Picture the scene, you just arrived at the coffee shop to meet a friend you haven’t seen in years. Your cellphone buzzes with a notification from your home pet monitoring system, and when you open the app, you hear the blood-curdling, pitiful sound of your dog crying like their world is coming to an end. I want to help you stop your dog crying when left alone. Because, your neighbors are getting ready to send you a strongly worded letter about this daily drama they have to endure.
If your dog cries when you leave them alone, it feels like a heartbreaking dilemma. Understandably, you feel frustrated with your dog, and their crying is a nuisance. But you can’t blame them, their crying is an indication that something is upsetting them, and if not attended to, can manifest into bigger issues.
Let’s dive into why dogs cry when left alone, how it affects their mental health, what you can do to help them feel more comfortable, and how you can give yourself and your neighbors some much-needed peace and quiet.
Why Dogs Cry When Left Alone
Dogs are extremely social creatures, and from their point of view, you hold the position in their reality as the reason for their existence – essentially, you’re the best thing since sliced bread.
If you leave, it’s pretty much the end of the world to them. Their crying is a way for them to express distress and call you back to their side. It’s a built-in instinct for dogs to stay close to their “pack,” because they descend from wolves.
Separation anxiety is the most common reason dogs cry when left alone. Your dog may feel abandoned or just feel scared that you’re not coming back. Some triggers include a change in routine, moving to a new home, or a naturally clingy breed.
Crying doesn’t always translate to attention-seeking behavior, but rather, it indicates turmoil denoting real emotional pain. If left in continued isolation, this disorder can metastasize into something much worse.
Let’s Stop Dog Crying When Left Alone Together
As chronic anxiety builds up, it can manifest in destructive behavior as your dog blows off their anxiety by chewing up furniture or scratching doors, or even attempting to run away from home in an attempt to find you.
In time, the continued stress can wear down your dog’s physical health. Not to mention the shift it creates in your lifestyle, too. You can’t really enjoy your day if you know your dog is crying their eyes out back home. Then there’s the stress of worrying about noise complaints from neighbors or damage to your home.
If you feel like you’re really struggling with maintaining a daily routine due to managing your dog’s anxiety, this behavior starts hurting your well-being.
How This Behavior Affects Your Dogs Mental Health
If your dog cries because of separation anxiety, it isn’t a short-term feeling that makes them feel sad. It affects their mental health over the long term when not addressed. This continued anxiety increases their potential to develop other behavioral issues, such as aggression, abnormal barking, or depression.
A dog with separation anxiety rarely quietens down their barking behavior, indicating they’re always under stress. This behavior results in a syndrome referred to as “learned helplessness,” where your dog feels tremendous anxiety and gives up trying to cope with the situation.
In serious cases, this results in depression, where your dog may lose interest in activities, stops eating, or is generally lethargic. The cycle of anxiety leaves your dog more sensitive to other stressors.
For example, a crying dog may react to other situations, such as loud noises, strangers, and environmental changes. This increased sensitivity makes it tricky to try and calm them down.
The good news is that, with the right approach, you can help your dog overcome their anxiety and learn how to relax when left alone. Let’s look at some tips to stop your dog from crying when you’re not around.
DIY Tips to Stop Howling Behavior
Know the Problem – Your dog’s crying is an indicator of separation anxiety or boredom. Once you’ve identified the cause of this behavior, it’s easy to create a situation where your pet feels safe and secure.
Gradually Increase Time Alone – As much as your dog abhors the thought of being left alone, you can gradually desensitize them to it. Try leaving them alone for short periods and extending the time as they become used to being alone.
Create a Safe Space – Designate a place for your dog to retreat to while you’re away. This space could include their favorite toys, some snacks like a chew bon, or a pheromone diffuser to create a soothing ambiance.
Low-Key Departures – Don’t make a big deal about leaving or arriving home. Keeping your comings and goings low-key helps to alleviate the anxiety in your canine companion.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation – Engage your dog with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and ample exercise before your departure. Tired and mentally stimulated dogs won’t cry as much when they’re left alone.
Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques – Reward your dog with a special treat, praise, or additional playtime for remaining calm. This strategy lets them know that calm behavior is positively rewarded.
Implementing these suggestions can make your dog feel more comfortable and secure whenever they’re left on their own. They won’t cry as much and you’ll create peace of mind for you, your dog, and the neighbors.
Final Thought – Invest in Online Dog Training
Online dog training is an invaluable virtual resource to help you handle your dog’s anxiety and train this behavior out of them. These web-based platforms provide on-demand, expert strategies that make all the difference in your dog’s life and behavioral patterns.
With online training, you get specially designed programs dealing with separation anxiety and related anxious behaviors with a click of your mouse. Work on your dog’s mental health at your own pace, from the comfort of your home.
Learn desensitization and counterconditioning strategies and build a routine that stabilizes your dog emotionally to you not being around. Pretty soon, with the right training and some patience, your dog will just assume you leave home all day to find their dog food.
These life-changing techniques, created and instructed by professional trainers, feature detailed videos and step-by-step instructions. You get educated in exactly what you need to know on how to handle and reduce your dog’s anxiety in the most effective way possible.
Online dog training platforms empower dog owners with the knowledge and tools to address the underlying issues that cause anxiety in your furry friend. You’ll gradually build their confidence with effective training strategies, making your home a happier, more peaceful place. Let me help you stop dog crying when left alone today. If this article has helped please let me know in the comments.