Does your Dachshund experience separation anxiety?
Maybe your little guy becomes destructive or excessively vocal when left alone, or perhaps they have separation-related accidents in the house.
When your dachshund is showing signs of separation anxiety issues, it can be a very frustrating experience for both of you.
Many people believe that this is just a phase that their dachshund will outgrow, but this isn’t always the case. The problem can persist into adulthood if not dealt with properly and cause a lot of stress to your poor pup.
But don’t lose hope!
There are steps you can take to help your furry friend overcome their fear.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the possible causes of your pet’s separation anxiety, the symptoms you should look out for, and, most importantly, how you can help your furry friend feel more relaxed when you’re not around.
Are Dachshunds Prone to Severe Separation Anxiety?
Dachshunds may develop separation anxiety due to their history as hunting dogs. For centuries, dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers working closely with their human companions and became extremely bonded as a result.
Today, that bond remains strong. So strong that some dachshunds love their owner’s company so much they may find it difficult to cope when home alone.
What Causes Separation Anxiety in Dachshunds?
There are several potential reasons why your dachshund shows separation problems, including:
Genetics
Your dachshund’s dog anxiety may be down to simple genetics.
Just like some people are more prone to anxiety and stress, dachshunds may be predisposed to suffer from separation issues.
Trauma
A previous traumatic experience may be the cause of your dog’s separation anxiety. If they have ever been alone in the past and experienced the stress caused by being apart from loved ones, this may cause them to become anxious every time they fear being left alone.
Lack of Proper Training as a Puppy
The most common cause is often a lack of training when they are young. If your dachshund wasn’t trained to be independent and comfortable being on their own when they were a puppy, you may see signs of anxiety that develop and gradually worsen as they get older if not dealt with.
A change in routine or circumstances can cause your dachshund to become stressed and anxious, even if they have previously been anxiety free.
Sudden Change in Circumstances
A house move, a new baby, a loved one passing away, or working different hours can all be possible causes of a dog’s anxiety.
For example, if you have worked from home since your dachshund was young, then you get a new job that requires you to be out several hours out of the day, your furry little friend doesn’t understand why you suddenly aren’t around, which can cause them to be anxious when you leave.
Symptoms Your Dachshund Has Separation Anxiety
There are a few telltale signs that your doxie is suffering from this condition, including:
- Excessive barking or whining
- Pacing back and forth
- Chewing things
- Attempting to escape from their crate or room
- Loss of appetite
- Panting excessively
- Potty in the house
- Depression
If you spot any of these symptoms, there is a good chance that your dachshund could be anxious while you are not there.
Can Dachshunds be Left Alone?
Dachshunds can be home alone. The same as any other breed, as long as they are safe and have access to water and plenty of mental stimulation, they should be fine.
Bear in mind that no dog should be on their own for more than four hours at a time, so if you work long hours, it might be helpful to consider hiring a dog sitter, or you could leave your dachshund at doggie daycare or with someone else in the family.
How To Cure Separation Anxiety Issues in your Dachshund?
Some Dachshunds don’t like to be on their own, and it can be a difficult problem to tackle, but it’s certainly not impossible. There are a few different ways you can treat your dachshund, including:
Desensitize your Dachshund through Training
This involves slowly acclimating your dog to being away from you in a controlled way.
If you’re gone for hours on end, your dachshund could start to feel anxious. To prevent this, get them used to being on their own gradually.
Start by leaving them alone in a room for short periods of time, like while you take a shower or run an errand. Then, gradually increase the amount of time you’re gone. With enough patience and practice, your dachshund will eventually become more comfortable with being left alone.
Always be consistent with training. Dogs thrive on consistency, and dachshunds are no different. Being consistent will help your dog to understand what is expected of them and build their confidence.
Crate Training
Creating a quiet area for your anxious sausage dog can be an effective way to help your dachshund’s separation anxiety because it gives them a safe space to retreat to when they’re feeling anxious.
Be sure to introduce the crate gradually and make it a positive experience by adding their favorite toys, calming chews or treats, and maybe an item of clothing that smells like you for them to snuggle up to in your absence.
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Adequate Exercise
When you’re anxious pup has a good long walk or a high-energy play session, it gives them a chance to burn off some of that nervous energy and will help them stay calm and relaxed when you’re not around.
A tired dog is a happy dog, so give them plenty of exercise. Go for walks, play fetch, or even just let them run around in the backyard for a while.
Just be mindful that your little sausage-shaped furry friend has shorter legs than most, so tire them out, but be careful that you don’t overdo it!
Counter Conditioning Techniques
Talking to a dog behaviorist about counter-conditioning techniques can be an effective way to help your dog learn to overcome severe separation anxiety.
It’s also important to use positive reinforcement methods when training your dog, as this will help them see separation as something positive and exciting rather than scary or upsetting. Use treats, toys, playtime, and praise to reward good behavior and encourage independence.
Using CBD Oil
CBD oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for a range of severe anxiety issues, and many dog owners have found success by using it to treat separation anxiety. It’s not a magic pill, but it can be an extremely helpful tool in your separation anxiety treatment plan.
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Behavioral Therapy
If you feel a little out of depth with desensitization training and crate training and could do with some help, you may want to consider behavioral therapy with a certified professional. This type of therapy can be very helpful in teaching your dog how to cope with their anxiety.
The key when treating separation anxiety in a dachshund is to find the right treatment plan that works for you and your furry friend and to be patient while working through it.
With consistent separation anxiety training and care, it can be managed and successfully treated. If you’re struggling with this problem, be sure to talk to your vet or a professional dog trainer for more guidance and support.
How help your Dachshund to Be Alone Through Training?
Training your dachshund to be more independent when you’re not there will take some time and patience, but it’s certainly not impossible. Here are some tips on how to teach your dachshund to be okay when alone in the house:
Start Early
Start training you’re little-legged buddy as early as possible. Any time is a great time to start, but if you have the opportunity to begin while they are still a mini dachshund puppy, it will really pay off in the long run and may stop their anxiety from developing in the first place.
Give Them Something to do While You’re Gone
Boredom is often a trigger for dogs with separation anxiety. To keep your dachshund occupied while you’re away, give them something to do, like a puzzle toy filled with treats.
This will not only help occupy their time, but it will also give them a sense of accomplishment when they figure out how to get the treats out of the toy.
Keep their routine consistent.
Dogs are creatures of habit, and they like predictability. So, it’s important to keep their routine as consistent as possible when you’re not around.
This means you need to feed them at the same time every day, take your dog for a walk at the same time every day, and so on. The more comfortable and relaxed they are with a daily routine, the less anxiety they will experience.
Don’t Make a Big Deal Out of Coming and Going.
When you leave, don’t give your dachshund a lot of attention or make it seem like a big deal. Similarly, when you come home, don’t make a fuss over them either. This will help them understand that there’s nothing special about being left alone and that it’s just something that happens sometimes.
How to Tell If Your dachshunds Can handle change?
Dachshunds are a very loyal breed of dog, and they typically do not do well with change. They are often very attached to their owners and their homes, and they can become anxious or stressed when things are not familiar to them. Should you considering getting a dachshund, it is important to be prepared for a dog who may not be able to handle a lot of change in his or her life.
If I Get Another Dog, Will That Stop Separation Anxiety In Your Dachshund?
The idea of getting a second dog to help calm your pet’s nerves might seem like a good one, however, it’s worth considering whether or not that will be the best solution for your pup – and your family.
Adding an additional dog to the household may help alleviate some of the anxiety your faithful friend is feeling when you’re away, but it’s not a guarantee. You’ll still need to provide plenty of attention and training to both dogs to ensure that they’re happy and comfortable when you’re not around. You should also bear in mind that there’s always the possibility that your new canine addition to the family may also suffer from the same condition. Making it double trouble for you.
It’s also important to consider whether or not you have the time and energy to care for two dogs. If you’re already struggling to keep up with one dog, adding another may not be the best idea.
There is even a slim chance the your additional dog may get separation anxiety too. Anxiety in dogs is hard to predict, and you may well create double the trouble for yourself when getting ready to leave the house.
Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not getting second dog is the right solution for your dog. Consider all of the factors involved and make the decision that’s right for your furry friend.
How Do I Know if My Dachshund Is Experiencing Pre-separation Anxiety?
Pre-separation anxiety is a condition in which a dog becomes anxious and stressed when they anticipate being separated from their owner. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as changes in routine, being left alone for periods of time, or moving to a new house.
Symptoms include things behavior such as your dog will follow you everywhere, pacing, panting, go potty indoors, whining, barking and howling, destructiveness, and attempts to escape.
Should I video my dachshund when I’m not home?
When you are ready to leave the house, using a camera to monitor the behavior of your dog can be a good idea because it can help you identify the triggers for your pet’s anxiety and make it easier to address them.
Before setting up a camera in your pet’s environment, think about what exactly you are hoping to capture or monitor. Are there certain behaviors that you are especially concerned about?
If you do decide to install a camera, there are many different options available, so be sure to do your research and find one that is right for your needs. Some cameras allow you to monitor your furry friend’s activity remotely through an app on your phone or other devices, while others simply provide a live feed that you can check in on manually.
Some have an audio function that allows you to speak to your dog. However, you would have to decide whether hearing your voice would actually calm your dachshund and make them less anxious, or could it make their anxiety worse because they are not really able to interact with you in the way they want to?
Dachshunds Are Not The Only Breed Prone To Anxiety
If you’re questioning your choice of dog breed, rest assured that anxiety doesn’t solely plague Dachshunds.
Anxiety affects a wide range of breeds. Let’s look at some of the more common ones:
Final Thoughts on Dachshund Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety in dachshunds can be a difficult problem to navigate. By knowing the signs and symptoms, you can catch it early and begin treating it effectively.
With a little patience and perseverance, you can help your furry friend overcome their anxieties, and eventually, your dachshund will enjoy life to the fullest!