Many dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone. They will often whine, bark, cry, howl, chew, dig and scratch at the door, soil the house or just destroy your home and your backyard. We often unintentionally train our dogs to behave this way because whenever they throw this kind of tantrum when we leave, we quickly come back to reassure them, give them attention or even give them a treat. If you do this, your dog will soon learn that he can control you with emotional guilt trips.
Long, drawn-out farewells can create separation anxiety problems as well, by first exciting your dog and then making the isolation more obvious when you are gone. Just when he gets all worked up and ready to play, suddenly you disappear on him. With all this energy, your dog will either try his best to get you to come back or he will have to vent his energy in some other way.
Since he cannot invite his other doggie friends over, he does the doggy thing – like chew, dig, bark and eliminate all over your home.
Perhaps it is not separation anxiety after all! We often think our dog is destructive because he is angry and spiteful that we left him, but he could actually be just trying to have some fun since there is nothing else to do. He is bored out of his head. He may be relieved to be able to do those things he normally cannot do when you are home. He may be thinking, “Thank GOD my owner is finally leaving! Now I can chase the cat, get into the trash, and bark at the neighbors. They never let me do these things when they are home.”
Some dogs with separation anxiety are stressed, nervous and insecure when they are left alone. They express this nervous energy in typical dog fashion – chewing, digging, barking, and house soiling.
To prevent separation anxiety, dogs need to feel happy, secure, and comfortable when you are away. It’s important to give them things to do while you are gone. You want to mentally stimulate their brain. Provide your dog with enough toys such as a Kong stuffed with treats, bully sticks or a sand box in the backyard. Often another companion pet can help alleviate this type of boredom.
Another way to prevent separation anxiety is to set aside scheduled time periods to give your dog undivided attention, play and exercise. A happy, well-exercised dog will usually sleep contentedly during the day while you are gone. Be sure that one of the scheduled play sessions occurs before you must leave for the day. Give your dog a chance to settle down before you leave and do not make a big deal of your leaving – just leave without any emotion or commotion.
If your dog is already experiencing separation anxiety, then gradually accustom him to your leaving. Practice leaving and returning several times a day until your dog gets used to your leaving and realizes that you are not abandoning him forever. Gradually leave for longer and longer periods of time, but start out by leaving for just 5 minutes and returning again.
Kimberly Dillon
8001 17th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11214
Phone: (347)312-2856
Email: Dogtrainingny@aol.com
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