Dog Separation Anxiety – Part 1

Posted by Jeanne on March 9, 2009

Separation anxiety is one of the most common problems that dogs develop. It’s an anxiety disorder, and is defined as a state of intense panic brought on by the dog’s isolation/separation from her owner(s). In other words: when you leave for work in the morning, your dog is plunged into a state of nervous anxiety which intensifies extremely quickly.

Dogs are social animals – they need plenty of company and social interaction to keep them happy and content. No dog likes to be left alone for long stretches of time, but some dogs do a lot worse than others: these are the ones most prone to separation anxiety.

There are a number of contributing causes to the condition:

- Some breeds are genetically predisposed towards anxiety and insecurity, which is something you should consider when deciding which breed you’re going to go for (particularly if you’re going to be absent for long stretches of time). A few of these breeds include Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Airedales.

- A significant proportion of dogs from shelters develop separation anxiety. Most of these ‘shelter dogs’ have undergone significant trauma in their lives – they’ve been abandoned by their previous owners – and thus they have little trust that their new-found owner (you) isn’t going to pull the same trick.

- Dogs that were separated from their mothers and siblings too early have been identified as being especially prone to separation anxiety. Puppies from pet-stores are a perfect example of this: they’re usually taken from their mothers well before the earliest possible age (which is 8 weeks), and confined to a small glass box in the pet store for anywhere between a few weeks to two months. This early weaning, coupled with the lack of exercise and affection while in the pet store, is psychologically traumatic for the dog.

- Neglect is the number-one cause of separation anxiety for dogs. If you’re absent much more than you’re present in your dog’s life, separation anxiety is pretty much inevitable. Your dog needs your company, affection, and attention in order to be happy and content.

More on this subject next week…

Welsh Springer Spaniel Dog Breed

Posted by Jeanne on November 20, 2008

Welsh Springers are used in about the same manner as English Springers and are a tough, hardy gun dog and well adapted to rough country with heavy cover. They are easily trained and very intelligent. They also make good pets and watchdogs.

• Head – Skull, proportionate, of moderate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiseled below the eyes. A short chubby head is objectionable.
• Muzzle, medium length, straight, fairly square; the nostrils well developed and flesh colored or dark.
• Jaw, strong, neither under nor over-shot.
• Eyes, hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, nor sunken, nor showing haw.
• Ears, set moderately low and hanging close to the cheeks, comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards the tip, covered with nice Setter-like feathering.
• Neck and Shoulders – The former long and muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into long and sloping shoulders.
• Forelegs – Medium length, straight, well boned, moderately feathered.
• Body – Not long; strong and muscular with deep brisket, well sprung ribs; length of body should be proportionate to length of leg, and very well balanced; with muscular loin slightly arched and well coupled up.
• Quarters – Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs.
• Hindlegs – Hocks well let down; stifles moderately bent (neither twisted in nor out), moderately feathered.
• Feet – Round with thick pads.
• Stern – Well set on and low, never carried above the level of the back; lightly feathered and with lively action.
• Coat – Straight or flat and thick, of a nice silky texture, never wiry nor wavy. A curly coat is most objectionable.
• Color – Dark rich red and white.
• General Appearance – A symmetrical, compact, strong, merry, very active dog; not stilty, obviously built for endurance and activity, and from 33 to 40 pounds in weight.