Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation Anxiety is the name for what happens when a dog is over traumatized by the absence of its owner. It is a dangerous problem because it means the dog cannot be left alone without it showing signs of stress, which may include destructive behavior, uncontrolled urination, or defecation, and loss of appetite.

This problem is more common in the more intelligent breeds but can occur in any breed of dog. It can be due to early weaning, coming from a puppy mill, poor genetics, lack of early socialization, but is often is the result of an owner who coddled their dog too much.

Dogs are pack animals, it is their nature to want to be with their “pack”, or in this case, their owner. In nature though, some animals are left in the den, while the hunters hunt. So it is equally normal for some dogs, and pups, to be left behind from time to time. When an owner allows their dog to be dependent on them all the time, they encourage it to become stressed if left for any length of time.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Border_Collie_-_Isla_female_4_years_old.JPG

Because owners often feel like they have to soothe a crying dog, they can actually encourage the behavior to start. While in some cases it does not become true separation anxiety, when it does, it is a real problem. Comforting a lonely dog tells it that there is something wrong with being alone, and something to fear.

Acting early, teaching the dog to be crate trained, is one of the best ways to prevent separation anxiety. Once the problem has developed, an owner must condition the dog to accept their absence. Unfortunately this is sometimes difficult because the owner who has coddled their dog does not see the problem for what it is, and sometimes they enjoy the feeling of the dog being so needy of them.

Simple Lessons

If your dog knows obedience, and every dog should know the basics, have it “Sit” and “Stay”. Step away from the dog, but watch it, make sure it obeys and remains in the Sit/Stay position. Correct as needed, but never talk to (or touch) a dog when you are correcting them. Return to the dog and reward. Get the dog to hold the Sit/Stay and go in another room, out of sight. Use a mirror the dog is unaware of to monitor it for movement, correct it as needed, but gradually extend the time you are away and out of sight of the dog before returning and offering a reward. Never train for too long, always end on a positive. Never overly reward a dog on your return.

Harder Lessons

Leave the dog alone in a space where it can do little damage, preferably a crate. Rest assured, this is going to be harder on you, the owner, than the dog. If you fail here, you will fail to help your dog. Provide the dog with a new toy to occupy its time. The toy must not be anything similar to one the dog already associates with his, or her anxiety. Meaning if the dog normally chews stuffed animals to bits when left alone, provide a hard rubber toy, not a stuffed one. Now the hard part: Leave it alone!

At first leave only for a matter of seconds, before the dog has become anxious. Gradually extend your periods of absence. Sometimes leave through your front door, and re-enter through your back door. Do not overly greet the dog or say soothing things like “Don't worry, I'm back.”. Simply approach the kennel and let the dog out. Excessive greeting on your part encourages anxiety.

As the days go by you can extend your time away, so that eventually you can be gone for more than an hour without undue stress on your dog.

Prior to leaving the dog in a crate, and upon your return, do not pay too much attention to the dog. This re-enforces the behavior. When it is time to crate the dog put it in and leave. Comforting the dog before leaving it sends it a signal that something is wrong.

Other Tips

Leave the radio on when you are away.

One longterm management for separation anxiety, is by using the Bach Flower rescue remedy. This is a homeopathic remedy often used by animal shelters to reduce their anxiety, and negative reactions due to being in a cage for a prolonged period of time. An owner puts drops of the remedy into their dogs water, and many people swear by it. This can be purchased at a health food store for humans.