Home Alone - dealing with separation anxiety
Since the pandemic lockdowns, people working from home and the increase in dog ownership one of the most common problems I am called in to help with Separation Anxiety. The anxiety can be minor – from whining a bit when you go out to a full blown episode where your dog barks and howls constantly for the whole time you are gone.
Please remember, that in these cases there are NO quick fixes. Your dog simply cannot cope without you or someone at home. They become stressed and anxious and their hormone levels get raised to a point where they can’t stop their behaviour. An anxious dog will need to find something to relieve the stress so pooping or peeing in the house, chewing woodwork, furniture, doors and walls (yes dogs do chew walls) or something that particularly smells of you (like a remote control or piece of clothing) might seem “naughty” to us but to the dog it’s a way of expressing their distress.
So what should you do to help your dog?
Don’t get another dog. We often think that dogs need company and they do like a canine companion. But it won’t stop the anxiety. It’s you they want and you may end up with two destructive, anxious dogs instead of one.
Start training on day one when you get your new puppy or dog. Leaving your puppy while you go to the front door, go for a shower, go to another room is a good way to begin. Even if you are only out of the room for a few seconds, it is the best way to show your dog that it’s okay to be alone. Build it up from a minute to two minutes, five minutes and so on. And do practice getting them used to the sound of the front door opening and closing. If you have a new puppy work on training and don’t leave them for more than an hour in the beginning. Separation Anxiety is not about how long that you are gone but about the fact that you are gone in the first place.
Try and give the dog a safe space to go to. I use a travel crate for my two dogs to be in while I am out. They have been trained to go in to the crate from an early age and it means they are safe and relaxed. They know that I am coming back to let them out. I also use a webcam to keep an eye on them sometimes! And most of the time they are asleep! If you don’t want to use a crate, find a space in a quiet room away from the front door and teach your dog to go to their basket in their space for treats and toys. Don’t allow your dog to roam around the house as this will just wind them up more.
Remember to give your dog something to keep them occupied while you are gone. Imagine how boring it would be to sit in a room with no noise and nothing to do for hours? Use chew toys like Kongs, filled with yummy natural treats or frozen with vegetables and other things your dog likes, so that they have something to concentrate on. Deep chewing by dogs is really important. It helps your dog to increase their serotonin and dopamine hormones which will keep them calm and, if you’re lucky, they will sleep while your out. Leave lots of toys around too and always leave the radio or television on so that they aren’t left in silence to react to every noise they hear. If you’re out in the evening, leave a light on.
If you are going back to work in the office after months working at home and you can’t get back or you don’t work part time, please think about getting a good dog walker or visitor to come in and spend some time with your dog. For puppies this is vital as they learn to see new people and when they are older they can walk with other dogs. Another good choice can be a well-run small doggie daycare. Your dog will be looked after and should be receiving mental as well as physical stimulation. Make sure you choose the service you and your dog are happiest with.
Finally, if you think your dog is already showing signs of separation anxiety or is barking or whining when you leave your home you will need some additional help. Calling in a registered, qualified, professional trainer can help you to see how bad the problem is and what can be done. And remember it will get worse before it gets better. But you can work through this behaviour so that your dog becomes relaxed in their own company.
As appeared in Vantage Point Magazine July 2022
