Separation Anxiety

This is a big topic, and I hope I can do it justice without writing a novel! There are quite a few books already out there that address treating dogs with separation anxiety. Animal Behaviorist Patricia McConnell, has a book called "I'll be Home Soon" http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/product/dog-separation-anxiety . Nicole Wilde also has a book called "Don't Leave me." http://www.nj.com/pets/index.ssf/2011/03/dont_leave_me_new_book_provide.html

So what is separation anxiety? Well, it is basically when a dog panics when he is left alone. It can be so extreme that the dog panics when left with other people, but only wants his owner. The symptoms of this "disorder" range widely. Most experts agree that the worst happens within 30 minutes of the owner's departure. Some dogs may pace, get in the window looking for mom/dad, whine, bark, and circle. A moderate case may mean the dog salivates, destroys something trying to get out or rips up something that reminds them off the owner (usually because it is comforting, not because they are punishing their owner). A more extreme case may mean the dog defecates, urinates, vomits, and works himself up so much that he is a mess when you return home.

Prevention
The best prevention for SA is to not set a new dog/puppy up that you will be home all the time. So many owners get their new pup during a holiday or vacation time to spend ample time pottying training etc. When the owner returns to work the following week, the pup is confused and upset, and this often results in the beginnings of SA. Of course, when getting an adult shelter dog, they may already have SA, so prevention may be too late. I still recommend owners of shelter dogs not set themselves up by staying home the first 48 hours with the dog. Go out, get something to eat, go to the grocery store. The new dog needs to know that people leaving is perfectly normal.

Why?
Why do dogs develop SA in the first place? Dogs are social creatures and we all know that dogs have an exaggerated view of time. Most dogs don't really have a life outside of their owner(s) if you think about it. They rely on us for food, water, shelter, fun, socialization etc. When we leave, some dogs simply don't know what to do with themselves. Normal, adjusted dogs, generally sleep when their owners are gone. Some dogs play with a stuffed food toy or their dog toys. Some dogs play with each other. If you want to know what your dog does when you are gone, set up a web cam. It is quite interesting to see what they do in your absence!

Treatment
Depending on the level of SA, treatment ranges. First step is learning how to read your dog's anxiety level. This is important because you need to determine if he gets anxious when you are preparing to leave. Does he start to whine, pace, drool, look wide-eyed when you pick up your keys and put your shoes on? If so, then you need to desensitize him to leaving rituals.

Leaving Rituals
We all do certain tasks before we leave the house. Grab keys, shoes, wallet, purse or bag, maybe shut off some doors, say good-bye to others in the house or the dog. If the dog starts to get upset with these signals, the owner basically needs to make those signals mean nothing. This means picking up the keys, and setting them down numerous times per day without leaving. Putting your shoes on and going out the door only to come right back in. Make it so the dog doesn't see those tasks as a predictor of you leaving him behind.

Next step is finding out what he does when you are gone. Some dogs don't have SA, they are just young puppies that are destructive and bored and having a party while you are gone. How do you tell the difference then? If your dog doesn't seem to care when you leave and is in fine condition when you get home minus a destuffed couch, it probably isn't SA. In that case, I would recommend confining the little destructo to a crate or pen until he grows out of that phase. Setting up a web cam is very helpful in determining to what extent the dog is panicking (if at all). You probably don't need a web cam if your dog is frantic when you leave and when you come home he is soiled and stressed to know that he has SA.

Location
Where you leave the dog is important. Some dogs with SA get more upset when they see their owner leave and have access to the door/window. These dogs are safer and happier when crated or penned elsewhere. On the flip-side, some dogs freak out at the notion of being contained and do better when left out. You need to experiment to see what works best for your dog.

Distractions
One of the best ways to combat SA is with distractions. Giving your dog food stuffed toys, brain toys etc. are a great way to get his mind off the fact that you are gone. If you find the food toys untouched when you get home, then he is too stressed to eat and you will need to do some training as well before the distraction will help.

Training
Similar to the desensitizing to the leaving rituals, many families that have SA dogs need to practice leaving their dogs for very very short periods of time and returning promptly. This means you start by going out the door for 30 seconds or less, then come back in. You gradually work up to 30 mins, then add 30 min segments at a time. This is a slow process, don't rush it. If you cannot be home during the week to do this, then you need to work on it every weekend. With time, your weeks will get better as well.

Returning home
Most books will tell you to keep the comings and goings very low-key. I know it is fun to come home and rush your dog as he goes bonkers to see you, but dogs with SA are so worked up to see their owner again that this can exacerbate the situation. The owner needs to be relaxed and relay that feeling to the dog that it was no big deal that he left.

Medication
Some dogs may need medication. Don't feel ashamed if this happens to you. Before using pharmaceuticals, there is a wide range of homeopathic drugs and products to try such as L-Theanine, Rescue Remedy, Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Aid, a Calming cap, anxiety wrap or thunder shirt.

Alternatives
There are many people out there that use a dog walker, or doggie day care because their dog has SA. Some owners have great jobs that their dogs can come with them to work. Very very rarely I have heard of a dog being re-homed to another home where someone is home at all times.

Hopefully that was a general guide and starting point for those dealing with separation anxiety. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact me for a session or e-mail consult. Remember to never punish a dog for having SA. He doesn't have it by choice and he needs help to realize you leaving isn't the end of the world!