puppies, Busy Dog

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

by Lindsey Hazlett

In general, separation anxiety is a common issue that many pet owners experience. Now that many new owners are going back to work in the office after the pandemic, or simply spending more time doing activities outside the home, there are a lot of dogs currently struggling with this.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is the feeling of distress and panic that some dogs experience when left alone or when their owner leaves them. The severity of the distress can vary.

Here are some common signs of separation anxiety:

Barking and howling
Excessive pacing and drooling/sweating
Destruction
Escape efforts
Urination and defecation

There certainly can be other causes of these behaviors (boredom, incomplete house training, alerting to disturbances outside the home, etc.), so it may be best to set up a video camera to watch what truly happens when you leave your pet alone in order to determine the root issue.

What causes it?

Dogs can develop separation anxiety for a variety of reasons that are often difficult to pinpoint. Common causes include lack of positive alone time as a young dog, genetic predisposition, environmental changes, changes in schedule, or any combination of these.

Some dogs will begin exhibiting signs early in puppyhood or adolescence, and others develop it later in life.

Can I prevent it?

If your dog is young or is not currently exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, it is important to begin teaching them that it is okay to be alone.

Create a safe space for your dog, whether it be in a crate, expen, or separate room. Include comfortable materials and eliminate the safety hazards. Then, take some time to help your puppy create a positive association with the space. Provide treats, fun toys and bones, and enrichment activities. Reward your dog for choosing to enter that space.

Slowly leave the space for seconds at a time and heavily reinforce your puppy. Return BEFORE your dog has the opportunity to experience any discomfort. Practice this in tiny sessions throughout the day and help your dog build up some duration over time.

When should I get help?

Not only is separation anxiety intense and highly stressful for your dog, but it’s also a safety concern. When engaging in destructive behaviors, there’s always a risk that your dog may fracture a tooth, ingest a foreign body, break off nails, or lacerate paws. Therefore, it needs to be addressed immediately.

As you begin formulating a plan to treat separation anxiety, stop leaving your dog alone right away as much as possible. Continuing to put your dog in situations where they will experience separation distress will only worsen the issue. See if you can modify your schedule, bring your dog along to places, hire a pet sitter or dog walker, or if appropriate, look into local doggy daycares.

It may be a good idea to ask your veterinarian about potential medications or supplements to help your dog better cope in the instances where you do have to leave your dog alone in the meantime.

Resources

I’ll Be Home Soon

“Managing Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety” by Karen Pryor

Busy Dog Trainer

Lindsey Hazlett

Recall Games

Does your dog struggle to come when called, especially amidst distractions? This is a common issue. Recall needs to be continually worked on in order to build a reliable “come.” An easy way to build recall strength is to integrate it into your training routine. Give one (or more!) of these games a try.

Restrained Recall & Chase

This game requires a helper, enticing toys or treats, a harness for your dog, and a space to practice. Begin by having a helper hold onto your dog. Walk as far away from your dog as you can while maintaining complete confidence that your dog will come. Build up your dog. Appear as exciting as you can- your dog should be itching to get to you! Once you get to this point, provide your recall cue (“Charlie, come!”) and run! Let your dog chase you for a short distance, then throw a little party for your dog with praise, toys, and/or treats.

Recall and Chase with Treat Toss

This variation of #1 can be completed without a helper. You will just need your dog and high-value treats. Begin by tossing a treat in the opposite direction. While your dog finishes eating it, provide your recall cue and run so your dog chases you. once your dog reaches you, toss a treat in the opposite direction as a reward and begin again! The fast-paced nature of this game ensures multiple repetitions in a short period of time.

Round Robin

This game is perfect if you have one or more helpers. Either have your helper stand about 10 feet away, or create a 10-foot circle of people. Each person then calls the dog and rewards her with treats when she comes. Someone else then repeats this. The dog should be running back and forth between people, responding to recalls, and earning treats!

Hide & Seek

This simple and fun game doubles as both an easy and enriching exercise, as well as a recall exercise. Begin by placing your dog in a stay. Choose a hiding spot appropriate for your dog’s familiarity with the game. Release your dog and give the recall cue. Once he gets to you, praise your dog! Treats and toys can be used as rewards.