Pet Guide: Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation Anxiety in Dogs is a very real and common problem. It is commonly defined as a fear or dislike of the dog being on their own, which can often result in destructive behaviour. It is also one of the most common behavioural problems in dogs, and one which I have first hand experience with as my last dog suffered from it.

Causes & Factors:

There can be many causes or factors which lead to Separation Anxiety, however each dog is different and could have their own factors leading up to this behavioural problem. Common causes are early separation from the mother, lack of love and care early on in their life, sudden changes in their home environment, and change in lifestyle which leaves the dog on their own for a longer period of time.

Symptoms & Behaviours:

Every dog will be different and their behaviours and symptoms will vary from each other. However, there are common behaviours that you can watch for if you believe your dog suffers from Separation Anxiety. Some dogs can see common routines and will recognize when their owner is preparing to leave the house and will become visibly anxious and needy. They may whimper, bark, shake, and even stay close by your side. Once you have left the house the dog's anxiety will increase to the point of scratching, chewing, urinating, and barking for extended periods of time. Most dogs will then become extremely excited upon your return and it will then take an extended period of time to calm them again.

Treatment:

Many people do not realize that their dogs suffer from Separation Anxiety which prevents the necessary treatment. It is important that you take steps to find the source of the anxiety. This is not always possible, but if you are able to than you can use this as a starting point to treat the anxiety. You will be able to teach the dog that you are not abandoning him/her.

One common treatment option is obedience training, which helps strengthen the dog's independence. Crate training is another viable option as the dog is confined to a smaller space during the time of separation reducing destruction to the dog and the surrounding area. Punishment is NOT recommended as it more often than not increases the dog's anxiety.

However, the top ranking treatment plan is planned departures. This exposes the dog to numerous short departures, which will work to slowly adjust the dog to being left alone. However, when doing this it's import to do it using the right method. You must start with very short intervals of no longer than a couple of minutes as the anxiety can set in almost immediately upon your departure. You need to return before the dogs anxiety begins. You cannot increase the time until you are absolutely certain that the dog is not stressed in any way. This means you will need to closely watch for any signs of stress such as extended greeting periods. You can then slowly increase the time to adjust the dog to greater periods of separation; however make sure you use the above points. Departures and returns should be as quiet as possible with no attention before the departure or praise upon your return. Some people also keep the television or radio on as a form of company for the dog.

Separation Anxiety in a dog can be a difficult time for both you and your dog. However, your dog is not doing this on purpose and it is important that you take steps to correct the behaviour. Often talking to your veterinarian or animal trainer can help you sort out a treatment plan. Remember though that this is treatable and you and your dog can form an even greater bond by working to correct the behaviour successfully.

References:

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/anxiety.html