Dogs love to be around their humans, but can become overly reliant in some cases. Here’s how to recognize signs of a codependent pet.
Signs your dog is co-dependent and how to help him
It may seem cute when your dog follows you around the house, but being too dependent on his own can cause damage to your pup’s wellbeing. Just like in people, codependency is a true problem for some dogs that leads to anxiety and destructive behaviors when you’re not able to be around.
Codependency exists when someone—including a pet— becomes overly reliant on another for his existence or identity. A dog that is codependent will not feel comfortable when left without his beloved owner for even a short amount of time, leading to signs such as barking or crying; pacing; chewing or otherwise damaging furniture or the house; using the bathroom on the floor; and even running away. These symptoms of distress indicate a pet is truly not comfortable when you are not around, leading to anxiety and a lowered quality of life. Fortunately for pets experiencing these symptoms, you can take steps to address separation anxiety as soon as you recognize it in your pet.
To help Fido feel more confident while you are not around, it is important to first take him to the veterinarian for a check-up that rules out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing his attention-seeking behavior. Once medical reasons are off the table, you can begin helping your pet adjust to time without you by gradually making short, frequent trips away from home—such as to the grocery store or bank. Do not make saying goodbye or greeting your pet a big ordeal, as dogs follow our cues and can take dramatic reunions and departures as a sign that leaving is a significant event. Instead, remain calm and depart quietly to show him this is a normal event and no cause for concern.
You can also help a clingy canine overcome his fear of being left alone by stimulating his body and mind with regular exercise, playtime and interactive toys. This helps release pent-up energy while you are home and distract him from his worries while you are away. This should cut down on the energy he has to engage in destructive behaviors while you are away, and will help keep his mind on with positive playtime rather than his anxiety. If your pet has internalized certain actions, such as reaching for your keys, as a signal to start worrying, help desensitize him to these behaviors by carrying your keys around the house when you do not intend to leave, for example. If your pet is experiencing extreme separation anxiety, talk to an animal behaviorist about training and behavior modifications that can help your pet learn to manage his anxiety in your absence. Repetition is key in helping your pet feel relaxed, so practice patience while you are helping him overcome codependent behaviors and mindset. Your companion’s wellbeing and the bond you share will be well worth the effort.
Whether he wants to greet every dog on the street or is protective of his owner, a dog barks on walks. Here’s when it can become a problem.
Why do dogs bark at each other during walks?
Many dogs bark at other dogs on walks, but it can be uncomfortable when your pet is the one instigating a noisy exchange. To help Fido stay calm during his daily stroll, you must first figure out the underlying trigger causing him to snap at other animals as they pass. Here are a few likely culprits behind a reactive Rover’s behavior:
1. He is frustrated. We walk our pets on leashes to ensure their own safety and the safety of those nearby. Though many dogs respond well to leash walking, it can create what is known as barrier frustration for pets eager to explore. Friendly dogs can feel irritated by this lack of freedom to greet each passing pet, leading to barking that can be misconstrued as aggressive or inappropriate behavior. This is a particular problem in energetic youngsters, so it is important to address the behavior from an early age.
2. He wants his space. Not all dogs who bark at other animals want to make friends. Some dogs use their voices to communicate a “stay back” message to four-legged passersby. This is likely due to a lack of socialization with other dogs and often stems from fear or a negative past experience with strange animals.
3. He is protective of you. Known as resource guarding, this type of barking is another “stand back” message, but it is aimed to keep other animals away from a valuable resource—mostly likely, you. Though Fido could be protecting a bag of treats or toy you are carrying, he is most likely vocalizing to let other animals know you are his person. This jealous barking can escalate if two dogs meet and may even lead to a fight if another animal gets too close to a protective pet.
Watch your dog and what triggers his barking during walks. To address it, start with the root of the problem. If Fido is fighting to greet every potential friend he sees, practice obedience training before ever taking to the streets. While letting him sniff each new friend may seem like a good idea, this actually teaches him to continue barking to seek his “reward” and will escalate the behavior. Instead, practice the “heel” command at home and ask your dog to do this whenever he becomes excited at a new potential playmate. Lavish him with praise and treats when he follows the command and his behavior should improve with time. If, however, your dog’s vocalizations are a warning to other animals, you will need to take a different approach to the problem.
For dogs barking to assert their space, try a front-attaching harness to more easily bring your pet’s attention back to you when he begins to become assertive around other animals. After refocusing his attention on you, give him a treat to build positive associations with seeing other animals. Offering treats when protective pets begin to bark is effective, too, as your dog will learn that he gets your attention when other animals are near. In many cases, these methods will be enough to modifying Fido’s behavior with practice and time, but some owners will need the help of a behavior specialist to address their dog’s excessive vocalizations during walk.
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