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Written by Barbara Gadola, owner of Distinctive Dog Training, LLC
Newly adopted hounds may exhibit some forms of stress-related behaviors when left home alone (dogs are used to living in kennels surrounded by other dogs). In some cases, the hounds may experience separation anxiety.
Classic signs of true separation anxiety:
-panting, whining, nose dripping, salivating while the owner prepares to leave
-destruction of household items immediately upon the owner’s departure
-vomiting or diarrhea
-barking or crying for extended periods
How to deal with these behaviors:
First and foremost, think: SAFETY. Use a crate to keep your dog from being injured and destroying your property. Give him a very special toy, Kong, or chewy that he only gets when he goes in the crate.
Start a plan of desensitization. While you are at home, leave the dog for very short periods of time, confined with a baby gate in another room. Don’t close a door on an anxious dog. Check back with the dog every few minutes; don’t leave long enough to stress the dog. When you leave, toss a treat to keep him occupied while you walk away. Gradually and very slowly increase the times that you leave the dog.
When you do have to leave the house, start to ignore the dog for 30 minutes beforehand. Make leaving the house as uneventful as possible. If crating him, do so quietly and without fuss. When coming home, ignore until he settles down.
You may also want to try the Comfort Zone DAP Diffusers (dog appeasing pheromones). They simulate the nursing mother’s scent and work particularly well on greyhounds because of the extra time that they spend with mama. These can be found online or at your local pet store.
Some experts also recommend reducing the amount of protein intake in the dog’s diet. That, combined with extra exercise, may help.
Overcoming separation anxiety often requires time and work. Demonstrating patience with your new arrival as they get used to their first home and family will be well worth it.
Barbara Gadola is the kennel director for Arizona Greyhound Rescue (volunteer). Her business, Distinctive DogTraining, LLC provides positive solutions and personalized training for you and your dog.
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