Separation Anxiety-Related Behaviour in Dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is a condition where a dog experiences excessive stress and fear when separated from their owners. It’s more than just a little whimper when you leave; it’s a serious condition that can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and even self-harm. Recognizing the signs and addressing this issue early can make a significant difference in the wellbeing of your furry friend.

Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behaviours that signal distress. These signs can include:

Destructive Behaviour: Chewing on furniture, doors, or window sills; digging at doorways or thresholds.

Excessive Barking or Howling: Persistent vocalization when left alone, which is out of character for their normal behaviour.

Pacing:Walking or trotting along a specific path in a fixed pattern when alone Attempts to

Escape: Trying to dig under or chew through fences, doors, or crates to escape and reunite with their owner.

Panting and Drooling: More than what’s normal, especially when it seems out of context.

Refusal to Eat: Skipping meals or treats when left alone, even if they are usually food-motivated.While alot of dog trainers are not entirely sure what causes Separation Anxiety or how it develops. It’s important to keep in mind that they might not have the experience and qualififcations of a dog Behaviourist and that’s why it’s important to choose the right professional for the right task. For example, not every puppy who left the litter early and was re-homed multiple times grows up to be a dog with Separation Anxiety.

• Genetics. Other factors may be key to whether that programming pops up
• Lack of experience being alone for a formative part of life
• Lack of experience being alone for an extended period of adult life and THEN left
  longer than the dog can tolerate. Such as returning to work after a period of
  unemployment, a global pandemic, or after a summer break. (This causes a dog to
  sensitize to absences and creates distress.)
• Poor nutrition and extreme stress on a pregnant dog can trigger hormonal changes
  that affect the offspring for life
• Leaving the safety and warmth of littermates at too young of an age
• Changes in the family’s makeup, such as a death, a birth, or a move
• Traumatic separation, such as the sudden and extended separation from a family
  member (human or animal), being returned to a shelter or re-homing

Gradual Desensitization: Slowly acclimate your dog to being alone by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable.

Create a Safe Space: Designate a comfortable area in your home where your dog can relax when you’re away.

Consistent Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Keeping a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime can provide stability and reduce anxiety.

Exercise: Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental exercise. A tired dog is generally more relaxed and calm.

Professional Help: The best way, is to seek guidance of a professional dog trainer or a dog behaviour specialist is necessary. They can offer tailored strategies and support for severe cases.

Please don’t do this. When we are looking at changing the way a dog feels about a scary situation (in this case, being alone), we need to ensure that we are only moving as quickly as they are comfortable. By allowing the dog to go into an increased state of stress, we risk not creating lasting behavior change and risk making matters worse.

It sounds logical, I agree. But spending less time with your dog or preventing them from engaging in their normal routine with you is likely to increase, not decrease, their stress. Stick with very slowly increasing your dog’s alone time. It sounds logical, I agree. But spending less time with your dog or preventing them from engaging in their normal routine with you is likely to increase, not decrease, their stress. Stick with very slowly increasing your dog’s alone time.

A food toy may or may not help. Sometimes it gives false evidence of the dog being “fine,” and once the delicious treat is gone, the dog panics. Many dogs are too worried to eat food while they are alone but instead, start associating it with alone-time (and now the treat has become a predictor of their person leaving).

You can add mental enrichment to your dog’s regimen once they have attained a solid level of comfort with absences.

Most puppies whine or cry a little when left alone or until they are comfortable in a crate. True separation anxiety is defined as destructive or disruptive behaviour by a puppy, including tearing up the room, constant barking and whining, or inappropriate elimination when left alone. Please speak to a professional to rule out other concerns for your puppy.

When this tactic fails (it usually does), it breaks down trust and causes the dog to be even more alert to absences. It triggers more anxiety in the dog, which leads to more shadowing. This could potentially create a huge back-step in a training protocol.

Separation anxiety can be challenging for both dogs and their owners, but with patience, understanding, and the right approach, it can be managed effectively. Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s about finding the right balance and approach that suits your dog’s individual needs. Through consistent effort and possibly professional guidance, you can help your dog feel more secure, even when they’re alone.

This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of separation anxiety in dogs, offering insight into its signs and various management strategies. Always remember, patience and consistency are key in helping your dog overcome anxiety.

Philip Alain  CIDBT GODT MPDTI