Dog suffers from separation anxiety
Dogs are social animals. They form strong attachments to other dogs and people. Sometimes these attachments can be too strong. Nowadays, with an owner's long hours out of the house and busy schedule it is very important that they train their dog that it’s ok to stay alone. Teaching the dog to understand that, although it's pleasant when you're around, your absences are tolerable. This is a crucial thing to teach your dog.
Signs of separation anxiety are only seen in the owner's absence or when the dog is prevented from being close to the owner (for example, at night). The dog is in a high state of anxiety or conflict because he wants to be with the owner and is prevented from doing so. Dogs, like people cannot stay in a high state of anxiety for long and must do something (often something undesirable from a human perspective) to reduce the tension. It is very important to realize that the dog is not doing these things to get even with his owner for leaving him. Out of boredom or a lack of obedience, he must relieve this tension and his methods of doing so may cause considerable damage. Consider that the dependence of the dog on his owner is so great that he becomes anxious when the owner leaves, and no matter how flattering the constant attention to his owner may seem, it's not fair to the dog to allow him to be stressed by the absence of his owner.
Circumstances in which the anxiety will occur:
- too strong an attachment to one person
- separation from his mother and litter mates
- owners allow the dog to follow them all the time and bring him everywhere they go
- very exciting departure and welcome
Signs of separation anxiety to reduce the tension:
- destruction, digging, chewing, excessive vocalization, licking, panic attacks
- hyperactivity, depression, aggression, loss of appetite
- diarrhea /vomiting, urination/defecation, excessive salivation
Moment that separation anxiety will express itself:
- In the first hour of the departure or when the dog is prevented to be with the owner.
Preventing separation anxiety:
- Crate training.
- No speaking or giving attention when leaving, no excitement coming back.
- Give the dog an acceptable item to chew or a stuffed Kong to occupy him when you leave. This toy should be reserved for your departure so the dog can associate the leaving with a pleasant moment.
- Turn the radio on to a talk station from time to time while you are home, and then again when you leave.
Treating separation anxiety:
- Obedience training with basic commands.
- Ignore the dog when leaving.
- Give him a stuffed Kong before leaving.
- Mix the leaving cues (example: leave by the back door garage etc).
- Practice false departure.
- The coming back should be as calm as possible. Ignore all excited behaviour and reward or pay attention to all signs of calm behaviour.
- 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.
Julie Sansregret - AHT, Dog trainer
March 2010
