Did I Cause My Dog’s Separation Anxiety?
When prospective clients reach out to us about their dog's separation anxiety, they often carry a burden of guilt. There are numerous myths that unfairly place blame on dog owners for their dogs’ separation anxiety. Common myths range from the notion that letting your dog sleep in your bed causes separation anxiety to the outdated and debunked dominance theory which states that you must be your dog’s "pack leader."
Not only do these statements lack scientific support, but they also heap unnecessary guilt on dog guardians. This exacerbates an already stressful situation, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which is unproductive for everyone involved.
People get dogs for love and companionship. Blaming owners for separation anxiety in dogs can strip away the joy that prompted them to get a dog in the first place. If your current relationship with your dog is fulfilling, you don't need to change the things that bring you both happiness. Your dog can overcome separation anxiety while still sharing your bed, running errands with you, or curling up on the sofa on a rainy day.
Understanding Separation Anxiety
So, how can you be sure you didn’t cause your dog’s separation anxiety? There are five primary ways dogs can develop fear:
Genetic Predisposition: Some dogs are born with a higher likelihood of developing anxiety due to their genetics.
Maternal Stress During Pregnancy: Stress experienced by the mother can be passed down to her offspring.
Maternal Behavior: The mother’s behavior towards her puppies can influence their future anxiety levels.
Early Environmental Omissions: Missing beneficial experiences early in life can lead to fear and anxiety later on.
Negative Experiences: Traumatic events can cause fear and anxiety.
As you can see, many factors contribute to the acquisition of fear, and only one is potentially linked to the guardian's actions. Pinpointing the exact cause of a dog’s separation anxiety is nearly impossible, making it unfair to place the blame solely on the owner. Moreover, identifying the cause of separation anxiety in dogs doesn’t affect the treatment or training methods used to help dogs overcome their fear of being alone, rendering it a moot point.
By understanding these factors, we can focus on compassionate, effective strategies to help dogs overcome separation anxiety without unnecessary guilt or blame. Your loving relationship with your dog is a source of strength, not a cause of their anxiety.
For those eager to dive deeper into our training approach or seek further insights into separation anxiety in dogs, I encourage you to explore our website, blog, or schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team. Together, we can work on helping you and your dog get your freedom back.
Everdog Training is located in Boston, MA, but accepts separation anxiety clients both nationwide and worldwide.
