Follow the leader is definitely a game we can play with our dog. After all we should be our dogs funnest and most valuable resource. But having a dog that follows us constantly can evolve into a problem pretty fast. When you become a resource the dog can't function without, separation anxiety is inevitable. This can manifest in a variety of ways. Whining, barking, destroying household items and doors, and endless pacing to name a few.
During the pandemic this situation increased exponentially for many pet owners because the amount of time they spent with their dogs increased drastically. It was a very mentally challenging time for all of us and the reality is, the mindset you pet your dog with and the reason you pet them matter more than you might imagine. I believe it was Sean O’Shea that I heard say “you get what you pet”. Petting is a form of positive reinforcement. So when we offer free pets for a dog that is nervous or anxious we are reinforcing that as a desirable behavior. And when we pet our dog because we are emotional and need support, our dog feels that and they will begin to try and overcompensate for our lack of strength.
We tend to talk about this a lot but boundaries and structure are amazing tools for avoiding or minimizing separation anxiety. Duration place and crate time foster mental well-being and an ability to settle on their own for your dog. A calm mind is so important for a canine. Loving our dog and giving them their best life doesn’t mean only looking out for their physical needs. We have to educate ourselves and set aside pre-conceived notions and truly focus on what our dog needs to be their best self.
- Good vibes everyone
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