Separation Anxiety

SEPARATION ANXIETY By Bob Gutierrez

M any dogs exhibit destructive behavior when left alone. A
neighbor may have called complaining that Fido is barking all
day, or your backyard may be starting to look like the moon’s
surface. Many times owners will inadvertently reinforce and
reward the behavior by answering Fido’s scratching or barking at
the door by turning and giving him attention. Fido learns
quickly that scratching and biting works to get your attention
so he increases the behavior.

Many owners feel guilty for leaving their animals, so they will
kiss, hug, pet, snuggle and go through long goodbyes. This makes
the dog’s anxiety rise when you leave two minutes later. With
all this pent up energy the dog will either seriously damage
your door trying to get to you or revert to other non-acceptable
doggie behavior like chewing, barking, or digging.

It must be realized that dogs are pack animals that crave
attention and need to feel secure that their pack (this means
you) will return. This can be accomplished gradually by
practicing leaving your dog for very short periods of time
(about 5 minutes), then returning. When you return, your dog
will probably act like you’ve been gone for hours. Since dogs
have little concept of time, you can get a hole month’s worth of
practice on one Saturday afternoon of leaving and returning.
Continue to leave and return until your dog begins to relax.
Gradually build up the time until the dog is relatively
comfortable with your leaving for half an hour. Most separation
anxiety/destruction behavior occurs within 20 minutes after the
owner leaves.

When you are at home it is important to spend as much time as
possible with your dog in the area where it is to be confined.
Play games, train him, and feed him in the confinement area. If
the only time your dog is in the confinement area is when you
leave him, then your dog will view this area as a prison, not
his den.

Also, make sure your dog is well exercised before leaving for
the day. A tired dog will probably choose to sleep during the
day when you are gone. Often, bringing in another dog as a
companion can help eliminate anxiety as your dog would have
someone to keep him busy.

The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin
any course of treatment without consulting your regular
veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every
12 months.