How To Treat Minor Separation Anxiety
- Dont make a big deal out of arrivals and departurestalk to your dog in a calm voice when youre leaving or returning.
- Establish a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog youll be back.
- Consider using an over-the-counter calming product that reduces fearfulness in dogs.
Why Does My Dog Have Separation Anxiety Is It My Fault
We can often identify the cause of a dogs isolation distress or separation anxiety.
I can tell you definitively, as a specialist in helping dogs to overcome a fear of being alone, it is almost never the fault of a loving family. Some of the most common factors include:
- Being returned to a shelter after an initial adoption
- Changes in the familys makeup such as a death, a birth, or a child going off to college
- Major changes in a familys routine like returning to work after a period of unemployment or after a summer break
- Puppyhood trauma such as malnutrition or being shipped across the country
We know there is also a genetic component for some dogs that struggle to be alone.
Some dogs, due to breeding or other genetic factors, are simply predisposed to isolation distress. We love dogs, after all, for their desire to be our constant companions its not their fault that we live in a world that doesnt allow us to keep them at our sides at all times!
Is That Different With A Puppy
Whenever you have a new puppy, it is a good idea to get them used to short periods of time on their own from a young age. This can only be to leave them in a separate room and with toys to encourage self-entertainment. Dont forget to reward them when they do this well and be patient when they dont. It will take time.
If you do crate training then practice the same with a reward if they get it right this will encourage repetitive behavior. In addition to rewards, it is important to be calm and consistent in your approach.
Gradually build up the amount of time your pup is left alone, rather than immediately having long periods of leaving the house. How you manage to do this in your puppys first few months is key to developing a healthy, happy dog that can get along without you all the time.
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Does My Puppy Have Separation Anxiety
Before we delve into how to treat puppy separation anxiety, lets take a moment to define the phrase.
Canine Separation Anxiety:
A stress response a dog experiences when they are separated from the people to whom they are bonded, even for short periods of time.
Puppy Separation Discomfort:
The general nervousness or unhappiness a pet feels when their person leaves.
It’s natural for your puppy to feel separation discomfort, aka mildly unhappy or anxious when you leaveyoure their favorite person, after all! But true separation anxiety is a debilitating reaction to your absence. And while the signs of each type of anxiety can look similar, true separation anxiety symptoms are generally more extreme and last for longer periods of time than for a puppy whos just learning how to be comfortable when alone.
True separation anxiety in puppies is rare, Schade says, in part because it doesnt usually take much to distract a puppy. A tasty treat or super fun toy typically lifts their spirits within a few minutes. So take heart: The symptoms youre noticing in your puppy arent likely to reflect severe distressjust a discomfort thats both natural and common.
Is That Really What Were Dealing With
My first step in working with these dogs and their families is to confirm that the dog actually has separation anxiety. Sometimes thats very straightforward. My canine patient comes in with the classic history of soiling the house, barking, howling, or whining repeatedly, destroying things when left home alone, or some combination of these behaviors. Her people report that she shows these signs of distress even when left alone for only a few minutes. Neighbors have complained about the loudness and duration of her barking, and the entryway of her home is covered in teeth and claw marks. She paces and whines as soon as theres any sign of an impending departure, and while her enthusiastic greetings are heartwarming, they are a bit excessive.
In other cases, the picture is a bit more complicated. For example, a dogs people bring him in because neighbors have complained about the excessive barking but they themselves have never heard him make a peep. They wonder if their neighbors are mistaking him for that other dog down the halltheres no evidence that anythings been amiss in their absence after all. Or I might see a dog because she rearranges and occasionally destroys things when home alone, but barely seems to notice her persons preparations to leave the house. Do either of these dogs really have separation anxiety, or is there something else going on?
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Should You Put A Dog With Separation Anxiety In A Crate
Crate training a dog with separation anxiety is helpful for some dogs if they believe the crate is a safe place. However, if the crate is seen as a negative place or causes your dog stress then its not a good solution. The best way to identify if this will work for you is to monitor your dog’s behavior when they are left in a crate when you are home. If they show signs of distress such as frantic escape attempts, continuous howling or barking, heavy breathing or excessive salivation, then keeping them in a crate probably isnt the best option for you. Another possible solution is keep your dog confined in a single room behind a closed door or a baby gate.
Should I Ignore My Dog If He Is Having Separation Anxiety
If you know your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it can be beneficial to ignore them right before leaving your house rather than showing them affection and saying goodbye. If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, resist reassuring them right away. Ignoring your dog can train them to stop their attention-seeking behaviors.
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What Can I Do If My Dog Is Anxious When Im Not At Home
Dogs are highly social animals who generally prefer to live in groups. Many dogs can become anxious when separated from their human family. Anxiety is characterised by signs of distress when affected animals are separated from an owner or family group to who the animal is attached. Behavioural responses can include toileting in the house, destructiveness, excessive barking, digging or pacing and attempting to escape, among other distress signs.
The goal of management and treatment is to teach the dog how to be calm and relaxed when the person to whom the dog is attached is absent. It involves changes in pet-owner interactions, changes in leaving and returning routines, decreasing the anxiety associated with owner departure, teaching the pet how to be left alone and other environmental changes and management.
Owners should consult with their veterinarian for advice. They can either help you directly or they may offer referral to a behavioural specialist who uses humane reward-based training.
Socialization And Proactive Exposure Training
A dog who has been positively exposed to different experiences at a young age is less likely to suffer from separation anxiety. One study found that a lack of socialization before a dog turned 10-months old was a common factor in whether they later suffered from separation anxiety. Proactive exposure training helps build a dogs confidence and teaches them appropriate coping skills.
Proactive exposure training is giving your dog a chance to learn how to live and thrive in a totally different species world. We expect a lot from our dogs, and sometimes we forget that they arent human its our job to show them the ropes. Try using this handy checklist to keep track of your dogs progress: 100 things in 100 days.
The best time to socialize your dog is when they are between the ages of 7 to 16 weeks, during whats called an imprint period. Their brains are like sponges during this time, and their experiences will shape their future behavior. Make sure to create as many positive associations for them during this time, especially the experience of being alone . If you didnt have your dog throughout their imprint period, you can still work on their socialization and help them navigate the human world, it just might take them a bit longer to adjust to new things.
A certified dog trainer or behavior consultant can work with you to create an appropriate socialization program that matches you and your dogs needs.
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If The Problem Is More Serious
A dog with severe anxiety won’t be distracted by even the tastiest treats. You’ll need to slowly get them used to your absence.
They may start to get nervous when they see signs you’re about to leave, like putting on your shoes or picking up your keys. So do those things, but then don’t leave. Put on your shoes and then sit down at the table. Pick up your keys and watch TV. Do this over and over many times a day.
When your dog starts to feel less anxious about that, you can slowly start to disappear. First just go on the other side of the door. Ask your dog to stay, then close an inside door between you. Reappear after a few seconds. Slowly increase the amount of time you’re gone. Put on your shoes and pick up your keys. Ask your dog to stay while you go into another room.
As they get more used to the “stay game,” increase the amount of time you’re gone. Then use an outside door, but not the same one you go out every day. Make sure your dog is relaxed before you leave.
Only you can tell if your dog is ready to be left alone for longer periods. Don’t rush things. Give them a stuffed treat when you’ve built up to 10 seconds or so apart. Always act calm when you leave and when you return.
Gradually build up the time until you can leave the house for a few minutes. Then stay away for longer and longer periods.
Ensure That Your Dog Had Enough Exercise And Mental Stimulation
You must make sure that your pooch gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. The best thing you can do is to exercise with your dog more often. This could help your pet get through the stress and anxiety, and it could potentially help them get rid of the excess energy that it has.
- Take them out for a long walk in the afternoon or evening before they go to bed.
- Spend time playing brain games and doing obedience training with them.
- You can encourage your dogs playful nature through activities like fetch, swimming, and agility exercises.
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Differentials For Separation Anxiety In Dogs
What may seem like separation anxiety, may not always be separation anxiety. There are several differential diagnosis to rule out .
For example, dogs who are eliminating in the home when left alone, may be simply dogs who have never been truly housetrained or perhaps have medical conditions that might lead to soiling in the home when left alone for several hours.
Dogs who chew items when left alone may be simply dogs who are bored and understimulated. These dogs may have learned to chew out of the owner’s presence if doing so in front of the owner has led to them being reprimanded in the past.
Some dogs, more than separation anxiety suffer from confinement distress, and tend to chew and scratch when confined in a crate or kennel. These dogs may have never been acclimated to being enclosed and may develop anxiety upon being confined in a small areas.
Due to the possibility of several differentials and the importance of the correct implementation of behavior modification, it’s a good idea to consult with a dog behavior professional for help on the issue.
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Keep Comings And Goings Uneventful
Many owners lavish their dogs with affection and attention right before you leave home and immediately when you walk in the door. Unfortunately, this can contribute to your dog’s anxiety. To prevent this, the best thing you can do is to ignore your dog before you leave and for several minutes after your return. This is your way of demonstrating to your dog that your comings and goings are really no big deal.
Teach your dog that calm and patient behavior is rewarded. This means attention comes when they are settled and relaxed. If a dog engages in quiet behavior on its own it should be rewarded with attention or a treat.
For mild to moderate cases of separation anxiety, these small changes may be enough to reduce your dog’s anxiety. In more severe cases, you will need to do some extra work.
Obsessive Need To Break Free From A Crate Pen Or Room Theyre Being Kept In
The moment you put down the latch on their crate, your pooch goes into a frantic mode, trying to scratch, chew or break their way out of their prison. In case you try to close them in a separate room, its highly likely youll come back to a chewed up hole in the door and your dog innocently looking at you from the hallway. Although some pups are true free birds and dont tolerate being jailed, most dogs react to confinement like this because of their fear and anxiety. Its not that they mind the comfy, safe space youve left them in, but rather the fact youve left them alone at the first place.
If your dog exhibits one or more unwanted behaviors from this list in your absence, there is a high chance they suffer from separation anxiety.
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Make Your Home Feel Familiar
Think about what a given work-at-home day has been like for your dog. If you always had music or the television on, your pooch may benefit from the familiar white noise. If you had your workspace organized a certain way or had curtains open on specific windows, set it all the same way before you go. Overall, your goal is to temporarily mirror the everyday experience your dog is familiar with.
How To Handle A More Severe Problem
Use the techniques outlined above along with desensitization training. Teach your dog the sit-stay and down-stay commands using positive reinforcement. This training will help them learn that they can remain calmly and happily in one place while you go to another room.
Exercise and mental stimulation are critical to reducing anxiety and stress. Be sure your dog receives adequate exercise before you leave. Walking the same city block each day wont reduce anxiety, but sniffing and exploring new places will.
Create a “safe place” to limit your dog’s ability to be destructive while youre away. A safe place should:
- Confine the dog loosely .
- Contain busy toys for distraction.
- Have dirty laundry to lend a calming scent cue or other safety cues.
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Home Alone Separation Anxiety In Dogs
Dogs, like us are very social animals. They would naturally live in family groups and have evolved alongside humans over thousands of years to work with us and live as our companions. Most dogs would choose to spend the majority of their time in our company. Some might actually prefer the company of their own kind, but what is certain, is that being alone just doesnt come naturally for most.
Although dogs should never be left for too long on their own, if they get used to being left for short periods when young, they are likely to grow up feeling relaxed and comfortable when left on their own for some part of the day.
Identify The Cause Of The Anxiety
Identifying triggers for separation related behaviours can be difficult, as the majority of behaviour happens while your dog is on their own. If possible, set up a camera that allows you to see what your dog is doing when youre not with them. This footage will allow you to more accurately identify any specific environmental triggers that may be contributing to your dogs behaviour such as: the sound of people passing the house, loud cars and trucks or maybe even the sound of the neighbours dog barking.
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Onset Of Separation Anxiety In Newly Rescued Dogs
Being surrendered to a shelter can be a very traumatic experience for dogs. Their daily routines are gone, they no longer have a person they can depend on and this makes them feel very anxious and insecure.
After being shifted around from place to place, surrendered dogs often feel quite confused and frustrated. Once placed in a new home setting, they may therefore become clingy and excessively attached.
“The resulting destructive behavior is how they cope. What else can they do? They cant call a friend or go out to have a drink,” points out veterinarian and pet behaviorist Dr. Rhea Dodd in an article for Denver Post.
Anything that can disrupt a dog’s life can trigger the onset of separation anxiety, but being abandoned, surrendered to a shelter and being re-homed to a new family along with all the associated changes in schedules, is a known main culprit for the development of separation anxiety in dogs.
There can of course be several other possible culprits. Other known culprits for the onset of separation anxiety in dogs include the death of a family member or enduring a traumatic event . Old age and the onset of pain can sometimes also trigger separation anxiety.
Interestingly, it has been found that there seems to be a connection between thunderstorm/noise phobias and separation anxiety. The co-existence of these issues in several dogs seem to suggest a comorbidity .
Several behavior issues may mimic separation anxiety.