While it's not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don't, it’s vital that owners recognize how the often-destructive behavior associated with this condition is part of a panic response. It’s important to understand that your dog isn't trying to “punish” you for leaving.
Scenarios that may trigger separation anxiety include:
· A change in family routine or structure, or the loss of a family member or another pet.
· A dog accustomed to constant human companionship is left alone for the first time.
· A dog suffers what it perceives as a traumatic event, such as boarding or spending shelter time.
The best way to treat minor separation anxiety is to avoid making a major “to do” linked with your departures and arrivals. When you leave your home, for example, give your dog an old t-shirt or another clothing article you’ve recently worn that smells like you. Establish a safety cue—a word or action that you use each time you leave for telling your dog you'll return.
When you do return, ignore your four-legged friend for the first few minutes before calmly petting him. An over-the-counter calming product may also help reduce mild separation anxiety.
When the problem is more severe, combine the above teaching techniques with desensitization training. Using positive reinforcement, practice a “sit-stay” and “down-stay” command, helping your canine learn that he can remain calm and happy in one place while you head into another room.
Create a "safe place" to limit your dog's ability to be destructive. This area should:
· Be a room with a window that confines loosely rather than strictly.
· Contain toys that distract.
· Contain dirty laundry that lends to calming or safety cues.
It can take time for your canine to unlearn his panic responses. For short-term coping, consider these interim solutions:
· Discuss drug therapy with your vet. Rather than sedating your dog, a good anti-anxiety drug should simply reduce its overall anxiety.
· When you have to be away, take your dog to a doggie daycare facility, kennel, or the home of a friend, neighbor or family member.
· If possible, take your dog to work with you.
Above all, avoid punishment. Know that destruction and house soiling that often occur with separation anxiety are part of a panic response rather than your dog's revenge for being left alone. Consider consulting a pet behavioral expert to help you develop techniques specific to your dog’s needs. With time and behavior modification techniques, separation anxiety can typically be overcome.
Scenarios that may trigger separation anxiety include:
· A change in family routine or structure, or the loss of a family member or another pet.
· A dog accustomed to constant human companionship is left alone for the first time.
· A dog suffers what it perceives as a traumatic event, such as boarding or spending shelter time.
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| Behavioral training and positive reinforcement can help your pet overcome separation anxiety Photo: Andrea Hobe |
When you do return, ignore your four-legged friend for the first few minutes before calmly petting him. An over-the-counter calming product may also help reduce mild separation anxiety.
When the problem is more severe, combine the above teaching techniques with desensitization training. Using positive reinforcement, practice a “sit-stay” and “down-stay” command, helping your canine learn that he can remain calm and happy in one place while you head into another room.
Create a "safe place" to limit your dog's ability to be destructive. This area should:
· Be a room with a window that confines loosely rather than strictly.
· Contain toys that distract.
· Contain dirty laundry that lends to calming or safety cues.
It can take time for your canine to unlearn his panic responses. For short-term coping, consider these interim solutions:
· Discuss drug therapy with your vet. Rather than sedating your dog, a good anti-anxiety drug should simply reduce its overall anxiety.
· When you have to be away, take your dog to a doggie daycare facility, kennel, or the home of a friend, neighbor or family member.
· If possible, take your dog to work with you.
Above all, avoid punishment. Know that destruction and house soiling that often occur with separation anxiety are part of a panic response rather than your dog's revenge for being left alone. Consider consulting a pet behavioral expert to help you develop techniques specific to your dog’s needs. With time and behavior modification techniques, separation anxiety can typically be overcome.
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