Being away from your pet might be challenging enough, but separation anxiety in dogs can make it even more difficult. It’s understandable that you’d be afraid to leave the house given your dog’s improper, destructive behaviour and obvious sadness. Fortunately, you may discover how to reduce separation anxiety in pets by observing their behaviour and conducting your own research.
It’s vital to remember that nothing changes overnight. Anxiety is a fear-based psychological condition that should be treated with as much kindness and understanding as possible. Taking a compassionate approach can help your dog maintain confidence and trust throughout their journey with you. Don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas to help dogs with separation anxiety.
Rule out medical concerns.
Before focusing on resolving separation anxiety with your dog, be sure you’re dealing with anxiety. Some medical conditions, such as neurological issues, ageing, urinary tract infections, or even drug use, might cause anxiety and destructive behaviour in your dog.
For this advise, it is best to see a veterinarian. If house soiling and other behavioural issues are not caused by separation anxiety, they are more likely to occur both at home and away.
Maintain a steady regimen.
A minor change in routine might trigger major behavioural concerns. Consider this: if you worked from home for the most of your dog’s life and then suddenly began going to the office all day, your best furry companion will most likely be confused or even worried. In other situations, he may develop separation anxiety as a result of the abrupt, frightening changes, particularly if he is unfamiliar with being left alone.
Whether you work from home or not, creating a regular routine will make your dog feel more secure while you’re gone. Habit will remind him that you always return home, so he can begin to anticipate that reassurance again.
Provide greater mental stimulation.
In lesser forms of separation anxiety, your dog may only require some pleasant mental activity to feel distracted and comfortable. Giving him a puzzle toy or a long-lasting treat can keep him entertained while you’re away, whereas training or agility drills will help wear out his body and mind. You’ll also have the opportunity to bond with your pet while burning off some extra energy!
In certain – more serious — circumstances, anxious dogs will be unable to distract themselves with a treat. That’s when some of these other, more involved ways could come in handy.
Introduce a safe space.
It is totally up to you whether to use this method for safety or comfort, although many dogs will feel instinctively more confident being alone in a smaller, confined place (source: Humane Society of the United States). Keeping your dog in one room of the house, with food, drink, a place to rest, and some favourite toys, might help him feel more comfortable and confident. Remember, the goal is to make your dog feel in control, not isolated.
In this scenario, a crate might be too tiny. While many dogs find comfort in going to their crate on their own terms, utilising a crate while you leave may unintentionally assist your pet form a negative bond. After all, your dog should be pleased in his or her crate.
Desensitisation
For more severe cases of separation anxiety, supervised desensitisation with the assistance of a canine behavioural expert may be required. You can try this method on your own, but working with a professional will make sure that your dog is not overly agitated by the process, rendering it ineffective.
The trainer will help you analyse how you handle your dog’s departures. When you leave the house, you should be cool and nonchalant to teach your dog that departures are not a huge thing — you will return home! Start this procedure by leaving your dog alone for short periods of time (not long enough for him to become fearful).
You can offer safety cues throughout your home, such as smells, sounds, or items, to assist your dog feel secure. Some pet owners prefer to leave the TV or background music on while they are away, while others offer their dogs worn garments to keep a familiar fragrance around.
Do dogs outgrow separation anxiety?
Puppies may have greater separation anxiety than adults, but the good news is that it improves with age. This is especially true for extremely young buds and after adopting a new pet. It takes time for everyone to adjust to the new arrangement. Even if you notice or anticipate that he may begin to adjust, you should proceed with caution.
If you can prevent actual separation anxiety from forming, you’ll have a much simpler time training him to be apart from you. This behaviour in older dogs rarely goes away on its own and must be addressed by a human.
Separation anxiety is real, no matter where you and your dog are on this journey. It can have a significant emotional effect on you, and overcoming it can be the most healing and beneficial experience. Be gentle with yourself and your furry friend as you complete these first steps – and remember, you’ve got this!