
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety is most obvious in dogs who are otherwise very well-mannered, but who become extremely distraught when you're away from the house. You can't stay with your dog every minute, so watching out for these symptoms will allow you to see if your dog is starting to experience problems with separation anxiety.- Destructive behavior in your absence, including chewing and scratching
- Urinating or emptying his bowels in inappropriate locations--but only when left alone
- Excessive barking that continues for the duration of the separation and doesn't seem to be triggered by anything else
- Constant pacing while you're gone
- Attempts to escape the confining area, presumably to "find" the owner, that result in injury to the dog
Which Dog Breeds Are Most Prone to Separation Anxiety?
Any dog can experience separation anxiety. Some breeds, however, are more prone to it than others, especially those that are high energy or those that are bred specifically to be companion dogs. Dogs who have a strong pack mentality are also more prone to issues with separation anxiety. Breeds who commonly experience separation anxiety include:- Labradors
- Shepherds, especially German and Australian shepherds
- Border collies
- Cocker spaniels
- Bichon frise
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Italian Greyhounds
- Toy Poodles
- German Shorthair Pointers
Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety
There are several triggers for separation anxiety in dogs. Understanding them is one of the first steps to developing a strong strategy for avoiding it in your dog. Common triggers include:- A new addition to the family--either furry or human--that makes your dog feel as though it is receiving less attention than usual
- A move to a new residence
- A change in routine that results in the dog being left alone more often than before
- Being abandoned or otherwise changing ownership
- Having a member of the family leave the household: a child going off to college, a divorce, or a death in the family
Fixing Separation Anxiety After it Occurs
If your dog is experiencing issues with separation anxiety, you want to help them feel better and more secure, making it easier for them to spend time around the house without you. The first step is making sure that your dog is truly experiencing separation anxiety. Many symptoms of separation anxiety, including chewing, inappropriate urination or bowel emptying, and barking are not restricted to dogs who are distressed by their master's absence. Instead, they are signs that the dog needs a few more obedience classes or a little more intensive training at home--that is, that the dog has not yet figured out how to behave properly inside the house. Once you're sure that the issue is in fact separation anxiety, there are several steps you can take. Crate train your dog. Giving your dog a safe environment when you're gone lets them feel as though they're still in control and issues a reminder that you're coming back. Work up to it. Observe the behaviors that cause your dog distress. Does it upset your dog when you, for example, pick up your keys? When you gather up your work papers? Watch for signs of distress as you're getting ready to leave. Then, at a later time, perform the behavior without actually leaving the house. Gradually work up to walking outside the house for just a minute or two, then coming back. Reward your dog when it doesn't show signs of anxiety. Offer a special treat. Counterconditioning offers your dog a treat--typically food-based--whenever you leave the house to create positive associations with that time, rather than negative ones. Wear your dog out before you leave. Make sure that he's getting plenty of exercise and stimulation so that he's not anxious, stressed, and bored while you're gone. Consult a dog behavioral therapist. For severe cases of separation anxiety, your dog may need more help than you can offer. Consult a behavioral therapist to help desensitize your dog to the separation and make it easier on both of you. Reducing or eliminating separation anxiety in your dog can lead to a happier pet and a better relationship for the two of you. Your furry friend is a member of your family. Keeping them happy means that everyone benefits!Need someone to help look after your dog when you can't? Download the Wag! app to connect with experienced dog handlers in your local community available for dog walking, sitting, or boarding.