Being abandoned can sometimes result in a dog feeling like their owner could leave them at any time. Some dogs that you find at a shelter suffer from anxiety issues, which are sometimes caused by being abandoned by someone they loved and trusted. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help your dog if they have abandonment issues.

One story in particular is a perfect example of the effect that abandonment can have on a dog.

Suffering from separation anxiety

The story involves a golden retriever that a man adopted from his local animal shelter. Upon arriving home, he and his family soon discovered that their new dog exhibited some unique behavior. Every night when the man would go to sleep, the dog would watch him.

It seemed the dog had something happen to him in the past that was creating separation anxiety.

Finding out why the dog suffered from anxiety

The man grew concerned after trying various methods to get the dog to relax and nothing worked. Finally, he visited the shelter where he had adopted him and asked the staff there what the dog’s story was.

According to the staff, the dog had been abandoned at the shelter when his previous owner’s wife became pregnant. But it was the way he was abandoned that was the saddest part.

The owner couldn’t bear to see the dog’s face as he walked away, so he waited for the dog to fall asleep before taking him to the shelter. After the dog woke up and found himself in a strange place, without his owner, he knew that he had been abandoned.

As a result, he had carried the mental scars of that abandonment with him ever since.

Helping your dog deal with separation anxiety

If your dog was ever abandoned, you might notice that they show signs of separation anxiety. Who knows what goes through the mind of your dog when you have to leave them alone? As far as they know, they might never see you again, which is probably why they are so happy when you return.

The signs that your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety include barking or whining constantly while you are away. They can also exhibit this anxiety in the form of destructive behavior or going to the bathroom on the floor of your home when left alone.

Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to help your dog if they are suffering from separation anxiety. First, you should give them the space to feel out their surroundings when you first bring them into your home. You can also provide them with toys to keep them occupied while you are away.

Make sure to change these toys out occasionally to keep them new and exciting and to keep your dog from getting bored. A bored dog is more likely to engage in destructive behavior around the home when you are not there.

Most importantly, you should try to create a bond of trust between you and your dog to make them feel safe. You can do this by taking walks with them and playing together, as well as teaching them basic commands, such as sit, stay, or come.

Watch the video below for more on this dog’s sad story.

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Source: Terrifive

H/T: Cesar’s Way, Wag!