Separation anxiety in dogs
Separation anxiety in dogs is a common issue. Dogs
are pack animals who are highly motivated to stay with the "pack."
Since most dogs view their human families as their pack, they become
anxious when their pack leaves them alone. Separation anxiety is
especially common in shelter dogs, many of whom have been through at
least a couple of homes, and who may have been abandoned.
Understandably, they become anxious when separated from the pack.
Symptoms of separation anxiety include (1)
inappropriate elimination, (2) destructive chewing, (3) clawing at
doors and windows, and (4) persistent barking, howling, and/or whining.
There are a number of strategies for helping your dog feel secure and remain calm before, during, and after your absence.
- An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: Use a crate. Dogs are denning animals, and a crate is a safe and secure haven for
your dog. Provide a cozy blanket, a toy, or stuffed marrow bone or
Kong, and your dog will while away the hours you are gone happily
chewing on an approved item, or just snoozing. Do not let your human
perception of crates as prisons prevent you from using a crate. For
most dogs, crates are safe and secure dens, not places of incarceration.
- Exercise
your dog regularly, but especially before you leave for an extended
period of time. Remember that a "tired dog is a good dog." Since most
destructive behavior associated with separation anxiety occurs within
the first 30 minutes of your leave-taking, a fast-paced walk, or game
of fetch or frizbee will tire your dog enough to help her remain calm
for those critical 30 minutes after you leave.
- Make
your departures and arrivals low-key and calm. Say goodbye with a
favorite toy and walk out the door. You might also hide treats or toys
around the areas in your home to which your dog has access. Your dog
will spend those first 30 minutes playing hide-and-seek rather than
engaging in other less desirable ways of relieving anxiety.
- Vary
your departure routine. Dogs learn the signs of your pending departure
-- gathering coats, handbags and briefcases, and keys. Change that
routine to the extent you can. Another good approach is to go through
the routine and then sit quietly for a few minutes - without interacting with your dog. When you do leave, provide a toy or treats hidden around the house to occupy your dog's time and energy.
- Vary
the length of time you are gone from the house. If your dog is new to
your home, begin leaving for only short periods of time, extending
those absences as your dog becomes less concerned about your comings
and goings. The point is to help your dog understand that you will return.
- Mask
noises from outside by turning on the radio or television. Research on
dog behavior in shelters indicates that classical music is especially
calming for dogs.
- Treat your dog to
weekly romps at a doggie daycare. Check out the facility first, and be
sure to determine that the dogs are continually monitored.
- Enroll
in an obedience or agility class. Training helps you establish yourself
as her guide and leader, helps to build a stronger bond between you and
your dog, and helps make her better behaved and more secure.
Never punish your dog for behaviors associated with anxiety. (Indeed, punishment is rarely warranted or effective. The most
punishment any dog should receive is a guttural "no" or "nah.") If you
arrive home to find that your dog has chewed the sofa or house-soiled,
ignore it and go back through the list of strategies discussed above.
Punishment simply doesn't work unless you catch your dog in the act,
and then, punishment should never be physical. Even if your dog chewed
the sofa only seconds before your arrival, she will not associate the
punishment with that act. She will, however, associate the punishment
with you and your arrival home, which will simply enhance her anxiety
and teach her to fear you. Fear of you will not improve her behavior;
however, it will destroy your relationship with her.
Separation anxiety can be successfully treated using the methods
described above. Patience, consistency, and lots of love can solve a
lot of behavior problems, and keep your best friend in a life-long home.
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