Separation anxiety in dogs – how to deal with it

Dog’s separation anxiety may be either the result of a traumatic past or can appear as a result of an unhealthy bond with the caretaker. It is crucial to recognize the problem quickly, implement certain practices and consult the situation with a behaviourist. How to deal with separation anxiety in a dog?

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog is left alone at home or isolated from a loved caretaker. The animal does not understand that the owner will return soon and is afraid to be left alone. Emotions often turn into panic attacks and incredible stress. Dog anxiety disorders are a problem not only for the owner but, above all, for the animal. Where does separation anxiety come from? There can be many reasons.

One theory considers the influence of genes on the possibility of developing anxiety disorders. Although studies show a higher incidence of the problem in crossbreeds, it’s not the dog’s breed that matters, but its parents. Puppies born to a dog that has been under a lot of stress during pregnancy will be more likely to develop separation anxiety and other behavioural disorders.

The first weeks of his life and the conditions in which it grew up are important for the development of a dog. Insufficient maternal care can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. It is strongly emphasized not to separate the puppies from the mother for the first eight weeks of their lives. The early stage of life is also crucial due to the need for the dog’s socialization. Everything that happens during this period can leave its mark on the animal’s psyche. Both positive and negative memories from the first weeks of life stay in his memory and influence his behaviour.

The first few weeks of a dog’s life are also far-reaching for other reasons. It is the time to learn independence and get used to spending time alone. The mother starts to leave the shared shelter and takes care of herself. Thanks to this, the little ones learn to be independent, and their fear of loneliness decreases. Being in a pack constantly can affect emotional disorders later in life when the dog is separated from siblings or left in a home without an owner.

As a dog owner, you can also contribute to shaping its personality. Make your dog independent gradually! It will be a big mistake to leave it alone for a few hours soon after bringing it to a new home. The animal cannot cope with emotions and fear. There is also a second scenario that can negatively affect the development of separation anxiety. Staying with your dog all the time and giving him all your attention will create an unhealthy bond.

Separation anxiety may also be caused by traumatic experiences. It will not always be physical violence. These can also be events related to major changes in the dog’s life – moving house, the birth of a child, or adopting another pet.

Feeling stress and anxiety is associated with the need to relieve emotions by biting objects, howling and barking, running nervously, eating his faeces and aggressive behaviour. A dog with separation anxiety strongly needs to get out of the apartment and keep the owner in place. Long-term stress can lead to apathy, depression, nervous licking of the fur, and even self-mutilation.

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A dog’s behaviour is determined by its lifestyle, and the reaction to fear will not always be the same. Remember that not all stereotypical behaviours will mean emotional disorders. Biting objects and excessive activity may indicate, for example, that the dog needs more exercise and stimulation. If unsure, watch your pet closely and consult a dog behaviourist.

Stay calm and be patient – the situation will not change overnight. It will require a lot of effort and consistency from both you and your dog. Remember that your dog strongly feels the emotions and atmosphere of the home. Your behaviour will be crucial throughout the process. What not to do with a dog with separation anxiety?

• Don’t punish your dog. You’ll only make your dog’s stress worse.
• Do not leave your dog at home for long hours. Learning to be alone must be gradual.
• Do not suddenly change the rituals. Do it gradually.
• Do not use any medication without consulting a behaviourist and veterinarian! You can only harm your dog.

Let’s start with the fact that you won’t teach your dog independence in one day. It’s a process and it’s hard to predict how long it will last. Some dogs will not have a problem with being left alone at home while others may need even several months to understand the situation well. What can you do to help an animal in this crisis?

One of the tasks ahead of you is to desensitize your dog, which is already stressed when you are getting ready to go out. Start by getting your pet used to everything connected to leaving the house. Is putting on shoes accompanied by squeaking, or panting? It will be a good idea to do your going out activities without leaving your home. Put on your shoes and sit down on the couch, ring the keys, and wrap yourself in a scarf. The dog will get used to these triggers and will understand that they do not have to mean your absence.

Desensitizing the dog to the signals heralding your departure from the house will contribute to calming down the emotions. Managing your pet’s feelings and stress is one of the key elements in dealing with separation anxiety.

Introducing certain rituals related to your departure and return home will also help to control your friend’s emotions. Do not spend more time with the dog than usual before leaving the apartment. Do not talk to it in a sweet voice, do not stroke it, and do not initiate play. That only stimulates the dog and encourages it to be active. If you leave now, you will be contributing to the frustration of your pet and the need to vent its emotions. Most often by biting shoes or other items of clothing. An exit ritual can also be preparing a toy for the dog. A sniff mat, congo or intelligence toy will be something that will help the animal focus and distract its thoughts from the situation. You can also make sure that your friend has a favourite mascot with him.

The same rule applies to return and welcome. The explosion of positive emotions will teach the animal to wait anxiously for your return and effusive greeting. The dog will not be able to relax in your absence.

Rituals don’t have to be just about getting in and out of the house. It is also meaningful to have a schedule for the day – getting up in the morning, having breakfast, having a walk and having time for yourself.

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Do you think it’s cute when your dog follows you around? It may be one of the signs that your dog is developing separation anxiety. The animal needs your help becoming independent – choose a moment of the day when you will not be interested in your friend at all. The lack of interaction means that now everyone has time for themselves and should take care of themselves.

Although it seems cruel, it helps to teach the dog to be independent and how to rest. In the following stages, try going to another room without your pet. The dog is supposed to understand that we are behind the wall, we are not hurt and will be back at any time.

With separation anxiety, it is super helpful to increase a dog’s self-confidence. Exercise with your dog, use different toys and dog puzzles. Choose tasks that are difficult but doable! Thanks to this, the pet’s self-esteem will improve and contribute to greater confidence during the owner’s absence.

Teach your dog to believe in its abilities, and take care of its sense of security. Remember that your dog must have its place! A pet will feel calmer and more at ease.

Provide your pet with a comfortable bed that will allow it to lie down comfortably and observe its surroundings. There are many types of dog beds available on the market, which are easy to choose according to the preferences of our pet. Beds that will especially appeal to dogs with emotional problems will be sofa-type beds. The high walls of the bed allow a dog to stick its nose in its favourite space and fall asleep waiting for the owner’s return.

Let the dog bed be a permanent place where a pet can lie down whenever its emotions are difficult to control and it needs a moment of peace. Also, consider teaching a special command to help your dog understand when it’s time to go home and rest.

The solutions described will not always work in your case. If your dog shows signs of a severe emotional disorder, be sure to contact your vet and behaviourist. It is important to exclude any diseases that may influence the dog’s fear. The vet can recommend pharmacology that will calm the dog down and calm his emotions. However, this is not a solution that will permanently eliminate the problem.

Before consulting a behaviourist, it is worth recording the dog’s behaviour that arouses our anxiety. It will be easier to establish an action plan and check what has the greatest impact on the behaviour of our friend.