How to Control Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common problem and it can affect most breeds. It is your dog’s panicked response to being left alone and the results can be devastating.  The destruction of your belongings and the deterioration of your dog’s health can be serious issues.  Separation anxiety is very different from misbehavior and it should never be considered as revenge.

Causes

Dog owners may sometimes unknowingly cause separation anxiety in their pets by making a big fuss when we leave or come home.  In doing so, we reward the dog’s concern with our absence.  This is sometimes difficult to understand, but it provokes even more stress in the dog every time we leave.

If you have had your dog since she was a puppy, it’s likely that she was with you most of the time while growing up.  We like to have our dogs with us when they are puppies, and we take them everywhere for socialization.  Then, when they are at an age when they feel the need to be with us, we sometimes have to leave them alone.  We have been their source of confidence and love, their security and their pack, and then….. we leave, and they don’t understand.

Your dog has “pack” instincts and wants her family (litter mates or humans) around so that she knows where everyone is. When you leave the house, she doesn’t know where you are and she feels alone and stressed.  These feelings put her in a state of nervous anxiety.

A change in routines can cause separation anxiety, such as moving, change in family dynamics, or a new pet in the household. Puppies that were separated from their mothers and siblings too soon are especially prone to dog separation anxiety.

Separation Anxiety vs Misbehavior

Not all unwanted behaviors can be called separation anxiety. Misbehavior is a learned behavior and is often manifested when the dog lacks leadership and self-control.  True separation anxiety causes the dog to experience real stress during her owner’s absence.

Separation anxiety occurs every time you leave and only in your absence, and can begin even before you go. If certain things you do trigger certain anxious behaviors in your dog, such as her barking or howling when you reach for your keys or your jacket, then she is experiencing separation anxiety.

Some misbehaviors in dogs are brought about by lack of exercise or just boredom.

What the Problem Looks Like                      

Destructive behavior – chewing furniture and other items, scratching at doors and windows

Constant barking, whining or howling

Urinating or defecating indoors

Persistent pacing

Attempted escapes from a room or crate – which can result in self-injury

Treating the Problem

The most important thing to remember in all types of training of your dog or puppy is this:  only reward desired behavior.  The most important thing for you to remember for yourself is to have patience.

This is very difficult to do, but in order to have a harmonious relationship with mutual confidence, understanding, and respect, you will need to remember to reward desired behavior in your dog.  When a puppy comes into the family, she is picked up when she cries and snuggled and loved; her crying is rewarded.  When a young dog is in her crate and she cries or howls, we let her out and then she is being rewarded for her howling.  So, it can start at a very early age and we must remember to reward only the behavior that is desired.

Again, do not punish your pup for having separation anxiety.  It is not revenge, but her real response to being left alone without you.

Exercise!

A long, brisk walk will be stimulating for her but will also tire her out so that she will settle down into resting mode and nap time when you leave.  If a walk isn’t possible, a good 20 to 30 minutes of play time with your pup will have the same effect as an energized walk.  This is good for both of you as you are spending quality time with her and that strengthens your bond.

Desensitize Your Dog To Anxiety Triggers

To teach your pup that jingling keys or putting on your jacket don’t necessarily mean that you are leaving, pick up your keys or purse, etc, and sit and watch tv for a while, or just hang around at home so that she will learn not to associate those routines with you leaving.

Independence Exercises

Start by walking out of the house, saying nothing to your dog. Come back in after a minute or two. Continue the exercises by leaving your pup alone for short periods of time, waiting a little longer before returning. Each time you return, say nothing and just come in and go about your business like you never left.  Act as if leaving is a common occurrence and that there is nothing for her to get excited about. If she barks and jumps up and down when you return, ignore her and go about your business.  This is hard to do, and it takes tough love, but it will teach her to understand that your leaving her alone is just part of her day.  The idea is to do this until your pup gets bored and your leaving is no longer of interest to her.

When you are ready to leave for a longer period of time keep these things in mind:

Give your dog lots of exercise before you go (a walk or play time with you)

Say goodbye to her long before you leave. Take a moment to share affection and tell her that you will miss her long before you actually leave.

Leave a chew toy, such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, ready for her or leave her favorite treats around the house so that she can search for them. This will help distract her from your leaving.

If possible, give your dog a view of the outdoors. This is stimulating to them and it’s the next best thing to being outside.

Most dogs enjoy music and the tv, so leave it on for them, if possible.  It provides background sound for them which gives them security. Soft music is calming and soothing, so a radio left on will help with separation anxiety.

Remember when you leave and when you return to be low-key and nonchalant.  Do not make a fuss.  As difficult as it will be to do this, your dog will learn not to associate your departures and returns as a big deal and will not have the anxiety while you are gone.  Say your goodbyes long before you leave, and wait a while to give her hello hugs after you return home.

*Exercise, obedience, lifestyle training, rules and boundaries, all of these are necessary for a happy, balanced dog.

Using A Crate

A crate can also be an effective tool in preventing or treating separation anxiety. Dogs who have been successfully introduced to using their crate tend to feel safe and secure in their private den, and in some cases they prefer their sanctuary to being left alone in a big open house.  Please check out my article on Crate Training Your Dog, dated February 29,  for more information.

Separation anxiety can be very stressful for the dog and the owner, but successful treatment is possible.  The key to all these solutions is to have patience, and stay calm and assertive.  Let your dog know that all is okay by projecting the confident energy of a pack leader.  Consistency from you and everyone in your household is crucial to build your dog’s confidence….in you as her pack leader, and in herself.