Toys For A Lonely Dog With Separation Anxiety Behavior

Some dogs exhibit loneliness and separation anxiety, boredom and depression when its owners are away.

Separation anxiety in dogs is the fear of isolation which often results in undesirable behavior when they are left alone. Separation anxiety is one of the most common causes of canine behavioral problems.

Dogs become attached to their owners and form a strong bond. When a dog is overly dependent on its owner, anxiety can occur when the dog is left alone. The most common of these behaviors are digging, chewing and scratching at doors in an attempt to reunite with their owners, and howling and barking in attempt to get their owner to return.

Dogs can also become depressed for any number of reasons, including loss of companion, loneliness and grief. Dog depression can range from loss of appetite to lethargy to destructive behavior.

Dog chew toys are essential in keeping your lonely or bored dog busy. Dog chew toys give your dog something else to concentrate on, rather than wallowing in the idea that you are away. The best dog toy for a lonely dog is the Kong dog toy, or any sort of hard rubber chew toy.

The Kong can be filled with goodies, like peanut butter or cream cheese, and then frozen. This treat will give your dog hours of mental stimulation which in turn will calm his fear of isolation and sadness. Kongs also help keep your dog happy because they continually provide your dog with a food reward.

Other chew toys, such as the rope dog toy, tug dog toy and Nylabones are also great boredom breakers. Be sure to rotate your dogs chew toys every once in awhile to ensure variety and keep his interest. Do not give your dog any potentially dangerous dog toys. Monitor your dog’s behavior to determine which toys would be best for him if you are not there to supervise his playtime.

Remember that dogs are intelligent creatures and sometimes they get into trouble out of loneliness, boredom and depression. When your dog exhibits destructive behaviors, he is not punishing you for being gone and leaving him alone.

The dogs' chewing is a form of therapy to relieve stress and release energy. If you come home and find that your dog has destroyed something, do not punish the dog. It is your responsibility to provide them with the mental stimulation they need to stay emotionally healthy.

Keeping your dogs well stocked with entertaining dog toys will help them adjust a little bit better when they have to spend time alone.

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