard their family against any danger that may come home with them. Dietary changes or exercise programs are also essential to help mitigate separation anxiety in dogs and calming medication for dogs who suffer from severe separation anxiety.

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What Causes Bad Separation Anxiety For Dachshund?

Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety because they are bred to be companion animals, and they will have a tough time adjusting to not being around their human parents. They need a significant amount of socialization from a very early age to most dogs, and they cannot develop their own. Also, since they have many needs (food, water, vet care, exercise, etc.), they need guidance and constant attention from their owners. As a result of this stress on the dogs’ minds, many Dachshunds will develop separation anxiety signs.

Dachshund Separation Anxiety: Sign and Symptoms

Loss of appetite, hiding under furniture or in cracks

Dachshunds are small dogs that are loyal, smart, and playful. However, they have certain health issues, such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome, that require extra care and attention. The separation anxiety, in some instances, can lead to the dog feeling stressed out, causing them to hide.

Excessive panting, pacing, crying, and barking

Dachshunds can have excessive panting, pacing, and barking when left for too long. If your Dachshund is acting like this when you leave them for a few minutes, separation anxiety is most likely.

Destructive behavior (chewing anything and everything)

Dachshunds can be destructive when it comes to chewing, especially if they feel anxious. If your Dachshund is destroying items around the house, that could be separation anxiety.

Urine spraying (on the owner)

Dachshunds tend to urinate or attempt to urinate on the owner. Dachshunds can be known for urine marking, especially on carpets or sofa pillows. That is another sign of dogs with separation anxiety and stress.

Licking around the house (in random areas)

Dogs do this when they are bored or anxious/stressed. It is not uncommon for dogs to spray urine outside the litterbox. If this happens, please note some important ways to stop this bad habits.

Aggression toward the owner, other family members, and stranger

Dachshunds are known to have aggressive tendencies. They are small dogs and can be easily intimidated or hurt by other dogs. When an owner leaves their Dachshund alone, they can become aggressive towards the owner.

Restlessness

Dachshunds are known to be restless when left alone or in a new environment. They crave attention and often try to get it through niping, growling, and barking. All this is done out of fear. A majority of these signs can be prevented or cured through proper aftercare and training. Dachshunds that have separation anxiety usually need extra love and reassurance while they’re being left alone for long periods.

Seizures

Dachshunds can suffer from seizures if they are left alone for too long. That is typically caused by anxiety and stress. A Dachshund Puppy Training Program will address all of the above ailments, as well as offer you a step-by-step program that will guarantee success with your new Dachshund. 

A tendency to escape from the yard and run away

Dachshunds tend to escape from the yard and run away. Dachshunds with separation anxiety are usually left in a room while their owners are gone, making the dog feel more anxious.

Possessive behavior toward toys, food bowls, and other items

Dachshunds are known to be possessive towards their toys, food bowls, and other items. If you are a Dachshund parent, a Dachshund Puppy Training Routine Program will allow you to give your dog the appropriate attention and love they need so they do not feel any anxiety when you are away.

Compulsive chewing of furniture, curtains, carpeting, and carpets

Dachshunds tend to chew their furniture when left alone. That is most likely caused by boredom as they feel anxious and insecure.

Excessive licking of self or owner’s clothing

Dachshunds are known to lick their owners’ clothing. If you are a Dachshund parent, the Dachshund Puppy Training Program will give your dog the love and attention they need, so they are less likely to develop separation anxiety.

Destructive scratching of household objects and furniture

Dachshunds tend to scratch things such as carpets, walls, and furniture. Dachshund Puppy Training Program will teach you how to properly socialize your Dachshund so they will not be destructive when left alone for long periods.

Continual licking at sores, hot spots, and skin problems

Dachshunds are known to have skin problems that make them lick at their sores or hot spots more frequently. Dachshund Puppy Training Program will give your Dachshund the love and attention they need, so they do not feel any anxiety when you are away.

Low self-esteem, depression, and loss of confidence

Dachshunds are known to have low self-esteem, depression, and loss of confidence. If you are a Dachshund parent, the Dachshund Puppy Training Program will give your dog the love and attention they need so they do not feel any anxiety when you are away.

A tendency to become clingy and dependent upon the owner for all needs

Dachshunds tend to become clingy and dependent upon the owner for all of their needs. Dachshunds that are not appropriately socialized with other animals at an early age can become aggressive towards other animals, especially when the owner is away.

Excessive barking, excessive growling, and howling

Dachshunds are known to have excessive barking, excessive growling, and howling. The Dachshund Puppy Training Program will give your dog the love and attention they need, so they do not feel any anxiety when you are away.

How to Prevent Dachshund Anxiety: 

1. Never leave a Dachshund alone for over 8 hours without ample preparation or planning

2. Let your Dachshund get used to being alone from an early age

3. Invest in an excellent training program for basic obedience

4. Provide daily exercise to maintain your dog’s health and keep it busy 

5. Bring your dog along when running errands or traveling

6. Invest in obedience classes to socialize your dog and to have someone help you with training 

7. Keep your veterinarian’s phone number and a list of emergency numbers handy

8. Have someone house sit if you plan on leaving town for an extended time

9. Never leave your Dachshund alone in a non-dog safe area (garage, backyard, or porch)

10. Keep your Dachshund leashed when walking on streets or in public areas

11. Keep your Dachshund leashed while out in a yard

12. Never place your Dachshund in a kennel or crates separation anxiety while you are at home

How to Manage Dachshund Separation Anxiety

Different dogs are prone to separation anxiety more than others, but separation anxiety is common among pets. Dachshunds are known for their playful attitudes and for being high-energy. Separation anxiety may be part of their personality but can cause severe problems and even be fatal if not controlled. It would help if you managed it properly to prevent problems and make your dog’s life easier.

It is believed that the more dog owners involve in house training, the less likely they are to develop separation anxiety issues. That’s because the owner will feel more secure knowing how to provide a safe environment for their dog while they’re gone from home. A dog trained to remain in a particular area of the house and not be destroyed while the owner is gone can relax and feel safe.

What to Do If Your Dachshund Already Have Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is difficult to manage, and it usually manifests itself in dogs between the ages of 1-4. However, you can prevent the situation from getting worse by taking the following measures:

Step 1 – Provide your dog with a safe place of its own. It can be anything from a cardboard box in the corner of your bedroom to a $1000 memory foam-covered crates separation anxiety. They are both equally good, and it’s all up to you on how much you want to spend. The point is, give your Dachshund somewhere that they can feel safe and comfortable when you leave, and that way, they won’t destroy everything when you remove them from their haven.

Step 2 – Go to your veterinarian for a formal consultation. Your vet can assess your dog’s anxiety level, and more importantly, see if they have underlying fears the vet needs to investigate. By taking this step, you are essentially giving your dog a chance of being “cured” of their anxiety issues.

Step 3 – Get your Dachshund used to the idea of people and loud noises. You can do this through positive training methods, such as clicker training, or it could be as simple as having your dog meet another dog at the park.

Step 4 – Start taking your dog on car rides. That can be a long journey or a short drive depending on your preference; when you get to the point that you want to stop, do so very quickly (just like when you’re at home). Your dog will realize that he doesn’t have to stay inside all day.

Step 5 – When you know that your dog will be alone for an extended period, you need to prepare them. It essentially boils down to food. Have a bunch of their preferred food, and make sure it’s the kind that contains ingredients that will comfort them when left alone for long periods. It would be best to have a “safe” toy or blanket with them.

Different Stage of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a behavioral problem that usually manifests as a dog’s reaction to leaving its home. The dog feels panic, fear, or distress when separated from its pack, owner, or any other stimulus that provides reassurance. Although dogs commonly show some separation anxiety, the condition is relatively common in Dachshunds and can be dangerous for the dog’s family if left untreated.

Slight Separation Anxiety

Some dogs show some separation anxiety by barking and howling when left alone. It is not necessarily a sign of a problem if the behavior is not excessive, and the dog will stop after a few minutes.

Moderate Separation Anxiety

Other dogs will not stop barking and howling when they are left alone. They may chew things, dig, or urinate or defecate in the house. If left untreated, a dog with moderate separation anxiety can become pretty destructive.

Dogs With Severe Separation Anxiety

A Dachshund with severe separation anxiety will do everything from eating the carpet to chewing through doors and walls to get to family members. These dogs can make their owners’ lives miserable and can even be dangerous if they injure themselves trying to escape confinement.

Canine separation anxiety is usually evident when the dog appears anxious at the door whenever left behind or taken out of the house. When leaving a Dachshund alone for a few minutes, it will bark, lunge toward the door, or even snap at family members. The behavior is better known as “fly-biting,” and owners typically see this in young puppies due to their instinct to protect their den.

Do You Have A Dog That Is Suffering From Separation Anxiety?

The symptoms of separation anxiety can be very subtle. Many owners dismiss it as “your dog is a barker.” Separation anxiety conflicts can lead to depression, aggressive and destructive behavior, aggression towards humans, urination and defecation in inappropriate places, destructive chewing, and numerous other behaviors. Often when the issue of anxiety arises in dogs, it is not addressed or treated correctly, but instead, owners are told to “roll with it. He’s going to have to deal with it. Just be firm with him.” It can lead to unnecessary grief and stress for both the dog and owner.

Dachshund Separation Anxiety Treatment

Dachshund separation anxiety is an extreme and persistent fear of being left alone by the Dachshund’s owner. Issues with separation anxiety may lead to the dog’s destructive behavior when it is left alone by its owner. It is crucial for a Dachshund suffering from separation anxiety to receive treatment that will ease the dog’s symptoms and function appropriately despite being left alone.

1. Treatment of Dachshund separation anxiety begins with the dog’s owner. The first step in treating a dog suffering from separation anxiety is rearranging the dog’s environment to be more comfortable and safe when left alone. The dog’s owner should make sure that the Dachshund has a comfortable bed, toys, and food while he or she is away from the house.

2. A crate can also help treat Dachshund separation anxiety but should not be used for more than 30 minutes at a time. However, the dog’s owner should only place the dog in the crate while he or she is home. Dachshunds benefit more from a crate that is big enough for them to move around freely than from a crate that is too small.

3. In addition to rearranging the Dachshund’s environment while treating Dachshund separation anxiety, the dog’s owner should try to make sure there isn’t anything present in its environment that will trigger an attack when it is left alone. For example, if the Dachshund tends to have separation anxiety attacks when its owner is not home, and there is a barking dog next door, the dog’s owner should try to contact the neighbor about keeping their dog quiet or she is away from home.

4. The next step in treating a Dachshund with separation anxiety involves treating the Dachshund using behavior modification techniques. Behavior modification techniques involve appropriately rewarding behavior and discouraging inappropriate behavior. These techniques focus on treating the dog’s behavior problems when it is left alone to get used to being left alone rather than having the symptoms of separation anxiety return when the dog is left alone again.

5. The owner should reward the Dachshund for being calm and relaxed when he or she is left alone. An example of a dog-friendly option for rewarding appropriate behavior could include dinner, and an example of inappropriate behavior would be barking at strangers in your neighbor’s yard (because you don’t know them).

6. The next step in treating Dachshund’s separation anxiety involves medicating the dog. Separation anxiety is treatable with medication that will minimize symptoms. Examples of treatments for dachshund separation anxiety include alprazolam and clomipramine. These two medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

7. In some cases, Dachshund separation anxiety is caused by a lack of physical exercise. To treat this type of separation anxiety training, the dog’s owner should make sure the dog gets enough exercise while he or she is at home and that its exercise needs are met when he or she leaves. Exercise needs include walking and running for a couple of hours, weeks, and months.

8. Another option for treating Dachshund separation anxiety is DAP (dog appeasing pheromone). DAP is a synthetic canine pheromone that triggers a calming response in dogs. DAP can help ease separation anxiety, and in most cases, it works within days.

9. In highly severe Dachshund separation anxiety cases, the dog’s owner may consider training the Dachshund to walk on a treadmill while he or she is away from home.

10. The last step in treating Dachshund separation anxiety involves allowing the dog to adhere to its instincts and self-soothe when left alone. However, it is vital to perceive that some Dachshunds with separation anxiety are not well-suited for this option.

Is Your Dachshund a Social Butterfly?

Dachshunds are a friendly breed, so they make such great companions. Social butterflies need a lot of company and will be distraught if they’re left alone for too long. If you’ve got a Dachshund that suffers from separation anxiety, here’s how to deal with your dog when he’s upset:

  • Insufficient exercise. Dogs’ inactivity is a major cause of separation anxiety. Your dog needs to burn off steam, and exercise is the best way of doing this.
  • Excessive food. Overfeeding is a contributing factor to separation anxiety in Dachshunds. If you’re over-feeding, then your dog will be more inclined to act out when it’s left alone. The answer is not to feed your dog less but to feed it correctly.
  • Lack of mental stimulation. If you’re letting your Dachshund get bored when you’re out, he might start to act out in the form of separation anxiety. An excellent way to avoid this is to leave him with a puzzle toy or something similar that will occupy his mind while you’re away.

It is wise to get professional help if your dog appears to be experiencing anxiety due to separation. There are plenty of dog behaviorists and trainers who can help you deal with your dog’s separation anxiety.

Summary

Separation anxiety is a situation in which your dog begins to exhibit symptoms of distress when left alone. It is often diagnosed when dogs begin to exhibit symptoms like excessive drooling, panting, scratching at doors or windows, chewing up furniture, urinating or defecating in inappropriate places, and excessive barking. In severe cases, dogs can injure themselves due to their agitation.

All dogs are susceptible to this problem, regardless of their breed. However, it is more common in smaller breeds because they are more dependent on their owners and feel helpless when alone. Many separation distress cases stem from past traumatic experiences, like being left alone in a cage at a shelter or boarding facility for an extended time and then adopted into a new home.

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