Separation-Anxiety
If you have to leave your dog on his own it can bring on
separation anxiety, this is usually caused by over-dependence
on an owner. It can be the result of being weaned too early,
being abandoned, or simply due to the temperament of the
dog.
You leave your dog alone for just twenty minutes while you
run to do some shopping and when you return he's emptied the
rubbish onto the kitchen floor, destroyed a pillow or had a pee
in your hallway. If this sort of behaviour happens frequently
your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety.
Over-dependence
Separation anxiety is common in dogs and is usually caused
by over-dependence on an owner. This dependence can be the
result of being weaned too early, being abandoned, or simply
due to the temperament of the dog.
It is a difficult but not impossible condition to treat.
And, with patience you can overcome the destructive behaviour
associated with separation anxiety completely.
What to look out for
The types of behaviour commonly associated with the problem
are urinating and/or defecating in inappropriate places,
destructive chewing and pawing, excessive barking or whining, a
refusal to eat or drink, self-chewing or self-licking.
When you return home there is usually a prolonged,
over-enthusiastic greeting too.
Punishment isn't the answer
Punishing your dog is the last thing you should do in this
situation. He won't be able to associate the mess he has made
while you were out with the punishment he receives a few hours
later. Your dog may appear to act guilty but this is simply
submissive behaviour - dogs don't feel guilt but they can
anticipate a punishment.
Looking down, tucking his tail between his legs, slinking,
showing his belly, these are all ways your dog shows
submission, not guilt. Basically, he is saying "Hey, I know
you're the boss. Don't beat me up." Punishment only treats the
symptoms of separation anxiety and not the root cause.
Come and go
The best way to deal with the problem is to decrease the
dependence and anxiety your dog is feeling. This can be done
simply by getting your dog used to people coming and going in
the house.
When you leave, don't make a fuss or a big deal of saying
goodbye as this will only increase his anxiety. Similarly, when
you return, give him a calm greeting only after he has calmed
down.
You could even try some 'practice' entrances and exits from
the house to get him used to your movements. Do this several
times a day and go through the whole routine as if you're
actually going to leave.
Jingle your keys, pick up your bag or briefcase, put on your
jacket and head out of the door. You could even hop in the car
and drive around the block. After a minute or two, return.
As your dog gets used to these short outings, gradually
increase their duration. Your goal is to be able to leave the
house and return again without your dog working himself into a
frenzy or misbehaving when you're gone.
Once you can leave him alone for an hour or so you should be
fairly confident about leaving him for an entire morning or
afternoon.
Just ignore him!
If you continue to have trouble with your dog you may need
to tackle the dependency directly. This is tough, because it
calls for ignoring your dog for a week or two.
Ask someone else to feed, walk and play with him, or better
still, get a few people to do so. It won't be easy to ignore
your dog, especially when it's desperately looking for your
attention, but after a few weeks you'll find he is much less
clingy.
As always, if you're having difficulty with your dog you
should consult a vet who will be able to determine if your
dog's misbehaviour is caused by separation anxiety or some
underlying medical condition.
They may also be able to recommend a good behaviour
specialist to help resolve the problem.