Coping With Separation Anxiety in Dogs

How to Help a Family Pet Deal With Owner Absence

Oct 22, 2008

It can be tough when a dog has problems being left alone in the house. Every pet owner at some point needs to leave their pet for a while.

Separation Anxiety is a very common problem in dogs, particularly those who have been abandoned and rehomed through a rescue centre. The symptoms of separation anxiety can include the following behavioural traits:

Separation Anxiety can be a costly and difficult problem to live with. However, it is possible to undertake measures to relax the pet and get him or her used to being left.

First Steps in Reducing Anxiety

A really helpful first step is to crate train a dog. This involves purchasing a large metal-framed ‘cage’ with a soft bed and blankets in it. While it sounds cruel, both the RSPCA and Dog’s Trust recommend crate training to get a nervous dog accustomed to being left. Keep the crate door open and introduce the pet to it gradually, making it a warm and pleasant place to be. The dog will soon come to regard the crate as its own bed, and will voluntarily sleep there through the night.

Establish a Natural Hierarchy

Do not sleep with the dog. Dogs work on a simple process of hierarchy in the home, and being allowed to share a bed with its owner will change its perception on who is in charge. Get the dog used to sleeping in its crate, and better behaviours will naturally follow.

Take The Dog Out of the Home Environment

Use the car wherever possible. Most dogs love travelling by car, and will quite happily stay in a vehicle for longer periods rather than be left at home alone. Fix a barrier in the car to stop the dog from jumping about and setting the alarm off, and the dog will happily curl up and wait for its owner to return without stress or disruption. Always remember to provide adequate shade, ventilation and water on warmer days.

Build Up Gradually

Get the dog used to spending very small periods of time apart, even if this begins by the dog being in one room, and the owner in another. In increments of two or three minutes, leave the dog and build up to a respectable amount of time. This process can take months, and will require a lot of patience, but is worth it to have a happy and well-adjusted pooch.

Keep the Dog Occupied With Fun Activities

Use toys as distractions. Toys such as the ‘Kong’ can be filled with edible treats and will keep a dog distracted for long periods of time. By teaching the dog the association between treat time and being left, it is possible to increase the periods of time he or she can be left alone comfortably. A long walk before a short absence will help the dog relax when it is time to be left.

Be patient! Through time and care, the dog will gradually grow accustomed to being left, and be happy to welcome the owner back home.

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