We are all familiar with our dachshund separation anxiety. This is a frustrating thing when we need to go out to some place like a party or a meeting without our dog. I know how it feels when you leave home and your dog barks all day long. My dog also had trouble managing separation anxiety for a few months, but with consistent effort, I was able to successfully manage it.
Before taking any action for the dachshund separation anxiety issue, we need to know about its root cause of the problem and start a treatment from that.
Some causes of separation anxiety in dachshunds
Sudden Change in Routine: Dachshund thrives on routine; they feel comfortable when the daily routine is the same, and whenever activities like their walking time, meal times, or when they do not match with their routine, they can feel anxious because unexpected things make dachshunds stressed.
Lack of Early Independence Training: It is a main cause of anxious behaviour of your dog when your dog is fully dependent on you. They can’t do anything alone, and when you leave them alone, they are stressed.
Big Life Changes: Sometimes our lives change suddenly, like we are shifting to another city. In this situation, a new place is unknown for your dachshund, and they can show anxious behaviour.
Over-Attachment with owner: Dachshunds are very loyal and affectionate in nature, and they have a tendency to over-attach to their owner. That’s why it is hard for them when we leave our home for a little time, they feel stressed.
Boredom & Low Stimulation: boredom can also cause seperation anxiety in your dachshund because they are a very energetic dog. They need frequent activity to feel well, If you don’t take them out to play, they are likely to be bored and feel anxious.
What are dachshund separation anxiety symptoms?
Dachshunds show various signs and symptoms of separation anxiety. When they feel anxious, they tend to bark loudly and howl. Sometimes, when they are anxious when they are left alone, they can chew on furniture, their bed, and toys.
How to stop dachshund separation anxiety
Gradual alone-time training: This is the most effective way to overcome separation anxiety in dachshunds. In this method, we leave our dachshund independently for a little time first, then we gradually increase the time. Make sure your dog gets a good treat and reward after completing one session. This helps your dog get used to being alone and understand aloneness as a positive experience.
To start gradual alone time training, you must start with a little time, like 5-10 minutes, then you can slowly increase the time as your dog gets used to it.
To make it effective, understand what triggers your dog to be anxious, that can you wearing a shoe, taking a key from the table, or closing the curtain. Don’t show any visible sign that indicate you are going out and go out when your dog’s eyes on not on you.
Create a comfortable environment: Sometimes your dachshund tends to be anxious just by not having a comfortable environment when you are going out. To make a comfortable space for your dog, you need to include a comfortable bed that your dachshund really likes, and you can also include some engaging toys for their entertainment when you are away from them.
You can also use the perfume that smells like you, this makes your dog feel like you’re still at home.
Early socialisation: Early socialisation is the biggest factor responsible for anxious behaviour in your dachshund. Because when our dog interacts with different types of people and animals, they feel more confident and understand that there are many things beyond their owner. This is also important to be independency of your dog.
If you haven’t socialised your dog from their young age, they can become more anxious than other dogs. That’s why it’s important to expose your dog to different dogs and strangers early on.
Use a reward and a treat: This tip was very helpful for me. I used to give him praise and give him his favourite treat when he successfully stayed alone at home. This is also encouraging for your dog and helps your dog understand that aloneness is rewarding instead of a bad experience.
Use engaging toys: you can also leave your dog with something engaging, toys as a KONG Classic, that keeps your dog engaged when you are going out. I am personally using this technique to reduce Toby’s anxiety.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety is a frustrating feeling for you and your dog both. It can be caused by various reasons, like boredom, lack of early socialisation, over-attachment with the owner, and shifting apartments. But we can overcome this issue by incorporating activities like gradual alone time training, creating a comfortable accommodation, early socialisation, using rewards and using engaging toys, you can make your dog be alone at home.
