It is important for puppies to interact with other animals and people in order to be well socialized. They also need to learn how to entertain themselves with their toys during alone time. When introducing your puppy to the family, make sure to do so when they are calmly playing with their toys. It is beneficial to reward desired behaviors in order to encourage them to continue. A puppy that is well adjusted should be comfortable both alone and with the family, reducing the likelihood of developing separation anxiety in the future.
How do I know if my dog’s problem is due to separation anxiety?
Dogs that experience separation anxiety are usually very attached or reliant on their family members. They become extremely anxious and display distress behaviors like vocalization, destruction, or house soiling when they are separated from their owners. Dogs with separation anxiety usually prefer to stay close to their owners, following them around and rarely spending time outside alone. They often begin to show signs of anxiety as soon as their owners start getting ready to leave. Many of these dogs seek a lot of physical contact and attention from their owners, although not all of them. During departures or separations, in addition to vocalization, destruction, and elimination, these dogs may also display restlessness, shaking, shivering, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, or become quiet and withdrawn. Typically, this behavior occurs every time the owner leaves, but in some cases, it may only happen on certain occasions such as workday departures or when the owner leaves after coming home from work. Dogs with separation anxiety are often very excited and highly aroused when their owner returns.
To prevent separation anxiety, it is advisable to establish set periods for puppies to be alone in their crates or beds so they can learn to be comfortable by themselves. Certain dogs may exhibit signs of separation anxiety due to a fear of being left alone at home, often because of negative experiences while alone such as encountering storms or fireworks. Dogs that suffer from both separation anxiety and phobias related to noise or storms will require treatment for both issues.
Are there other reasons that my dog may engage in these behaviors?
Dogs displaying separation anxiety may exhibit vocalization, destructive behavior, or elimination either before the owners leave or shortly after their departure. The destructive activity typically targets the owner’s belongings or occurs near the doors the owners exit through, and usually happens soon after they leave. The vocalization is a result of distress and may include howling or whining. If the dog engages in destructive behavior, vocalizes, or eliminates both when the owners are present and when they are not, other potential causes should be considered first. Dogs that eliminate when the owners are present may not be fully house trained or could have a medical issue. If the destruction, elimination, and vocalization increase the longer the owners are away, it may indicate that the dog is being left alone for too long. Barking when the owners are away could be triggered by the presence of strangers or other animals on the property. Some dogs may try to escape or become highly anxious when confined, causing destructive behavior or house soiling when locked in a crate, basement, or laundry room. This could be a result of confinement or barrier anxiety and the dog’s attempts to escape.
“…make an audiotape or movie clip
of the behavior when the dog is alone.”
To properly evaluate these dogs, their behavior should be observed when they are confined at home while the owner is present. In different situations, fear or anxiety may arise from external events like construction, storms, or fireworks, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Dogs that are older and have medical issues such as hearing or sight loss, painful conditions, or cognitive dysfunction may generally experience increased anxiety and seek the owner’s attention for security and relief. Making an audiotape or a movie clip of the dog’s behavior when left alone could potentially be the most effective way to determine if the behaviors are a result of anxiety caused by the owner’s absence.
When I need to leave, what can I do immediately to prevent damage?
This question is extremely challenging. The objective of treatment is to decrease your dog’s anxiety level by teaching her to be at ease when you are not present. This process can take a considerable amount of time.
“Most owners will need to deal with
the damage or vocalization immediately.”
However, when dealing with the damage or vocalization, most owners will need to address it immediately. One option during the initial retraining phase is to hire a dog sitter, bring the dog to work, ask a friend to care for the dog, or board the dog for the day. Taking some time off from work may also be necessary. For dogs that already have a designated confinement area, crate training or dog proofing techniques can be effective. However, caution should be exercised when using crates for dogs with separation anxiety, as they can lead to intense escape attempts and potentially serious injuries. It is crucial to select a room or area that does not increase the dog’s anxiety, such as their bedroom or feeding area. Additionally, booby traps can be utilized to prevent the dog from accessing certain problematic areas. When it comes to vocalization, short-term use of anti-anxiety drugs and pheromones can be beneficial until the owner has successfully addressed the issue.
How can mydog be retrained so that it is less anxious during departures?
To address the root cause of anxiety, make an effort to alleviate all types of anxiety before leaving, during departure, and upon returning home. Additionally, your dog needs to gradually become accustomed to longer periods of being ignored and separated from you while you are present at home.
What should be done before departures?
To prepare for a lengthy departure, start by engaging your dog in a vigorous play and exercise session. This not only helps to drain your dog’s energy and make her tired, but it also allows you to give her some attention. Additionally, having a training session can be a productive way to further interact and engage with your dog. In the final 15 to 30 minutes before you leave, it is best to ignore your dog. Take her to her designated rest and relaxation area where she can have access to a radio, TV, or video playing. While your dog is out of sight and earshot, you can begin to get ready for your departure. Before and during your departure, give your dog some new and stimulating toys to keep her occupied and avoid triggering her anxiety. The goal is to minimize as many departure cues as possible so that your dog’s anxiety doesn’t escalate before you leave. For example, you can brush your teeth, change into work clothes, or gather your keys, purse, briefcase, or school books in a different location where your dog cannot see or hear you. You might even consider changing clothes at your workplace, preparing and packing your lunch the night before, or leaving your car at a neighbor’s house so your dog doesn’t hear the sound of the car leaving the driveway.
“Avoid saying goodbye since this will
only serve to bring attention to the departure.”
To avoid drawing attention to the departure, it is best not to say goodbye. Alternatively, you can expose your dog to these cues as much as possible while you are at home, so they no longer predict your departure.
What should I do if I come home to a mess?
If your dog becomes anxious when you leave, resulting in destructive behavior or soiling in the house, anything you do could worsen your dog’s anxiety for future departures and will not undo what has already happened. As a result, it is important to avoid both punishment and overly excited greetings. When you come home, ignore your dog until she calms down, which may take 10 to 15 minutes. Your dog will eventually learn that the quicker she settles down, the sooner she will receive your attention.
What can be done to reduce anxiety at the time of departure?
When you leave, it is important to keep your dog busy and occupied, and preferably out of your sight, in order to minimize anxiety. Providing special food treats that are reserved for departures and using the down-stay mat exercises can help distract your dog and potentially make it enjoyable for them while you leave. If your dog is highly stimulated by food, they may become so engrossed in a peanut butter coated dog toy, a fresh piece of rawhide, a dog toy filled with liver and dog food, or some frozen dog treats that they may not even notice you leaving. Make sure that the distraction items last as long as possible to keep your dog occupied until you are gone. Suggestions for keeping your dog distracted include placing frozen treats in their food bowl, using tightly stuffed toys with goodies, providing toys that require manipulation and effort to obtain food rewards, offering toys that can be chewed for a long time, and using timed feeders that open throughout the day. Find out what motivates your dog the most. For example, if a specific toy successfully keeps your dog’s attention, provide two or three of the same kind instead of toys that don’t maintain their interest. It may also be beneficial to give some or all of your dog’s food during departures with a few special surprises at the bottom of the bowl. Occasionally, having a second pet around can help keep your dog occupied and distracted during departures. However, food or a second pet may not be effective for dogs that are too anxious.
My dog starts to get anxious even before I leave. What can I do?
There are several activities that we consistently engage in before each departure. The dog quickly learns to associate these cues or signals with an impending departure. On the other hand, some dogs learn that certain signals indicate that you do not plan on leaving (inhibiting cues), which helps the dog relax. If you can prevent your dog from observing any of these anxiety-inducing cues before you leave, or if you can train your dog that these cues no longer mean you are about to depart, then the anxiety will decrease significantly. Despite your best efforts, some dogs may still pick up on cues that indicate you are about to leave. Train your dog to associate these cues with enjoyable and relaxing situations instead of the stress of you leaving. To do this, expose your dog to these cues while you are at home and your dog is relaxed or occupied with something else. This will help the cues no longer predict your departure. This process requires some retraining while you are home. Take the items (such as keys, shoes, briefcase, jacket) that typically signal your departure and walk to the door, but do not actually leave the house. The dog will be watching and may get up, but once you put everything away, your dog should lie down. Then, once your dog is calm, repeat the process. Only do 3 to 4 repetitions in a day, making sure that your dog is calm and quiet before presenting the cues again. Over time, your dog will no longer pay attention to these cues (habituate) because they will no longer predict your departure. As a result, your dog will be less anxious when you do leave.
What can be done to retrain the dog to reduce the dependence and following?
The primary focus of retraining is to train your dog to be calm and self-reliant when you are near. It is crucial that your dog learns to stay in their designated bed or relaxation spot instead of constantly shadowing your every move. This will signify that you are prepared to initiate simulated or gradual departures.
“… teach the dog to be independent
and relaxed in your presence.”
It is important that attention-seeking behaviors are not rewarded. Instead, any attempts at seeking attention should be disregarded. Conversely, when your dog lies quietly away from you, this should be acknowledged and rewarded. Teach your dog that being quiet will receive attention, rather than following you around or demanding it. Train your dog to relax in a designated quiet area and to be comfortable with extended periods of being ignored when you are home. Initially, you may start with shorter periods of being ignored and gradually increase them. To expedite training, teach your dog the commands for “down stay” and the mat exercises. Make sure to schedule dedicated time for attention, interaction, and play sessions, and establish a routine while you are at home. Gradually extend the periods of being ignored (for activities like napping or playing with toys) to simulate the times when you depart. By following this routine, your dog should become accustomed to being calm when you leave.
Training your dog to be left alone
Training your dog to be comfortable being alone is a crucial aspect of their learning process as it will effectively prevent them from experiencing anxiety when separated from their owners.
If you have recently brought a dog or puppy into your family, it is crucial to demonstrate to them that being alone at home should not cause any concern.
Continue reading to learn how to get your dog ready and train them to be comfortable when they are left alone.
Preventing separation-related behaviour
To gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog alone, follow these simple steps while associating the experience with something enjoyable, such as treats and toys.
Remember that every dog is unique. Take things slowly according to your dog’s response, ensuring that you do not push them to the point of distress.
By taking your time, you can achieve better and more lasting results for your dog’s learning.
Step 1
Start by urging your dog to move towards their bed and stay there for a brief period while you are there. Commend your dog for staying peacefully in their bed.
Step 2
In a sequential manner, request your dog to wait while you distance yourself. Then, come back and give a reward. Make sure that your return is not overly stimulating, as this might cause your dog to become excited in anticipation of your return.
Step 3
In order to gradually increase the distance and duration, continue with this practice. The specific extent of both will vary according to your dog’s response. Should your dog display any reactions or movements, refrain from rewarding or punishing them. Instead, return to the previous stage. Our goal is for them to stay calm and unaffected by your actions.
Step 4
The first step is to advance the training by initially leaving the room and then coming back. After that, proceed to exit the room and close the door behind you before gradually increasing the duration of your absence. At this stage, begin to vary the length of time spent outside.
Step 5
Once you have reached the point at which your dog is content being left alone for up to an hour, there should be no difficulties or issues when leaving them for extended periods of time.
Top Tip
If you find it difficult to follow these steps, remember that you are trying your best and it is okay. Separation-related anxiety is a complicated problem. In such situations, we always recommend seeking help from a clinical behaviourist.
