Top 5 Dog Separation Anxiety Do’s and Don’ts

Dog anxiety, and more specifically dog separation anxiety, is a very common issue among all dog breeds. Generally defined, dog separation anxiety is a state of intense panic created by the separation or isolation from her owner(s).  In less technical terms, when you leave for work in the morning, your dog is put into a place of nervous anxiety, intensifying quickly.

Since dogs are social animals, they require much social interaction as no dog likes to be left alone for long periods of time and separation anxiety is worse in some dogs than others.

What Can Cause Dog Separation Anxiety?

• Genetic Predisposition – Certain breeds are just predisposed to such dog anxiety behavior (including Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, & Airedales) especially if you are absent much of the time.
• Adopted from Dog Shelters – Most dogs from shelters have had serious trauma in their life, abandoned by previous owners with little trust.
• Dogs Separated from Mothers & Siblings Too Early – Puppies from pet stores are great examples. They are typically taken from their family at 8 weeks and confined to a glass box for another few weeks, which is psychologically traumatic for the puppy.
• Neglect – This is the biggest factor for dog separation anxiety. If you are absent more than present, such anxiety is inevitable. Your pooch requires company, affection, and attention to be happy.

Symptoms of dog separation anxiety are pretty distinctive. Your dog will learn when you are leaving from keys jingling or getting dressed to go outside. She may follow you from room to room, whining, trembling, and crying. Many dogs become aggressive at this point. Incessant barking, scratching, and digging at windows and doors (in an attempt to escape and be with you), chewing, or urinating and defecating in the home is not uncommon. In extreme cases, your dog may scratch, chew, or lick their fur to the point of self-mutilation and other obsessive-compulsive behavior. Your return is the high point of the day, but your departure tomorrow creates an even heightened sense of trauma for your dog.

The good news is there are steps you can take to minimize your dog’s separation anxiety. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts:

Do:

• Exercise Her Until Exhausted – The longer you are away, the more exercise she needs (15 minutes minimum). Walk before you leave for the day.
• Distract Her from Boredom, Loneliness & Anxiety – Give her an attractive alternative to pining, chewing, pacing, and barking. Since all dogs love to chew, offer her a bone from the butcher. Even turning on some classical music or the TV on low helps give the feeling she has company.
• Room with a View – If possible, offer her a view out the window to see the world going by, which is next best to actually being out in the world.
• Acclimate Her to your Departure – Start nice and slow. Jingle your keys, put on your coat, open the door, then without leaving, sit on the couch and don’t go anywhere. Continue process until no reaction, then give a treat with praise. Gradually work up until no signs of stress.

Do Not:

• Act Over-Sympathetic – When she’s crying, don’t act too sympathetic. This sounds cold-hearted, but is actually validating her concern and is not good in your dog training. Ensure she can’t tell you feel sorry for her and don’t say “it’s OK girl…”

For more information on how to deal constructively with your dog’s separation anxiety, learn obedience commands, tricks, and other proven secrets to dog training, CLICK HERE.