How to Eliminate Separation Anxiety in Dogs

By Tom A Smith

Dogs are creatures of habit. Just like many humans, they do not respond well to abrupt changes in their routine. Dogs also become very attached to their owners. Therefore, being left alone for long periods of time can be very upsetting to them. This can result in undesirable behaviors.

This is called separation anxiety, and it can result in undesirable behaviors. Watching their owners leave can cause distress in some dogs. Here are some things to know about separation anxiety and what you can do to prevent it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of separation anxiety include:

• Urinating and defecating - if this is done in the presence of the owner, then it cannot be attributed to separation anxiety. However, when a normally housebroken and potty-trained dog does this when the owners are gone, this is often because of the distress the animal is feeling in his owner's absence. In some cases, they will defecate and then eat the excrement as part of the anxiety.


• Barking - Some dogs will bark when they hear cars or other animals. However, when the barking is constant when the owner is gone, then it can be a symptom of anxiety.


• Chewing/Destruction - Dogs with separation anxiety get bored in their owners' absence and become destructive. It is not uncommon for them to chew windowsills, furniture, toys, shoes and anything else left unattended. They may try to escape by digging their way out of the house or kennel. Unfortunately, this behavior can lead to broken teeth and damaged paws.


• Pacing - When left alone, some dogs may walk back and forth, in a circular motion or along a fixed path.

Causes

Why do some dogs experience separation anxiety, while others don't? There are several factors that can cause it, including the following:

• Change in schedule - This is the most common cause of separation anxiety. Dogs learn their owners' schedules and when these change, anxiety can result..


• Changes in families - A dog can experience anxiety when it moves to a new home or is taken to a shelter. In some families, the dog may feel a special bond with just one of the family members and will experience anxiety if the person leaves.

Prevention

Dealing with separation anxiety can be frustrating, but it can be prevented by taking action. You can help your dog feel more at ease when you leave the house by associating your departure with something good - such as a tasty treat. You can purchase a treat dispenser to help with this.

• Dogs need to stay busy. Therefore, it may be a good idea to exercise your canine before you leave, making him too tired to tear up the house. You can also leave him some chews or a Kong filled with a treat to keep him occupied.


• Take small steps. Leave your pet alone for an hour, then two hours the next day and slowly increase from there. Going from 0-8 hours alone suddenly can cause distress in any dog.


• Avoid overexcitement. When leaving, calmly say goodbye to your dog and give him a pat on the head. Do the same when you get home. Avoid giving your dog attention until he has calmed down.


• Avoid scolding or punishing your dog. Tough love does not work well with dogs and instead of reducing the undesired behavior, it can make it worse. Instead, be patient and work with him.


• Take your dog with you to work or have someone watch him while you are away if possible.


• Crate training may help reduce anxiety in dogs. Some dogs feel safer in their crate, while others will start anting heavily and whining. Assess your dog's behavior while in the crate and see if he feels more relaxed. If not, you may want to try confinement to a separate room or area in the home.


• If your dog has moderate to severe separation anxiety, work with a trainer or animal behaviorist who can teach you how to desensitize and counter condition your pet to help reduce his fears.

When it is not separation anxiety

Before settling on a diagnosis of separation anxiety, make sure other conditions are ruled out first. The same behaviors associated with anxiety could be part of a larger medical or behavioral problem. For example, a dog that has never had any problems with the owner leaving but suddenly starts urinating in the house may have a bladder or urinary tract infection. Hormone problems, Cushing's disease, kidney disease, diabetes and bladder stones can also by the culprit. In addition, urinary problems can be attributed to certain medications or simply old age. A vet can perform tests and rule out any medical problems.

In addition, the symptoms of separation anxiety can be caused by behavioral problems. For example, some dogs are submissive around certain people. They may urinate when greeting or playing with their owners. Others, especially males, may urinate in the house because they use their urine to mark certain areas. They are also known to chew up objects while their owners are away simply out of boredom.

Dog Crate Sizes is a complete resources on dogs to include their care with a puppy care guide as well as various other topics such as canine anemia