Helping Your Jack Russell Terrier Overcome Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can effect your jack russell terrier if you leave him alone frequently, or send him the wrong message before your departure. Jacks, like all dogs, are social creatures. They thrive in packs and do everything with their other family members. Hence, since your dog sees you as his pack, he becomes very disoriented and uneasy when you go anywhere without him. Therefore, while you cannot always stay in the company of your dog, you need to teach your jack russell that your leaving him will be a normal part of his life, and that you will return.

To help make your departure and return as positive as possible, the following are some do's and don'ts you will want to keep in mind when leaving your jack russell terrier home alone:

Do...

• Exercise your jack before you leave your home so he is more likely to rest while you are away.

• Decrease the attention you give your dog prior to leaving.

• Leave a talk radio on for your dog as well as a small light if it will be dark before you return to help maintain his comfort.

• Provide him with a special treat before you leave and/or his favorite chew toys.

• Give your jack russell terrier fresh water.

• Make sure he has access to his favorite lie down spot.

• Close any room doors that contain contents you do not want destroyed by your dog.

• Tell him you'll be back shortly in a calm voice and exit your home with as little commotion as possible.

• Enter your home upon returning and calmly say "hello" to your dog, take off your shoes, coat, etc. put down whatever it is you may be carrying, and once you are ready, only then should you greet your dog more enthusiastically by petting him and so on.

• Make your dog accustom to your absence by leaving him for short periods, and slowly extending the time you are gone.

Don't...

• Make a fuss over your jack russell terrier before you leave and when you get home. This will only make his anxiety worse when he realizes he will not be going with you, and will make the next time you leave even harder on your dog.

• Punish your dog if you discover he has destroyed something in your absence. He only engaged in destructive behavior because he was angry, upset, and afraid for being left behind. Punishing him will only cause him to fear your return, which will make him even more anxious.

Separation anxiety can be a real problem for you and your jack russell terrier. You can decrease the chances your jack has of feeling this upset and destroying your home, by remembering to make your leaving and returning a positive and natural experience for your dog, and not something he dreads.