Why so Anxious?

 So, your dog tore up your throw pillows after leaving him home alone for a couple of hours. Or, your dog screams bloody murder the moment he sees you're about to head out the door. One more: you get home, and your dog has redecorated the floors with this morning's garbage and a touch of his self-made productions (iykyk). Yeah, I've been there PLENTY of times. I know the feeling of overwhelming frustration when you walk into your house, stinking to high heaven, looking like a dump, all the while your dog is singing to the glory of your presence. That's when you know how much you love your dog because regardless of the absolute mess they have made, this is all because they feel they just can't live without you and take out that anxiety on something!

 When we rescued and adopted Rex, our GSD, his anxiety was so bad that we'd have to leave the bathroom door open while we each showered because he just had to have eyes on us at all times (a little weird, not gonna lie), but otherwise, he'd be crying his little heart out. Or, if he saw me grab a pair of socks to put on, he'd start pacing and panting heavily because in his mind, "Mom is going to leave me and never come back," or something like that. It made me never want to leave because of the meltdowns; thankfully, he never took it out on the furniture or anything but the screams! The absolute screams that sounded like someone was killing him - I hated to hear him like that. But, the WORST thing to EVER do in situations with any dogs with any level of anxiety is to coddle or comfort them. As a professional pet sitter and animal behavior expert, the most damaging thing we can do as pet parents is give affection at the wrong time.

I'm happy to say that Rex has been cured of his separation anxiety, though it took unending patience, time, and consistency with training, discipline, and affection at the right time. In exchange, Rex taught me so much about dog behavior, triggers, and how to use training tools effectively. Now, as an accomplished GSD momma, I'd like to share a few tools that helped me gain a balanced and confident friend for life. 

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 As many German Shepherd owners may know, this is one of many working breeds, and as such, these dogs NEED to have a "job,"  something to keep their minds engaged so that they tire themselves out. One trick that helped me IMMENSELY was giving Rex a job during our daily walks: he had to carry his own water bottle, poop baggies, and treats, or sometimes my water bottle too. After much research to get more bang for my buck, I went with this dog vest that is perfect for walks and hikes: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCB6KEW/ref=nosim?tag=francopin92-20. The quality has held up incredibly, even after almost 7 years of buying it. You may buy the pockets to attach to it since it is a tactical vest for dogs, but I already had some that were easy to attach and worked out great! They also have this other option, which includes the side pockets http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HSZR3FB/ref=nosim?tag=francopin92-20, and for that price, I think it's a DEAL! 

 Of course, if you have more than one dog like we did, they have to match! Pictured above, next to Rex, is Maximus, our Weimaraner, which is another breed known for its high anxiety and energy levels. Don't they look so official?! Anyway, investing in a good quality dog vest like this will help tire out your dog by giving him a job: something he needs to carry and mentally focus on. It's like a thunder jacket, kind of, but for walking. 

 Aside from daily exercising your dog and giving him a job, something to mentally focus on and tire him out, what else has helped? If your doggo is anything like ours, sometimes the thunderstorms or fireworks can be some of the worst episodes of anxiety and fear we see. Here are some helpful tips that have been tried and true for me with Rex: before leaving your home, make sure to leave either the radio or television on. You know how silence can be so loud it drives you crazy, or the feeling that it's too quiet and something is imminently going to happen? Yeah, our dogs may sense the same thing when it's too quiet; they know they're alone, and they go stir-crazy, like many of us during the Pandemic. 

 So, leave something playing in the background so they "hear voices." Secondly, give them something to do while you're away; this was another GAME-CHANGER for Rex overcoming separation anxiety. You have to get one of those enrichment toys - trust me, you WILL thank me! I purchased this one for Rex: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JVDV5S/ref=nosim?tag=francopin92-20. This treat-dispensing toy was a lifesaver when we had to leave home. We'd fill it with some peanut butter and small treats, and sometimes, we'd fill it with some chicken broth (cover one end with aluminum foil and pour chicken broth in the top), add pieces of boiled chicken, or any other favorite treat to keep him occupied. It got to the point that Rex would patiently sit on his bed (after a lot of patience and consistent training), wait for his kong toy, and not say a peep as we walked out the door. This kept him engaged for a long time, and tired out by the time we got home.

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 One more thing that is worth mentioning: I found these calming treats on Amazon, and I have to be honest, these helped him so much to be calm during a thunderstorm or fireworks season: https://amzn.to/3PDoK0f (this is a sponsored product**). I believe in using holistic and natural remedies for myself and my pets, and after reading about the natural ingredients in this product, I decided to try it for Rex. It's recommended by vets, it does help relieve stress and anxiety in dogs, is safe for daily use, is non-addictive, has yummy chicken flavor, and is suitable for all breeds of any size. Before we knew a thunderstorm would roll in or before our neighbors started with their fireworks, we'd give Rex his dosage at least an hour before, and we did see a decrease in his anxious pacing, panting, and shivering during those events.

 Remember, there is no quick fix to our dogs' anxiety. It's a combination of healthy, conducive habits that help lower anxiety and promote a balanced pet, and by extension, it helps you personally, too. I can literally go on and on about this subject. Can you tell? But no worries, I'll keep sharing helpful tips and tricks for your fur babies because you want the BEST for them like me! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day and for your support! 🙏🏼

 **Please note: This product is sponsored by Amazon. The information provided regarding this product does not in any shape, way, or form replace or act as any veterinary-prescribed medical treatment for any diagnosis for any pet. I am not a veterinarian professional. If your pet has a diagnosis or needs one, please consult your local Veterinarian at your convenience.