Canine Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety is a panic response in a dog that manifests in the form of insecurities, fear, or destructive behaviors such as chewing, soiling, or scratching at doors to escape.  It is one of the most common canine behavioral problems owners experience. This escapist reaction usually happens when the dog is left alone in its natural home environment, shortly after the owner’s departure. 

 

There are no known direct causes related to this behavior.   However, it is suggested that early puppy environmental factors may contribute to these traumatic reactions.  Some puppies may have an abnormal predisposition to dependency with either mother or owner.  This could stem from genetics or be established through early puppy development where the mother (or owners) over-protect and coddle the puppy encouraging such behaviors.  

 

Traumatic events are another example of early influences that can trigger separation anxiety responses.  A puppy that experiences early separation from its mother could show insecurities as it matures.  Puppies that are adopted or purchased through pet shops or backyard breeders may also experience traumatic situations.  This may be due to both early separation from mother, and limited human contact and socialization. 

 

The most common behavioral sign of separation anxiety is a dog that is clingy or needy for fear of being left alone.  This dog constantly requires your attention and may attempt to get in your lap repeatedly or lap at your face.  Often, the dog will follow its owner from room to room, shaking and/or whimpering.

 

Over-reactions are another example of behavioral signs.  This includes shaking, whining, barking, excessive licking and aggression towards owner all at the onset of departure. 

 

 

To change or modify a dog’s behavior through specific methods is considered desensitizing.  This involves lessening the anxiety level of the dog by replacing bad behaviors with new behaviors through repeated training and conditioning.

 

Step 1:  Prepare to leave the house.  This may involve getting a coat or keys, putting on shoes, etc.

 

Step 2:  Go to the door (notice but do not acknowledge behavior) but do not leave.  Retreat inside the house and have a seat.  Take off coat, wait a few minutes before proceeding to step 3.

 

Step 3:  Prepare to leave again.  Go to the door, open it for a few seconds, and then close the door and retreat into the house.

 

Step 4:  After a few minutes has passed, repeat the process, but this time exit the house and wait outside for thirty seconds with the door closed before reentering.

 

Repeat this process each day extending the amount of time in between steps until you can stay outside the door for several minutes without hearing barking or having destructive behaviors take place.

 

 

It is important to address separation anxiety issues as ignoring the problem may compound the situation, or may cause a dog to replace one bad behavior for another to overcome anxiousness.  Though the suggestions above are a general way to modify separation anxiety issues, more training may be required.

 

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