Dog Tip of the Day

Dealing with Dog Separation Anxiety

by Donna Hoster

I don't remember any of the dogs I grew up with being angst ridden when left alone for awhile. They were thrilled when we'd come back home, but as long as they were in their own familiar surroundings, being left at home, while not as great as going for a ride (unless it was to the vet), wasn't an emotional catastrophe. Quite the contrary, sometimes it was an opportunity for a little petty larceny or mild sorts of vandalism -- pulling the cushions off the sofa and camping out on the floor was a favorite. But whether separation anxiety is an old problem we weren't aware of or it's something spawned in this era of general stress and emotional upheaval, it's real and it can wreak havoc on your dog's emotional and physical well being as well as your home.

You might only become aware that your dog is having attacks of separation anxiety when your neighbor mentions that every time you leave your dog barks and howls until your car makes the turn into your driveway. Or in more dynamic cases, you might come face to face with the realization that you and your dog have a problem when you come home and half of the door facing is eaten away and your dog has a mouth full of splinters and bloody paws or you find the kitchen ransacked, the sofa disemboweled and your dog cowering in the middle of the remains of your expensive new comforter set -- if he hasn't dug down through the mattress.

So what do you do?

There are no quick fixes, short of giving your dog drugs every time you leave the house, and even then there's no guarantee they will remain effective. Better to cure than to treat symptoms, so working on desensitizing your dog is the most common treatment.

First and foremost, make your dog a safe place where he can stay without destroying the house and, more importantly, get into anything that could get him hurt. No electric cords, no chemicals, no toxic foods even remotely in the area. You'd be amazed at how much even a small dog can get into when they're determined. My 45 pound terrier managed to get a two gallon plastic canister full of flour down off the top of the refrigerator. Don't know how and don't think I want to know.

A starting place to begin the desensitization process is to find an interactive type treat dispenser or feeder and something your dog really, really loves, like a Kong type toy that can be stuffed with peanut butter, cheese, or any combination of things your dog likes and frozen so it will last a long time. The object is to first be able to leave for very short periods, maybe no farther than another part of the house, behind a closed door, keeping him occupied with the treat, and returning before he's had a chance to get tuned up. Don't give him the special toy/treat except when you're leaving. You want him to associate you leaving with a good experience, substituting the pleasure of the treat for the anxiety.

When you return, make it a happy event. Play a short game, take a quick walk, whatever makes his tail wag.

Some dog owners find it helpful to use Rescue Remedy or a similar herbal/floral tincture during the process. They're simple to use, a few drops in a fresh water bowl every day, with no worries about possible side effects. It can also be comforting to leave an article of clothing or a blanket that you use a great deal where your dog can curl up on it -- a security blanket.

When you leave, don't make a production out of it. No, "mommy will be back soon, don't be lonely, be a good dog . . . " Keep it quick -- maybe don't even acknowledge the fact that you're going somewhere in any way other than giving him his goody. If it's not a big deal to you, it won't be nearly as big a deal to your dog. You're coming back soon, after all!

Leave for gradually longer periods of time. At some point, probably about the hour to two hour length interim, things should start to really settle down. Dogs don't watch the clock the way we do; time is simply time, not something to be crossed on the way from one activity to another.

Some dogs, though, plain old get lonely when left alone. You might have to get another dog. Go check the local shelter or rescue and see if there isn't a perfect companion for you and your dog. You could save a dog's life and he could save your house, your sanity, and your dog's.

About the Author: by Donna Hoster of www.pet-super-store.com: where you can find sweet deals on pet gates and invisible fences.

Labels: Training

posted by Paris and John @ 6:48 PM