Vital Pet Health

Leaving a dog alone can in some instances create separation anxiety. This can lead to your dog demonstrating problematic behaviour. Anxiety can be prevented by following some simple steps, this will hopefully leave your pet feeling more confident and happy.

The reasons why dogs develop problematic behaviour when separated from their owner can vary greatly. For young dogs that have not had the time to learn how not to chew, dig or bark it can be attributed to boredom. For other dogs the separation from their owner creates huge amounts of anxiety and poor behaviour is used as a coping strategy through these perceived stressful times. This may be through noise, being destructive or messing in the house.

No dog should be left alone for long periods of time. While dogs that have been identified to have separation anxiety should not be left for longer than a few minutes.

Vulnerable dogs

Just like with children a turbulent start in life can create problems. Adopted dogs are prone to separation problems especially in the first few weeks of a new start. These dogs which are often shy and sensitive bond quickly with their new owner as they crave the love and protection that they can provide. This in turn makes separation all the more difficult when the dog needs to get used to the working week that the owner will most likely have to do.

Anxiety may also be prevalent if a dog has had to be re-homed within the first year or who has moved home on numerous occasions.

Symptoms

The following may be indicators that your dog is demonstrating separation anxiety:

• The dog will follow you everywhere, not letting you out of their sight.
• Only one person in the family has a strong bond with the dog.
• For over 15 minutes a demonstration or combination of an increase in heart rate, panting, salivating, hyperactivity, barking, scratching and jumping as soon as you leave the room.

Prevention

The key to success is to build up tolerance levels for isolation slowly. You will need to work closely with your dog to build their confidence.

This can be done by leaving your dog alone in a room for short periods of time. Start with no longer than 5 minutes. Re-enter the room yet do not greet your dog. Repeat this task several times throughout the session to try to normalise this routine.

Over time you will be able to extend the periods where your dog is alone, building their confidence along the way. If the dog does demonstrate signs of anxiety reduce the time and build again.

Once you have built the time of isolation up to 30 minutes and the dog is comfortable, you can start putting on your shoes and coat ready to leave. This way the dog is learning that when you wear these items he knows you will be absent for a time. Yet, he will be secure in the fact that you will be returning.

Remember to:

• Exercise or play with your dog prior to leaving. This way he will settle down easier due to exertion.
• On leaving do not say goodbye. No point in emphasising the act.
• Provide a small meal before leaving to encourage sleepiness.
• Place him in a safe room in the house where barking will be minimised with regards to any neighbours. This way he will feel secure, and if barking does occur for long periods then complaints should be kept to a minimum.
• Leave him something to large to chew. The first few minutes are the most stressful and a tempting chewing event could distract him long enough to remain calm. Studies have shown that a chew with an owners scent is often broken up into tiny pieces and then the dog curls up with the debris that acts as a protective barrier.

Other techniques to try

Try leaving a sweater or T-shirt with your scent on it can help calm the dog.
leave a 30 minute timing on the radio to act as company.
Record your family’s conversations for 30 minutes and play the CD when leaving.



Finally, when you return home don't make a great deal out of the event. Keep is short and with limited excitement. If anxiety has taken it's toll do not punish your dog. Punishing the dog after the event can do more harm than good. Dogs can only relate the punishment to that exact moment in time. See the action as your failing and use it as a driving force to recify the problem by using your local veterinary clinic in order to locate a reputable animal behaviourist.