Scratched doors and walls, nibbled sofas, neighbors annoyed by loud barking and howling, and a completely distraught dog, panting and eyes wide open - If such a scenario awaits you when you return home, your dog is most likely suffering from separation anxiety. Why is this normal behavior? And how can you make it easier for your companion to stay alone? We give you a brief overview.
Why does separation anxiety develop?
Dogs have inherited instincts and abilities from their wild ancestors, the wolves, which we humans have made use of in many areas. The hunting instinct is used in herding work, the sensitive sense of smell rescue people from the rubble, and with their protective instinct dogs guard flocks of sheep and properties. But some characteristics are sometimes less useful to us, such as the pronounced social instinct. Dogs play together, eat together, sleep together. If they have a choice, they are rarely alone.
When a puppy leaves his family to explore the environment, he gets a little braver with each outing and goes farther and longer away. If he is alone for too long, he gets scared. He whines and howls for his family to find him quickly. This is normal separation stress and important for his survival. However, if a dog lacks the secure support of his family, human, or kin, or if his behavior is unintentionally reinforced, separation stress soon becomes separation anxiety.
Some dogs are predisposed to developing a separation anxiety problem:
- Dogs that have experienced many changes of ownership (e.g. shelter dogs).
- Dogs that have to cope with drastic changes (e.g. moving house or death in the family)
- Dogs that are rather insecure in their overall behavior
Prevent the problem from arising in the first place
No matter if puppy or adult dog, being alone has to be practiced. Even before the emergency occurs, a dog must learn that being alone is not a drama. He should not follow his owner at every step at home but should be able to stay in his place or a room in peace. Training happens practically all the time and in very short sessions. For example, close the door behind you when you leave a room, only to open it again 30 seconds later. After several repetitions, the dog will have understood that you are about to come back and not panic. Then you can gradually increase the duration of your absence.
You can train the following situations as a preventive measure:
- Car rides and waiting alone in the car for a short time
- Sleeping at night without physical contact
- Staying in a room kennel
- Short periods of being alone (taking out the trash, getting the mail, going to the bathroom, etc.)
The brevity of the exercises is important. The dog should only be alone for as long as he can manage without feeling stress. In this way, he becomes more and more self-confident and learns to trust his humans.
What if the fear already exists?
Even the best socialization cannot always prevent separation anxiety from developing. Often the triggers are factors beyond your control (such as prolonged illness or a traumatic experience). Good management and patience are then required.
What is important to keep in mind?
- No punishment - This increases unhealthily close attachment.
- Avoid being alone - Organize caregivers.
- As routine a daily routine as possible - This gives security.
- Species-appropriate occupation - Makes the dog self-confident and eliminates boredom.
- No big ceremonies - Your comings and goings should become something completely normal for the dog.
- Balanced diet - Lack of nutrients can lead to hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and more.
The above exercises are useful for anxious dogs as well as prevention. In addition, training should be done with the departure signals (putting on shoes, pocketing keys, etc.), because these often trigger fear even before being alone. From now on, cast them in a positive light.
In some cases it is useful to give accompanying medication - talk to your veterinarian about this. Tryptophan- or green tea-based supplements and other forms of therapy can also help alleviate stress. Another tool is music. It can have a calming effect while you are away. Care must be taken, however, that it does not become another start-up signal. The same applies to toys and chewing articles.
The above tips are only intended to provide an overview. Separation anxiety training is very individual and should always be tailored to the particular dog. It is, therefore, worthwhile to consult a veterinarian trained in behavioral medicine or an experienced dog trainer.
Being alone for a longer period is naturally unusual for dogs, but necessary when living together with humans. We, therefore, wish you a successful and above all relaxed training!
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