Adopt a Friend - "Chance" a lovable American Bulldog

ADOPT “Chance” a lovable American Bulldog

NAME:  “Chance”

COUNTY ID#:  A383767

AGE:  5 years old

GENDER:  Male

BREED:   American Bulldog

WEIGHT:  Approximately 66 pounds

COLOR:  White and tan

HOBBIES:   Hanging out with his human companion

PERSONALITY:   Chance is a sweetheart who needs a gentle owner, preferably someone who is home a lot.  He shows some separation anxiety but is eager to please and likes other dogs.  Looking for an experienced dog owner

If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting the wonderful pet featured this week, please call the Prince George's Animals Management Facility in Upper Marlboro at 301-780-7201 to check on the availability. You may also visit www.pgamd.petfinder.com or www.petharbor.com to see many more precious pets that are available for adoption.

ASK FOR CHANCE #A383767

Does Your Dog Suffer From Separation Anxiety?

There's every chance your dog is suffering from a separation anxiety disorder rather than another dog behavior problem if:

1. Your dog gets really worked up and anxious when you are preparing to leave the house. Actions such as picking up your car keys or putting on your coat can be enough to trigger the behavior.  
2. Your dog engages in inappropriate behavior only when you are separated. I expand on this topic further down the page, but behavior such as urinating inside, excessive barking and destructive behavior are common symptoms of canine separation anxiety.  
3. Your dog follows you everywhere you go and immediately becomes distressed if he can't be near you.  
4. When you arrive home your dog is over the top with his greeting and takes a while to calm down.

Why Do Dogs Experience Separation Anxiety?

There are many theories on this one. In some cases the cause or trigger can be pinpointed to a particular event, but often there appears to be no explanation for the dog separation anxiety to commence. What I can say is that separation anxiety in dogs regularly occurs:

1. Straight after a change in routine. Such as your work hours changing or a family member leaving home. Remember dogs are creatures of habit and any changes can be very unsettling and confusing to them.  
2. If you have been on vacation or unemployed for some time and have been spending heaps of time with your dog. As a result of this when you go back to work your dog becomes anxious and distressed.  
3. Unfortunately dogs rescued from animal shelters contribute a highly disproportionate number of dog separation anxiety cases.  
4. After your dog experiences a traumatic event while on his own. If a thunderstorm lashes your home while your dog is alone, this can trigger separation anxiety in the future - your dog will associate your absence with the traumatic event.  
5. If your dog is rarely left alone and becomes overly reliant on his human family - Golden Retrievers are very susceptible to this type of separation anxiety in dogs.  
6. When you move house to a new neighborhood.

How Does Separation Anxiety In Dogs Manifest?

What Can You Do To Help Your
Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety?

Separation Anxiety TreatmentThe treatment administered to your dog's separation anxiety problem depends on its cause and severity. A mild case of separation anxiety in dogs will be easily fixed by applying some of the proven methods listed below. More severe cases will take lots of time, commitment and possibly a visit to your Vet for some medication. Commence these techniques as soon as you identify separation anxiety to be the problem.  The golden rule is that you must educate your dog to accept the fact that sometimes you will need to be apart from each other. The earlier you start getting your dog used to this fact, the easier it will be, for both of you.

• Ensure that your dog feels safe and comfortable when you are away from him. Provide plenty of fresh water and clean, warm bedding for your dog.  
• Be sure to give your dog plenty of exercise when you are around. On leash walks, a run at the park with other dogs and some obedience training will all ensure your dog is happy and stimulated. Importantly it can also mean your dog will rest while you are out, instead of tearing up the garden.  
• Provide some appealing dog toys to help occupy his time. Kongs stuffed with frozen treats are a favorite with my dogs.
 "It's Your Job To Provide Your Dog With Everything Required To Ensure He Is Happy, Well Balanced & Worn Out!"
• Leave your dog a blanket or piece of clothing that has your scent on it. This may comfort a distressed dog - make sure it is something you don't mind being torn up though.  
• Try feeding your dog his main meal just as you are leaving the house. You can also hide part of his meal around the yard, which will give him/her something to do while you are away.  
• If you often have the radio on when at home, leave it on while you are away. This can be soothing and comforting in mild cases of separation anxiety in dogs.  
• Some dog owners report that buying another puppy or cat can help reduce separation anxiety. I believe that this action may reduce boredom, but won't stop your dog from missing you when you are apart.  
• Leave your dog in a safe and secure crate or kennel run. This has a two fold effect, it provides a comfortable "den like" area where your dog will feel comfortable, and it means your dog won't be able to act out many of the problem behaviors listed above. Be sure that your dog is completely happy in this area before you go and leave him for any length of time. I've never crated my dogs for separation anxiety treatment purposes, but many dog trainers and owners recommend this training technique. Crating your dog is not recommended for extended periods day in day out.  
• Give your dog some obedience training. Teach and practice some basic obedience training commands like sit, down and stay. Be a strong leader or the "Alpha Dog" in your owner-dog relationship, your dog will respect and trust you for it. When you establish yourself as the trusted leader, your dog will respect your right to come and go as you please.  
• Drop your puppy or dog off at a doggy day care center, to friends, neighbors or a family member's home.