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Separation Anxiety: Symptoms, Prevention And Dog Training

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Most canine-lovers would agree with Roger Caras when he says: “Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe.” Every dog owner loves knowing that they have a constant companion. However, when Fido leaves an organic gift on the carpet floor or rips open the garbage bag every time they go to work, these may be signs that the dog is too needy.

In fact, dogs who constantly act out when left alone may be suffering from separation anxiety. With the right training, dogs can overcome separation anxiety and become better pets.

Separation anxiety is a condition in which dogs commit disruptive behavior when they are left alone. Symptoms of separation anxiety include howling, crying, pacing, chewing furniture, urinating, defecating, and other disorderly dog behavior. These episodes will last for approximately 25 to 40 minutes after they are left alone depending on the severity of the case. Owners must be able to distinguish separation anxiety from normal dog behavior. Dogs may chew on the furniture or rip apart the garbage occasionally because they are simply having fun and understand they can escape punishment for certain actions when owners are not present. However, owners should be concerned if dogs always exhibit this behavior when they are alone or if they become agitated during both arrivals and departures.

Separation anxiety may be caused by several different factors. Any changes in routine or family composition may trigger these symptoms. For example, a dog might become depressed or anxious when a student leaves for college, when a new person or animal is introduced to the family, or when owners take on a new work schedule. Moving to a new home could be another factor in separation anxiety cases. In addition, some breeds may simply be genetically predisposed to this condition.

Training is key to the prevention of separation anxiety behavior. One way to desensitize dogs is by teaching them a “safety cue.” This is a word or action that assures the dog that their owner will return. For instance, owners can turn the radio on and leave it on every time they leave. However, dogs will only recognize this cue over time and as long as it is used consistently. To increase its effectiveness, the safety cue can paired with practicing each step of the departure process. To practice, owners can pick up their keys, put on their coat, sit back down, and wait until the animal calms down. Repeat this step until the dog is not longer agitated by these actions. Then step out the door and immediately step back in. Step-by-step, individuals need to slowly simulate their typical departure behaviors until the dog become desensitized.

Certainly, dogs center their lives around their masters. But, sometimes this love can become unhealthy when dogs cannot tolerate short intervals away from their owners. However, with patience, pet owners can ensure the prevention of separation anxiety behavior in dogs.

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