Can XL Bully be left alone : Some suggestions for anxiety separation

Written by an Americanbullyadmirer on XL American bully :

Recently, there has been a lot of argument on the topic : can XL bully be left alone ? Some people believe that the XL American bully is a gentle dog breed which demands deep affection and care from their family members. On the contrary,others consider it a dangerous beast to be left alone at home, specifically with children.

So, in this article, we will discuss everything in depth,like how long your XL bully can be left alone at home,how to forbid anxiety separation in them and more.

Can XL bullies be left alone at home ?

Yes, XL American bullies, including all other types of American bully, can be left alone at home for a reasonable time span. It chiefly varies as per the age of an individual dog.

An XL bully puppy is more likely to suffer from separation anxiety or distress as it needs more love and compassion for adult XL bullies relatively.

Apart from this,XL bullies who are properly trained and well socialised exhibit a calm and favourable disposition even in isolation.

Are American bullies prone to separation distress ?

Though a well established XL American bully does not display any anger or separation distress. But any canine who lacks socialisation and a proper routine is highly prone to develop destructive behaviour.

XL bullies are family-oriented dogs with outgoing personalities. They develop an affectionate bond with their masters and nearby kids as well. Thus, they may suffer from anxiety or depression when left alone frequently for a longer duration.

Guys, I absolutely understand that it is quite difficult or impossible to take them along all the time,specifically in working places.But being their masters,you can do a few things to help them out in such situations,like you can put a camera to watch over their activities. It would be amazing if both of you are visible to one another.

Other than this, the best thing you can do is to provide them with some toys, games and other materials to keep them engaged in your absence.

XL bullies are not dangerous by birth. They exhibit an aggressive nature chiefly due to lack of socialisation and training . Hence, it is crucial to socialise and train them from their young age. It will enable them to regulate their temperament and interact with other animals & people smoothly.

Some suggestions for keeping XL bullies calm when left alone at home

As XL American bully is a companion and family oriented dog breed,they prefer to spend most of the time around people. These dogs can’t be left alone for a much longer duration. Otherwise, they are likely to suffer from separation anxiety. In the long run, it can result in destructive performance or behaviour.

The following are the tips which will help you in dealing with such situations and relax them :

1) Provide your XL bully with moderate exercises and activities :

Exercises play a significant role in addressing any kind of destructive behaviour. A proper routine of physical exercises for about 60 minutes a day helps in burning off some calories and energy too. Thus, they remain physically healthy and calm when living alone at home.

2) Good amount of mental stimulation :

XL American bully is quite an intelligent dog breed. Hence, they are quick learners of any desirable behaviour. On the contrary, boredom may lead to destructive behaviour of your pet. So, it is essential to provide them with some mental exercises, including puzzles, hide and seek and other mind-sharpening games.

Mental stimulation activities help in treating all types of behavioural issues such as anger and separation distress.

3) Train your XL bully prior to leaving home :

Other than physical and mental exercises, training them for desirable behaviour should be included in their daily routine.

Train them to remain calm in their place. You can also provide some chewing Benebone toys for them to keep them engaged in your absence. Ensure the strength of the chewing toys and make them learn not to swallow the same.

4) Provide a comfortable and safe environment :

It is also essential to provide your XL American bully with an environment which is fully safe and comfortable as well.

A cosy bed with a warm blanket is to be arranged for them specifically in winter. Any sharp objects or toxic plants should not be found near or in the surrounding area .

Intruders and other dangerous animals must not have any access to reach your pet to harm it.

5) Make access to fresh water and food near them :

Always ensure the availability of plenty of freshwater and healthy food before leaving your home. Proper food and water also contribute to their calm attitude.

Otherwise, lack of water will result in dehydration, which may stimulate their unpleasant behaviour.

Owing to their large size, a high nutritional food diet is required to be provided to keep them calm and healthy. Else, it may lead to various health problems.

6) Adopt positive reinforcement methods while training :

Using positive reinforcement training methods can minimise the stress and anxiety of your pet when left alone at home.

Provide them with mini treats, rewards and praise them when they remain calm for some time. Exercising desirable behaviour by XL bully should be appreciated while undesirable behaviour should not be approved of.

7) Desensitisation training :

American XL bully is a loyal and great guard dog . Ensure your pet about your coming back home. Thus, don’t leave them for a longer duration suddenly at once.

Start with small time intervals and gradually increase the duration. It will enable them to be relaxed and calm even at your departure.

Negative effects of separation anxiety on XL American bully

The XL bullies are highly prone to suffer from some negative effects of separation anxiety if left alone at home for a long haul.

They may suffer from some sorts of destructible behaviour, which includes the following :

• Barking in excess : Barking in excess in your absence may be a sign of your XL American bully being suffering from anxiety.

• Improper way of chewing : An inappropriate way of chewing can also be a result of their boredom or separation distress when left alone.

• Howling : XL American bully and other bully breeds also howl excessively due to leaving alone at home and being bored.

• Excessive drooling : Excessive drooling is also one of the signs of destructible behaviour.

• Making the house untidy : Sometimes, XL American bullies spread garbage, food and their toys, making the floor untidy because of separation anxiety.

Other dog breeds prone to separation distress

Separation anxiety can also develop in other dog breeds and the degree of it may differ in individual dogs.

Some may start to feel distressed after a few hours or others may experience the same after a few days of leaving them alone at home.

Some other bully dog breeds which may suffer from separation anxiety other than XL Bully are the following :

• Pocket American bully
• American Pitbull Terriers
• Staffordshire bull terriers
• English bulldogs
• Boston terriers
• Bullmastiff

Final Thoughts

American XL bully is one of the dog breeds known for its friendliness and compassionate nature. These dogs always want a good companion with them. Thus ,leaving alone at home is quite a difficult task.

Socialisation, providing proper environment, care and training from a young age can greatly contribute to their calm and relaxed behaviour.

Remember not to leave your XL bully alone for a longer time span at once in the beginning. Instead, start with short durations and increase the duration gradually. Assure your pet about coming back soon.

With the passage of time , they will become adaptable to such new changes. But you are required to be consistent with the training and have patience in you for better results.

The suggestions I have provided above may prove helpful in dealing with your American bully pet suffering from separation distress.

Keep on reading!

FAQs

Q1.can XL bully be left alone during the day?

Ans. XL bully is a social and companion dog breed which loves to be surrounded by people most of their time. They don’t like to live alone for longer durations.

Q2. What are common signs visible due to anxiety separation?

Ans. Excessive barking, excessive drooling, howling, digging holes, improper way of chewing, making house untidy etc are some of the common signs of anxiety separation.

Q3.Do all dogs experience separation anxiety?

Ans. No, not all dogs experience separation anxiety. Some may start to feel distressed after a few hours or others may experience the same after a few days of leaving them alone at home.