Separation Anxiety in Dogs

 

 

Dogs, like people, can suffer from anxiety. Anxiety isn’t always a logical thing to try and understand in your dog. It can be difficult. A lot of dogs who have been re-homed may suffer some form of anxiety, especially when there has been neglect or abuse involved. The most common form of anxiety in dogs is called Separation Anxiety (SA).  Separation Anxiety can sometimes look (to the un-trained eye) like bad behaviour, such as excessive barking, Panting, whinging/whining, destructive behaviour, house soiling, escaping, loss of appetite, jumping up on you, excessive coat licking etc.

The difference is that for Separation Anxiety, the behaviours mostly happen when the owner is not around or is just out of reach, such as behind a closed door, in the office or bathroom etc… Separation Anxiety can be a hard condition to treat but much success has been gained through using a behaviourist, who comes into the home, assesses the situation and may give advise to help lessen the anxiety. Sometimes medication is also used. (Medication is a very personal choice). Ask your vet for advice or seek help from a dog behaviourist. We always suggest, from an early age, not to feed into any unstable behaviour or an unstable mind. When your dog exhibits any of the above signs, do not comfort or pat your dog, as this only makes the situation worse.

Your dog learns to repeat behaviours that are rewarding to them, so if you comfort at these times, your dog will just continue repeating the same behaviour. You must stay calm and assertive and confident. Remember to ignore the behaviours you don’t want repeated. Practice leaving your dog unattended for short and long periods, so he will know that you (the pack leader) always returns, therefore you dog will become more independent and grow in confidence. For those dog owners with only one dog in the Family, if at all possible, we always suggest buying another dog for company, as they are a social animal in the wild and benefit greatly by having a mate around.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding Brisbane, Dog Walking Brisbane, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day care Brisbane).