Doggone It: Dealing with Separation Anxiety

As the owner of seven rescue dogs, I have had a sharp lesson around the consequences of separation anxiety in pets. The leather sofa that my German Shepherd Noah ripped to pieces the first time I left the house without him taught me all about it.

Just like small children separated from a parent, pets can become upset and distressed when they are apart from their owner. While there are effective strategies to help, recognising the symptoms and understanding the causes are essential steps in addressing separation anxiety, which is upetting for both pets and their owners.

Dogs are pack animals and they may exhibit undesirable behaviours when left alone, such as excessive barking or howling, and chewing, digging or scratching at doors and windows. They may even urinate or poo indoors despite being house-trained. Even worse, they may become so distressed that they will pace, pant or salivate excessively when alone, or engage in behaviours like excessive licking or biting, leading to injuries.

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Rescue dogs or those with a history of abandonment may be more prone to developing separation anxiety. In the case of my dog Noah, his anxiety stemmed from the abuse he had previously experienced prior to being rescued. When he first arrived, he used to get very anxious if I left the house, but once he realised that I would come back home a couple of hours later, his anxiety abated and my household furniture remained intact. It helps that I have other dogs, so he has their company when I’m not there.

Dogs who haven’t been properly socialised may also struggle with being alone. While it’s important to note that leaving a dog alone for extended periods is not advisable or fair on the dog, the reality is that we all have to leave the house and they will have to spend periods of time without us. Many people who got dogs during the pandemic and spent most of their time with them, found that their dogs were adversely affected once they had to leave the house to return to the office.

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Sudden alterations in the owner’s schedule, moving to a new home, the loss of a family member, or a change in household composition can lead to increased anxiety in pets. Addressing separation anxiety involves a combination of behavioural techniques and environmental adjustments, According to Maxi Zoo Ireland, training for an adult dog with separation anxiety starts by engaging with them intensively before you leave the home. Play search games with them or go for a long walk to wear your dog out in an appropriate way before leaving them alone.

Keep your comings and goings low-key to prevent heightening your dog’s anxiety. Begin by leaving him alone for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as he becomes more comfortable. A good tip is to direct your dog to his favourite spot or a comfortable area where he feels secure, and provide distractions like interactive toys or a chew bone. While he is busy with that and not paying attention to you, leave the room and reward him with a treat when you return to get him to associate waiting and your return with something positive.

Increase the time of separation each time if you think that your dog has remained calm and relaxed. A good tip is to remain calm and consistent and don’t return to the room if your dog is howling or whimpering. Otherwise he may associate howling with your return and this may worsen in the future.

Stay patient and don’t scold or pamper your dog when you return. Establish regular feeding, exercise, and departure schedules to provide a sense of predictability and security for him, and this will make it easier for him to be alone, not least also because it also teaches him to trust you.

If your dog’s anxiety persists, consult with a vet or a certified animal behaviorist for guidance and potential therapeutic interventions.

Don’t lose heart because by implementing these strategies with patience and consistency, you can help your dog become more comfortable when left alone, reducing their anxiety and improving their overall well-being.