Adopting an Anxious Dog Changed My Life

When I first laid eyes on Leo at the animal shelter, my heart broke. This sweet rescue pup was curled up on his side, barely lifting his head to look at me. His nose was raw and bloody from constantly rubbing it against the kennel walls and floor – a heartbreaking side effect of his severe separation anxiety.

I knew right then that I had to take him home. Sure, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I couldn’t leave Leo behind to have his heart broken again. Little did I know, curing a dog of separation anxiety is one of the most challenging feats a pet owner can undertake.

Through countless hours of research, trial-and-error, and pure determination, I was able to transform Leo from a anxious, stressed-out pup into a confident, happy-go-lucky troublemaker. And the key? Creating a calm, comforting “sanctuary space” just for him.

If you’re dealing with an anxious dog like I was, I’m here to share the methods and tricks that worked for Leo – and how you can do the same for your furry friend.

Understanding the Root of Separation Anxiety

At its core, separation anxiety in dogs boils down to one thing: a lack of trust that their owner will come back when they leave. This often stems from past trauma, like a dog being abandoned by their original owner.

For rescue pups like Leo, separation anxiety can be an all-too-common issue. But even dogs who grew up in loving homes can develop this distressing condition, especially if their owners have inadvertently reinforced needy or clingy behavior.

You see, when us humans get excited, hug our dogs, and shower them with affection the moment we walk through the door, it actually worsens their anxiety. Our dogs become “addicted” to that adrenaline rush, and can’t cope when we inevitably have to leave again.

The good news? With patience, consistency, and the right techniques, you can absolutely overcome your dog’s separation anxiety. And creating a calming “sanctuary space” for them is a crucial first step.

Establishing a Sanctuary Space

The first thing you need to do is find a cozy, comfortable area in your home that your dog can claim as their own. This is where they’ll go to decompress when they’re feeling stressed or anxious.

Ideally, this space should be:

• Quiet and distraction-free: Away from windows, doors, and high-traffic areas of your home.
• Comfy and calming: Outfitted with plush bedding, familiar toys, and your unwashed clothing for your scent.
• Easily accessible: So your dog can retreat there whenever they need to, without being isolated from the rest of the family.

Some great options for a sanctuary space include:

• A corner of your closet or spare room
• An exercise pen or baby gate-enclosed area
• Their crate, with the door left open

The key is to let your dog guide you. Observe where they naturally gravitate to when they’re feeling anxious, and use that as a starting point. It may take some time for them to warm up to their new “safe space,” but be patient – they’ll be spending all their time there before you know it.

Stocking the Sanctuary with Comfort

Now that you’ve established the physical space, it’s time to fill it with calming, anxiety-reducing items. The goal is to make this area a true sanctuary for your dog, where they can relax and unwind.

Some must-have items for your dog’s sanctuary space include:

• Plush, orthopedic bedding
• Familiar toys and chew treats
• A cozy blanket or an unwashed piece of your clothing
• A no-spill water bowl

You may also want to consider adding a white noise machine or calming music to mask any outside sounds that could trigger your dog’s anxiety.

And don’t forget to make this their mealtime spot, too. Feeding your dog in their sanctuary space will help them associate it with positive experiences, not just anxiety-inducing ones.

Easing Your Dog into the Sanctuary

Once you’ve got the space all set up, it’s time to help your dog get comfortable spending time there. This is where the real work begins, but trust me, it’s so worth it.

Start by simply bringing your dog into the sanctuary space a few times a day, rewarding them with high-value treats and praise. Over time, gradually increase the duration they spend there, until they’re happily lounging for 30 minutes or more.

When you do need to leave them alone, make sure to do it from the sanctuary space. That way, your dog associates being in that calm, comfy area with your departure, not just anxiety and distress.

And remember, never make a big deal of your goodbyes. No long, emotional farewells – just a quick “be right back” and you’re out the door. The less fuss, the better.

Monitoring and Troubleshooting

While your dog is getting used to their sanctuary space, it’s important to keep a close eye on them. Use a pet camera app like Manything to monitor their behavior and check in on them while you’re away.

If you notice any signs of escalating anxiety – pacing, whining, scratching at the door – jump in quickly to interrupt the cycle. A simple “I’ll be right back” through the camera can work wonders to soothe their nerves.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with different elements in the sanctuary space. Maybe your dog does better with the door open versus closed, or prefers having their favorite toy versus just your unwashed shirt. Pay attention to what calms them the most.

Above all, be patient with both yourself and your dog. Overcoming separation anxiety takes time, consistency, and a whole lot of trial-and-error. But stick with it, and I promise you’ll start to see real progress.

Finding Support for Severe Cases

If you’ve tried everything and your dog’s anxiety just doesn’t seem to be improving, it may be time to enlist the help of a professional. Severe separation anxiety can be incredibly challenging to manage on your own.

Reach out to your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer in your area. They can assess your pup’s specific needs and develop a customized treatment plan, which may include medication, specialized training techniques, or other interventions.

And don’t forget about resources like ihavedogs.com – the ultimate destination for all things dog care and adoption. Their team of experts is always here to provide support and guidance for anxious pups (and their equally stressed-out pet parents!).

With the right approach and a whole lot of patience, I can assure you that your anxious dog can absolutely learn to feel calm, confident, and secure, even when you’re not by their side. Just give them their own special sanctuary, and watch the transformation unfold.