Picture this: You are getting ready to leave for work, and your four-legged best friend starts to panic. Maybe they are whining and crying or pacing and starting to bark.
Unfortunately, this scene is all too familiar to us. Our dog, Ava, suffers from separation anxiety and has a tendency to shred anything near her crate when we leave the house. Although it’s gotten better with patience and training, she still has a tough time when we leave her at home.
At this point, you’ve probably heard of KONG dog toys. There might even be a few in your dog’s toy bin, but what you might not know is that they can help comfort dogs with separation anxiety by making the goodbye easier.
Understanding Separation Anxiety In Dogs
Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex and often misunderstood condition. It’s more than just whimpering or gazing sadly through the window when you head out the door for the day; it’s a profound state of fear and stress your dog experiences when they are separated.
This anxiety can manifest in various behaviors, many of which can be unhealthy and destructive. If any of the following behaviors sound familiar when you leave your house, you could be dealing with separation anxiety.
Destructive Behavior
This is one of the most common signs. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety may chew on furniture, shred blankets or clothing, dig and scratch at doorways, or destroy other household items. They do this to alleviate their stress or to escape and reunite with you.
Excessive Barking Or Crying
Dogs with anxiety may bark, cry, howl, or whine excessively when left alone. This vocalization is not a response to external stimuli or boredom; it’s a sign of distress.
Pacing Or Restlessness
Some dogs pace in a fixed pattern or walk along a pacific path when their owners leave. They might go from window to window trying to find you. This repetitive behavior is another physical manifestation of their internal anxiety.
Accidents Indoors
Even the best-trained dogs who never go to the bathroom in the house can have accidents inside the home while dealing with separation anxiety.
Using The KONG For Comfort And Distraction
The key to helping your dog deal with separation anxiety is to create a positive association with you leaving by giving them something exciting to play with when you’re not there. By filling the KONG toy with your dog’s favorite goodies, you offer comfort and distraction, which will make your exit less traumatic.
Your dog starts to think less of “Oh my god, they are leaving me again” and more of “I’m about to get that awesome treat.” This can reduce the initial stress of separation and create a positive association with you leaving.
Although you could try this method with any high-value treat, stuffed KONG dog toys provide your dog with mental stimulation. By focusing on the challenge of getting the treats out, your dog naturally shifts their attention away from anxiety. This cognitive engagement is a healthy outlet for their energy and can significantly reduce stress levels.
Twenty minutes of brain work is equivalent to one hour of physical activity for your dog, which means you can use KONG dog toys to tire your pup out. For more ways to keep your dog’s brain busy, check out our article on how to mentally stimulate your dog.
Anxiety Tip: Don’t say goodbye to your pup with anxiety. Sounds harsh, right? Actually, skipping the goodbye can decrease their stress.
When dealing with a dog that has separation anxiety, it’s best not to make a big deal out of leaving the house. Grabbing your keys, putting on sneakers, or picking up your bag all signal your departure to your dog. Saying goodbye by talking in a high-pitched voice or making a show of leaving adds another trigger for them. It’s best to give them their KONG toy and then depart calmly and quietly.
Choosing The Right KONG Toy For Your Dog
All KONG products are designed with natural, high-durability materials, which help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. Choosing the right KONG toy for your dog depends on size, chew strength, and interests. A toy that’s too small could pose a choking hazard for your pup, while one that’s too large or too heavy might not keep your dog engaged.
KONG offers most of their rubber chew toys in sizes X-Small through XX-Large and has toys formulated for dogs of all life stages.
KONG Classic
- Formula for average chewers
- Unpredictable bounce for play and fetch
KONG Puppy
- Soft formula for puppy teeth and gums
- Teaches appropriate chewing behavior
Check out our KONG complete guide to help you find a toy your dog will love!
Creative Ways To Fill A KONG
Great news – there are endless options for filling the KONG. To help ensure success with the toy, experiment and try different combinations to find one your dog really loves. Peanut butter, carrot pieces, and chicken bits are all great places to start.
If you are in a rush or want a less time-consuming option, KONG makes treat fillers. Our dog Ava really loves the cheesy filler. For an added challenge, we will freeze the toy for a few hours before we give it to her.
Other Ways KONG Dog Toys Can Help With Anxiety
Beyond providing distraction and mental stimulation, KONG dog toys can be part of a broader strategy to help your dog manage separation anxiety. They can establish routines, reinforce training, and serve as comforting objects to help your dog relax.
Routine Establishment
Establishing a routine is crucial for dogs with separation anxiety. KONG dog toys can help you create a structured schedule. By filling and offering the toy to your dog at a specific time each day, especially when leaving the house, will help create a positive association. Over time, this routine can reduce the anxiety associated with your leaving.
Training Reinforcement
To make training successful, you must make it fun for your dog. Using filled KONG toys as rewards during training sessions reinforces desired behaviors. It redirects their attention from anxiety to constructive activity.
Comfort Object
For some dogs, a KONG toy can become like a baby blanket, offering a sense of security and familiarity. This aspect is particularly beneficial when dogs are alone. The presence of a familiar and enjoyable object can provide comfort and reduce loneliness for dogs dealing with separation anxiety.
Long-term Coping Mechanism
Regular and consistent use of KONG dog toys can help your dog develop long-term coping mechanisms for their anxiety. As your dog learns to focus on their toy and enjoy the reward, they gradually focus less on the stressors that trigger their anxiety. Over time, this can lead to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and destructive behaviors.
Enhancing Physical Activity
Besides mental stimulation, physical activity is also crucial for anxious dogs. KONG toys can be used in interactive play sessions that encourage physical exercise. Their unpredictable bounce can make games of fetch particularly exciting. You can also try a “find it” game with the KONG to help your dog get out their pent-up energy.
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
While KONG toys are incredibly durable, using them safely is essential. Regularly inspect the toy for signs of wear and tear and replace if needed.
Keeping the toy clean is also essential for your dog’s health. Luckily, these products are dishwasher safe, so staying on top of cleaning them is easy.
Conclusion
KONG dog toys are more than just playthings for your pup; they can offer a lifeline for dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Providing mental stimulation and comfort can help transform your dog’s experience of being alone into a positive one.
If your dog struggles with separation anxiety, a KONG toy might just be the answer you’re looking for.
