Coping with Husky separation anxiety
Husky separation anxiety is the cause of most husky behavior problems. In turn, behavior problems are the main reason Huskies end up in rescue shelters. This is very sad because in almost all cases separation anxiety can be prevented or cured.
Husky separation anxiety can be frustrating and heartbreaking if your husky is howling in sadness when you are not at home. What can follow is very destructive behavior such as barking, aggression, biting, jumping, chewing and running away. If your husky is proving to be a major nuisance with obedience issues, chances are he’s suffering from separation anxiety.
Huskies are by nature very herd-oriented. Your husky views you and your family members as his pack. If your husky is left alone, he may feel lost, scared, abandoned, and isolated from the pack. Husky separation anxiety often manifests as destructive and howling behavior. Your husky is in a bad mood and this is how these feelings come out. The good news is that when you finish reading this article, you will be armed with the knowledge necessary to help your husky on the path to wellness.
What Causes Husky Separation Anxiety?
The main cause of separation anxiety is the difference in the nature of humans and pack dogs like the husky. Huskies are very sociable and have a strong inner desire to live in a pack and interact in a pack. A dog in nature would do absolutely everything in a pack. This includes eating, hunting, sleeping, and traveling.
Human beings, on the other hand, due to our modern lifestyle, operate as individuals in society most of the time. While you are at work, your dog is at home pining for the leader of the pack. It is against every fiber of an Eskimo Dog to be away from the pack.
Five symptoms of Husky separation anxiety
- When you’re getting ready to leave the house, your husky starts howling, whining, and demanding extra attention.
- Catching your husky in an act of bad behavior when leaving or arriving home is another indicator that your husky may have separation anxiety.
- If your husky refuses to be physically apart from you when you are at home, this may indicate fear that you will leave.
- Physical symptoms include, but are not limited to, whining, howling, crying, and shaking.
- A fully trained husky begins to go to the bathroom in the house.
Basic Solutions for Husky Separation Anxiety
Relationship Building: There is a fine line between building trust and creating over-dependency on your husky. You need to develop a relationship where your husky is dependent on you without being so dependent that he cannot function when you are not around. Be firm but fair to your husky and don’t choke him.
Basic Dog Obedience – By teaching your husky basic obedience training, you will be able to overcome many of the negative behaviors associated with separation anxiety. Basic commands and social interaction for your husky will help your husky overcome separation anxiety.
Separation training: Your husky needs to know that you will come back when you go somewhere. The best way to do this is to go through a planned process of leaving for a few minutes and then coming back. Place your husky in a room where he feels safe for this. Gradually increase the amount of time you are away. You will notice that if you do this over time, your husky will be much calmer. Be sure to praise your dog for waiting patiently. Medication is an absolute last resort if separation anxiety training is unsuccessful.
Cage Training – Cage training is a good way to prevent separation anxiety in a husky, especially when he’s a puppy. Slowly introduce your husky to a room where he feels safe. Put out a favorite play toy and scent item to help your husky get comfortable. This is a precursor to box training.
Be a Good Owner – Give your husky all the essentials he needs before he leaves. This includes water, food, shelter, territory, and favorite toys.
Regular Exercise – Your husky will be much more relaxed and content with regular exercise. Like humans, Huskies that exercise regularly have reduced stress levels.
Patience: you should give your husky time to get used to the fact that you are not at home. This is even more relevant if your husky is a rescue dog. Your husky pet needs to feel safe in a pack and can’t help but feel anxious. There is absolutely no reason to look down on a pet because they miss you so much. Be patient with your husky and both of you will benefit from a great relationship.