Dogs
are very social, and when they are alone, they can sometimes become
restless and nervous or even panic. Dogs with separation anxiety may
destroy things (themselves included, try to escape, bark and/or have
housetraining accidents. He does not do these things "to get back at
you for leaving", he is simply venting nervous energy in the only way
he can. For some dogs, being alone for even a few seconds is
terrifying. You will need to teach your dog that it is okay to be alone
in small, easy steps (Baby Steps). If your dog is so fearful that he is
in danger of hurting himself, consider finding a Veterinary Behaviorist
to help you with this anxiety.
The
most difficult part of this training program is avoiding going past
your dog's current comfort level for being left alone during your daily
routine. For example, if today your dog is nervous about being alone
for more than 5 minutes, try not to leave him for more than 5 minutes.
Each time your dog is left longer than he is comfortable, you will be
setting your progress back. However, If you must leave your dog for
longer than he is ready for, find some way to take him with you or
leave him with a friend or at a doggy daycare.
Tips:
• Practice getting your jacket, keys, etc. at random times throughout the day to teach him that this is no big deal.
• Practice positive training for tricks or obedience to help build his confidence.
• Make sure your dog has 30 min to 1 hour of exercise per day to help him to relax when you are gone.
• Reinforce calm behavior by giving him extra attention when he is relaxed.
•
See your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical cause or for
additional help. Sometimes medication is needed to help your dog get
through this.
• Feed him the healthiest diet that you can afford.
• Use KONGS, DAP’s (Dog Appeasing Pheromone), Anxiety Wraps, are just some items to hep with S/A.
•
Create a new “Safe Zone”. Record yourself talking (like reading a
book). Place your dog in his Safe Zone, give him his chewy and play
your recording. When he is calmly chewing, sneak out of the room, get
your keys, and exit your home for just a second. Return to the room at
the end of a gradually increasing time period. When you return, switch
off the recorder and calmly enter his area. Ignore him until he is
relaxed. If when you return you see signs of anxiety, cut the time you
stay away in half next time. If when you repeat, he's still
experiencing separation anxiety, cut your time in half again!Once your
dog is no longer anxious, start increasing the times again.
