This is just too cool! He made this iPhone controlled dog treat dispenser!
You may also want to check out this guy's website: http://cygnetengineering.blogspot.com/2008/12/iphone-as-universe-controller-part-1.html
Toys for Dogs
December 07, 2008
November 12, 2008
Dogs' Separation Anxiety
We have a pet cam to keep an eye on our dog while we are out – it could be a sign that we have a separation anxiety issue. J We’ve noticed that Harry barks when we leave the house and then he’d start to play with his toys. After emptying the kong toy and dog twister toy, he’d settle down for a nap. However, after a few hours home alone, my dog would chew a corner of the wall – it’s a sign of separation anxiety. So, we started researching about dogs’ separation anxiety.
Like us humans, dogs cannot stay in a high state of anxiety for long. They must do something to reduce the tension. While we may go exercise or clean up the house under stress, dogs often do something undesirable from a human perspective. Many experts state that your dog is not trying to get even with you for leaving him home alone.
We, dog owners, usually consider our dogs are very loyal to us when they follow us around, or think our dogs are so sweet that they want to keep us in sight at all times. However, it could be that our dogs are overly dependent on us. It’s great to spend time walking your dog or playing, but we should teach the dog to feel secure without constant attention from us.
Apparently, there’s a higher chance of developing separation anxiety issue with small dogs because we, small dog owners, allow our “fur baby” to follow us all the time and bring him/her everywhere we go. The problem is caused by the small dog owners (not the small dogs)!
When the dog shows too strong an attachment to you, he/she may show signs of separation anxiety to reduce the tension when you are not in sight:
· destruction
· digging
· chewing
· excessive vocalization (barking or whining)
· hyperactivity
· depression
· aggression
· diarrhea/vomiting
· urination/defecation
If your dog has separation anxiety issue, then try:
- Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you, such as an old t-shirt that you recently slept in.
- Give him a stuffed Kong toy before leaving to keep him/her busy while you are away. This toy should be reserved for your departure so the dog can associate the leaving with a pleasant moment.
- Crate training: teach the dog that they will receive praise or treats if they follow the command to settle down in their bed or kennel. Place the dog in a smaller space, like a crate, where they can feel secure when you leave. However, if the dog panics when crated, do not force him in. Be patient – it takes time!
· Another way you can train your dog is to "practice" leaving and returning the house - gradually accustom your dog to your absence. It’s better to not speaking or giving attention when leaving. Drawing out the departure with long farewells and lots of attention simply bonds your dog more closely to you and reinforces the separation anxiety behaviour. The coming back should be as calm as possible. Ignore all excited behaviour and reward or pay attention to all signs of calm behaviour. The idea is that you want to make the departure a casual event so that your dog gets used to your leaving and coming home. They will soon be less enthusiastic upon your return, and for this, the should be rewarded with lot's of praise or a treat. After a few separate sessions of this routine, the dog will likely not display the same anxiety during your preparation to depart, nor will they be as upset once you are gone.
· In some severe cases, drugs may be used in association with retraining, but they don’t cure the problem. The use of this medication can decrease the anxiety and raise the dog's ability to learn.
· If you are going to leave the dog for more than 8 hours, a dog walker or pet sitter will give your dog much needed company and appropriate exercise.
Experts stress that getting your pet a companion animal will not cure separation anxiety!
