This issue is known as separation anxiety and there are ways to effectively cope with it and make it easier for your dog to deal with those times when you must be away.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
If your dog is chewing, digging and scratching they are showing signs that they are trying to escape. While barking, pooping and peeing and excessive salivating are signs of fear and anxiety. These are the classic signs.
What causes Separation Anxiety?
Such causes of separation anxiety include genetics, lack of socialization, lack of training, lack of confidence, mistreatment by a previous owner, extensive confinement, and too much bonding with the owner. As you can see, most of these are the owner’s responsibility.
How can you treat Separation Anxiety?
You should start with crate training at an early age to prevent separation anxiety. Don’t make a big deal about leaving. If you crate, simply put him in, say goodbye and leave, don’t overdue the farewells. When you make leaving an issue you dog will worry about why all the affection suddenly disappeared.
Also try and teach your dog not to associate certain behaviors of yours with your leaving the house and being away for hours. Dogs are very good at associating certain actions with certain outcomes. You may have noticed for example that as dress for work, or pick up your car keys, your dogs begins to get anxious.
Try to change your behaviors a bit, like putting on your makeup 20 minutes before you go. Or, when practical go outside as you would when you go to work, start the car and wait a few minutes, then come back in and give him a treat. Eventually he will associate the starting of your car with a benefit rather than a bad thing.
Make sure they have lots to do when you’re gone. Leave his favorite toys and treats. The interactive dog treat dispensers are great for this as you can regulate how many he has and it keeps him busy trying to get at them. When your dog knows that he has access to treats, he won’t care so much that you’re gone. Also leave on the TV or radio when you’re gone. There are even special CDs you can get made especially for dogs, or you could record your own voice.
Don’t turn every homecoming into a party. Greet them and take them outside to do their business immediately. If you make it into too big of a deal, they are going to realize that it’s more fun when you’re home.
If you keep up with these exercises, the Separation Anxiety should lessen over time. If it doesn’t, or if he becomes aggressive when you get home, you should check with your Vet or a professional trainer. Your vet, in extreme cases may prescribe a calming medication. I have also found that a small amount of Melatonin (a natural calming and sleeping aid for humans) works. You should check with your vet beforehand to get the correct amount to use.
It’s up to you to pay attention to your dogs behaviors and seek out training methods that will help him overcome his problems. All he really wants is your love and affection.
Alex is an avid dog lover who has had many pets throughout her life. She has taken her knowledge of pets and her passion for writing and published Henri’s Online Dog Obedience School where you can subscribe to her pet tips and tricks e-newsletter or visit Henri the Hound, the place to go when you’re looking for awesome gifts for your furry friends.
