5 tips to deal with separation anxiety in Boxers?

This blog answers: What are some tips to deal with separation anxiety in Boxers? What are the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in Boxers?

What are some tips to deal with separation anxiety in Boxers?

Some tips to deal with separation anxiety in boxers are:

Keep a light source

It is known that Boxers are best adjusted to lighted rooms than those which are dark. hence owners of Boxers can make sure that the room that they leave them in while they are away is well lighted so that they feel a sense of comfort and not experience panic or anxiety.

Give a break

Many Boxers might cope effectively when they are left alone for long hours only during the initial hours however they start to wear out and experience discomfort and restlessness as and when the time passes by.

In such situations, owners must request a friend or a family member to check in with their Boxer, or even better if the owner itself is at a distance where they can come back for a meal it would be a perfect break from boredom and panic for the dogs.

Get a companion

Pet owners who are very fond of their Boxers and are ready to take the responsibility of another can consider having a company for their dogs which lowers the possibility of the boxer experiencing separation anxiety while the owner is away.

 

Have a window in their room

Owners can also make sure that they are kept in rooms that have a window such that they can see outside. However, this might not be the same for all the Boxers.

Some Boxers might start barking looking at other animals outside and people while some might enjoy the view and stay occupied.

Hence pet owners must observe their behavior when they are kept near a window-side in a room and make a decision accordingly.

Consult a vet

Pet owners must consult a vet for a proper diagnosis of their Boxers. Though symptoms like barking, whining, defecating are some symptoms of separation anxiety they can be caused due to other reasons as well.

Assuming that the Boxers is anxious and hence is carrying out disruptive behavior might be a cause of the neglect of the actual problem. Thus, pet owners must consult their veterinary doctors to get the right diagnosis of their Boxers and then treat it accordingly.

Avoid punishment

When pet owners are trying to reduce the separation anxiety amongst their Boxers the first thing, they must keep in mind is that punishment for their actions is only going to worsen their symptoms and resulting anxiety rather than getting it in control.

Pet owners must understand that their pet’s negative behaviors are because of the stress and panic that was caused due to their absence.

Normalize living

Many pet owners shower affection on the Boxers before leaving in the form of cuddles and kisses, though this gives them a sense of joy when a pet owner releases them and approaches the door after unconditional affection they feel a sense of fear and threat.

This makes Boxers more anxious about their owners leaving and forms a negative association between their departure and unconditional affection.

Further on they start to rely on a pattern that whenever they are showered with such kind of love it means that they are going to be left alone at home.

Hence many pet owners are suggested that they do not make a big deal about their departure or arrival.

Avoid the association of objects with you leaving

Boxers pay close attention to all the clues and events related to their owner’s departure. For instance, if a Boxers owner has a habit of picking up the particular bag while leaving Boxerss spontaneously realizes that it’s time for their departure due to the object that they picked up.

As they form negative associations with such objects these objects might create a sense of anxiety in them every time the owner departs.

The best way to help avoid such negative associations is to shuffle the order of things that the pet owners do before their departure such that it does not lead to a pattern that their Boxers pick upon.

Give them a habit of being alone

One of the most crucial ways to help Boxers deal with their anxiety is to help them be alone and realize that being alone does not mean being in danger or it does not mean anything bad.

Pet owners must help Boxers to get comfortable staying alone. They can do this by following small steps such as leaving them outside the supermarket when they walk in, leaving them in the backyard for a while while they’re cleaning up the house.

These small steps become very crucial to help Boxers get comfortable staying alone when their owners are away for a long time.

Use distraction

The best way to help Boxers from experiencing a sense of anxiety when their owners are away is to keep them distracted.

Pet owners can take the help of companion toys, food dispensing toys, or any object that reminds them of the owner’s presence when they are away to keep them distracted for a while without feeling uncomfortable.

Tire your Boxers before leaving

Exercising your Poodle helps to tire them out in a way that they require some amount of rest and recovery time putting them to sleep. This can be done by taking the Boxers for walks and playing with them in the backyard

Select the right toys

Toys can be of two types one that provides entertainment when Boxers feel alone, upset, and require toys to interact with, the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy helps perfectly for the role of a companion toy.

The second one could be using a treat dispenser which helps to distract Boxers when the pet owners are away.

A proper treat-dispensing toy can help keep the dogs occupied while the owners are away and fulfill their hunger needs too.

Play canine-specific calming music

Leaving the TV or radio on leaves no control over the type of commercials that are displayed, while playing calming music tailored for dogs can aid in a happy mood and a nice environment for the dog when left alone.

Through A Dog’s Ear: Music To Calm Your Canine Companion which is available as unlimited streaming, a CD, or an MP3 can be used for the purpose.

Supplements and medications

Several canine calming supplements help to some degree with separation anxiety amongst dogs. However, these supplements cannot be a replacement for other tools and requirements for the dogs to cope with their separation anxiety.

What are the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in Boxers?

The signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in Boxers are:

• Excessive barking
• Destructive chewing due to boredom
• Urinating or defecating around the house
• Signs of lasting depression even when the owner returns
• Drooling
• Whining and crying

Conclusion

Finding Boxers who suffer from separation anxiety is very common as they need to be around people and seek special bonds.

Owners of  Boxer dogs must make sure that they equip their pets with the required resources and tools to cope with their anxiousness when they are away for long hours or consider having a real-time companion for them so that the possibility of anxiety decreases.

Frequently asked questions: What are the tips to deal with separation anxiety in boxers?

Are Boxers prone to separation anxiety?

Boxers seek special bonds with their owners and show a sense of panic and anxiety when they feel insecure. They do not cope very well when they are left alone for long hours increasing their chances of separation anxiety.

Why is your Boxer clingy?

Boxers are a breed that is known for their affectionate nature and to form strong bonds with their family members. Due to this temperament, owners might find their Boxers clingy and enthusiastic cuddlers.

Are Boxers nervous dogs?

Boxers are a breed that seeks affection and care predominantly. When the owners are away or they do not see a sign of attention and care for long hours they might experience a sense of nervousness and anxiety.

Why does my Boxer follow me everywhere?

When Boxers follow you everywhere it is a sign of seeking affection and forming a bond of love and trust which makes them feel safe. Another reason for them to follow their owners are around is boredom or insecurity.

 

Why does my Boxer stare at me?

Boxers usually stare at their owners with a thought that they might gain something from them be it a toy, treat, or attention and love.

Citation

http://www.allboxerinfo.com/boxer-dog-separation-anxiety