Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

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My dog is exhibiting some separation anxiety and destructive behaviors such as ripping up the carpet when she is left alone. I have also heard the neighbors complaining about her howling and whining when I leave for work. What can I do to help her feel more comfortable? – Amari Irving

This is a common type of anxiety for animals and many people are battling these behaviors with their pets daily. The first step is to work on crate training. There are tons of great websites online that can teach you to do this properly. If your dog is panicked by the crate, she may have confinement anxiety and will need to have a living space that is large enough for her to feel comfortable where she can stay when you are away from the home.

The next step is to work on desensitization and counter-conditioning training. Start by leaving her for a short amount of time and reward her for good behavior. Then slowly increase the length of time she is alone. Give her an extra special treat that she doesn’t get for anything else to make it more alluring for her. The higher quality the treat, the more she will want to work for it.

Next step is exercise. Just like people with anxiety, exercise helps dogs tremendously. “A tired dog is a good dog” is a quote I have heard for years and absolutely rings true. Combining exercise and mental stimulation (brain games and puzzle feeders) will help your pet’s anxiety decrease.

I also recommend acting like it’s no big deal when you leave or come home. I know a lot of people get very excited to come home, see their pet, and love on them like they haven’t seen them in a week. Make goodbyes and hellos a non-event. When you come home, ignore the overly excited behavior until your dog calms down. Once she is calm, give all the attention and love you want.

If your dog is suffering from severe anxiety, I recommend getting in touch with your veterinarian to discuss anti-anxiety medications while working on a training plan to set your dog up for the best success. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I walked my dog daily before I had a newborn and my dog is getting frustrated with the lack of exercise she is receiving lately, so I started walking her with the baby stroller and she is freaked out by it. Any tips on how to walk a dog with a baby stroller? – Reagan-Rose Terrell

Start out by teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash without the stroller. This is important and will keep you safe so that your dog does not pull when you have the baby in a stroller. After the dog has learned how to walk on a loose leash, start working on other commands such as “Wait,” “Easy,” and “Leave It.” Once your dog knows these commands reliably, introduce the dog to the stroller slowly and let her check it out on her own. Put treats near the stroller on the ground to entice her to check it out, but not in the stroller. We do not want to associate food with where the baby will be. Next step is to start loose leash walking next to the stroller without the baby. Once your dog is comfortable with walking with the stroller, you can add your little babe and enjoy your walks. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

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Featured Pet – Brodie

Brodie is the most loyal and loving companion you could ask for. He is two years old and has his whole life ahead of him. Brodie has the most unique ears that get him compliments from everyone he meets! He is affectionate, smart, and very easygoing. He is even housetrained and walks excellent on a leash. If you are interested in a new best friend like Brodie, contact adoptions@greatplainsspca.org for more information!

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira, and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

(913) 831-7722(SPCA)

https://www.greatplainsspca.org