How to Help Your Dog with Canine Seperation Anxiety
Dogs are, by nature, pack animals. When one is brought into our home, they develop a bond with their families and will often exhibit pack-like behavior. However, just as they can exhibit positive behaviorisms, so too can they exhibit the negative when separated from their ‘pack.’ Like humans, they worry about where their loved ones went to and whether or not they will come back. Sometimes, this worry can turn into frantic periods of anxiety and can lead to destructive behaviorisms. Even well-mannered and quiet dogs can turn into a terror when left alone for even a few minutes. Read on to learn about canine separation anxiety and some helpful methods of alleviating your pet’s fears.
Canine separation anxiety may be brought on by a number of things, ranging from a simple change in daily routine to a traumatic event, such as being trapped in a home during a fire. Equally diversified are the animals at risk for separation anxiety; dogs who are rescued or adopted from animal shelters, stray dogs taken in from the street, show dogs or animals that have been kept kenneled for most of their lives, or dogs that have spent a great deal of time with elderly or housebound owners are all at risk of suffering separation anxiety. Additionally, some dogs have a tendency to be more high-strung and demanding of attention, suffering from anxiety when they do not receive the attention that they desire.
A dog suffering from separation anxiety will often destroy objects, especially those which are closest to their owners, such as chewing on a favorite chair or ripping up clothing. They will often urinate and defecate, vomit or experience intensified salivation during these periods. Incessant barking, whining and howling are not uncommon, as is digging at carpeting or doors in an attempt to ‘escape.’
The treatment for separation anxiety can be as widely varied as the condition, itself. The most important thing to remember is that you are attempting to overcome a fear or panic that occurs when the dog is left alone. For this reason alone, the dog suffering from separation anxiety should not be punished for what he has done in your absence, as this can only intensify the fears. Instead, you want to teach the dog that there is no need to fear when he is left alone. This is best done with a lot of patience and positive reinforcement.
The first step in teaching your dog to overcome his anxieties is by teaching him some very basic commands. “Sit,” “stay,” and “lay down” are all very good examples and will help you to calm him when he is feeling anxious. Having your dog sit and then stay as you leave the room for short periods of time will strengthen his belief that you will return to him and that he has not been deserted. Once these basic commands have been taught, you will want to not only teach him to sit and stay when you leave the room, but also examine your routine, determining what your triggers are.
Most of us have a routine when we go to leave the house. We put on makeup or cologne. We pick up the keys from the counter, giving them a little jangle. We dress in a different style of clothing than what we normally wear around the house. Over time, your dog learns to read these signs and, upon seeing them, knows that you are preparing to leave him. This allows his anxiety to build over time, resulting in panic when his fears come true.
Disassociating a pet from his triggers takes a great deal of patience. Putting on makeup and then just walking around the house or picking up your keys, rattling them and them setting them down will help to put your dog more at ease when he sees these events happening. If you normally leave for work with a briefcase or a purse, try picking the object up and simply moving it to another room. This will help to put your canine friend’s fears at rest that, whenever you do perform the action, it doesn’t always mean you are leaving him.
Crating a dog in your absence may also help him overcome his fears. Crates allow your dog a comfortable but dark place where he can lay down; the enclosure giving him a sense of security, not unlike being in a den. A favorite toy or an article of your clothing that bears your scent may also help him to relax and it is recommended that you turn a television or radio on quietly, allowing the voices to help calm him as well. While crating can be very helpful to a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, please realize that there is a difference between crating and caging your pet. Forcing your dog into a cage, yelling at him or striking him will only add to his confusion and insecurities. As with each step, you should always make it a positive event, not a negative one.
Also reward your pet for his good behavior. If you come home and he has behaved himself, be sure to reward him with a treat and lots of praise. See to his needs before your own, ensuring that he has a chance to go outside and relieve himself; instilling that he can use the bathroom, as soon as you return home, will help prevent more ‘accidents’ from occurring on your floors. Also be sure to spend some time and play with him, so that he realizes that your coming home is a happy occasion, rather than something that he will be punished for.
If all else fails, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications that are now available to help. Even if medications are prescribed, always remember that strengthening and rewarding positive behavior is the key to a good pet and owner relationship. Just like humans, pets need affection and attention, thriving when they are praised and taught with love.
