A Pup That Loves Too Much

Separation anxiety (SA) is a common behavior problem that I have experienced with my clients.  It is a widely known reason for many owners to give up on their pets, albeit re-homed or turned into shelters and rescues.  However, SA does not have to be a reason to give up on your pet, it can be treated through behavior modification and or medication.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Your dog most likely sleeps, barks occasionally at outside noises, wanders the house, or chews on his toys while you are away.  This is normal.  Others who experience separation anxiety may bark incessantly, chew on furniture or drywall, destroy personal items, or urinate and deficate in the house. This is not normal.  Some are in such a state of fear and anxiety that while in a crate, they break nails off, cause bodily injury to the themselves, or drool so terribly that when you return they are literally standing in a pool of saliva.

Causes of Separation Anxiety?
There can be several underlying reasons why a dog may have separation anxiety.  First, dogs are pack animals.  Thousands of years of evolution has developed their highly social nature and engrained them to stay with their pack.  You may have an issue with dominance, where the dog can not possibly believe that his pack has left him.  He may claw at an exit or entry way until you return trying to find a way back to his/her pack.  Another cause may be actual fear.  Something may have scared the dog previously (ie. thunderstorm, natural disaster, burglary, etc.)  The thought of being alone without the security of his pack is terrifying, so in turn he tries to escape any way possible. If a dog has been taken from his  canine pack too early and is very dependent on humans than he may wonder how he will survive without.  So in his head he has to get back to you. There are many different scenarios that can cause SA. The key is recognizing it and helping the dog gain confidence and overcoming his/her fears.

Solutions to SA?
This article in no way will give you a definitive solution to SA. Consult a behaviorist and/or a vet and determine if there is a medical condition or if it is a behavior problem.  A way to aid in their rehabilitation is to start out making your arrival and departure very unexciting.  Don't make a big deal out of coming and going.  Also, change your routine to leaving.  SA can start with something as simple as grabbing your keys or putting your coat on. Practice doing these things in small time intervals, making the departures and the returns short.  Gradually increase time intervals.

  Try giving them something to do.  Leave a toy or mental stimulation for them.  There are many products our there with food puzzles and fillable chew toys, or a simple bone might do the trick.  This will keep them occupied while you are away.  Exercising them before you go is also a good way to prevent SA.  A tired dog is a happy dog.  Feed your dog before you leave, or provide a snack.  Dogs tend do get a little more nervous when they are hungry.  You can also leave a radio or tv on. I tend to turn one on in a different room, so the dog may think someone is home with them.  There is not an overnight cure or solution to SA.  It is a process that has to be consistently worked-out.  Once you find the root cause of the anxiety and a positive solution response (however small), you will be on your way to re-associating and stabilizing your pack.

DJF
www.backinthepack.com