Separation Anxiety

The most common signs of separation anxiety include:

digging
chewing
scratching at doors or windows
howling
barking and crying
urination and defecation (even house-trained dogs).

Why do dogs suffer separation anxiety?

The reasons for separation anxiety are not fully known. Some dogs suffer this condition while others do not. It is important to realise that the dog has a behavioural condition and is not punishing the carer for leaving. Destructive behaviour and soiling the house are a response to panic, and many dogs that are brought into shelters suffer this condition.

When does separation anxiety occur?

When a dog is accustomed to constant human contact and companionship, and is suddenly left at home alone for the first time
Following a long interval such as a vacation where the carer and dog were constantly together
After a period spent in a shelter
After a change in the family’s routine or new house/environment
When a new pet or person moves in.

How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?

The behaviour occurs primarily when the dog is left alone
The dog follows you from room to room whenever you’re at home
They display frantic greeting behaviours
The behaviour always occurs when they are left alone regardless of length of time
The dog reacts with excitement, depression or anxiety to your preparations to leave the house
They dislike spending time outside alone

Training your dog to become independent

When you first bring your dog home it is important to spend time showing them the rules of the house. But it is equally important to teach them that spending time alone is also enjoyable.
- Start with short time periods and give them food, toys, or food dispensing toys to chew and play with.
- Make being alone fun and positive, and before they even realise they were alone you can come back. Start increasing this time period so even when the dog has finished his food, he knows you will always be back.
- Reward calm behaviour. You can do this while you watch TV or prepare dinner, making sure that at least once or twice a day your dog is separated from you and not constantly shadowing you.
- Provide your dog with a safe space. A space that is just theirs. It could be a kennel, a room, a crate or their dog bed. Place an article of your clothing that smells like you in this space.
- Using food, toys, chews, games and relaxing music you can make certain room or area a place where the dog loves to go because there are always fun, positive things happening there.
- The more you encourage your dog to go there and be alone while you’re at home, the more he’ll go there when you’re away.
When you leave for the day, keep departures as low key as possible. Even if you prepare a food-dispensing toy or scatter treats, share it with them in a gentle manner.
- When coming home, offer a low-key greeting and remain as calm as possible.
The more mentally and physically tired your dog is, the more likely they are to sleep and relax while you’re out. Take your dog for a decent walk in the morning and do some short training interludes. Before leaving, scatter some food and hide a peanut butter stuffed Kong for your dog to work on after you leave. You could consider having other people walk, feed and spend time with your dog if you are away from home for long periods.

What not to do

Do not punish your dog. This may lead to an increase in anxiety as they are getting the attention they want
Do not get another pet as a companion. Your dog is anxious because of the separation from you, not because of being alone
Do not lock your dog up. Your dog will still have an anxiety response and may injure itself trying to get out.