Separation Anxiety

SEPARATION ANXIETY By Bob Gutierrez M any dogs exhibit destructive behavior when left alone. A neighbor may have called complaining that Fido is barking all day, or your backyard may be starting to look like the moon's surface. Many times owners will inadvertently reinforce and reward the behavior by answering Fido's scratching or barking at the door by turning and giving him attention. Fido learns quickly that scratching and biting works to get your attention so he increases the behavior. Many owners feel guilty for leaving their animals, so they will kiss, hug, pet, snuggle and go through long goodbyes. This makes the dog's anxiety rise when you leave two minutes later. With all this pent up energy the dog will either seriously damage your door trying to get to you or revert to other non-acceptable doggie behavior like chewing, barking, or digging. It must be realized that dogs are pack animals that crave attention and need to feel secure that their pack (this means you) will return. This can be accomplished gradually by practicing leaving your dog for very short periods of time (about 5 minutes), then returning. When you return, your dog will probably act like you've been gone for hours. Since dogs have little concept of time, you can get a hole month's worth of practice on one Saturday afternoon of leaving and returning. Continue to leave and return until your dog begins to relax. Gradually build up the time until the dog is relatively comfortable with your leaving for half an hour. Most separation anxiety/destruction behavior occurs within 20 minutes after the owner leaves. When you are at home it is important to spend as much time as possible with your dog in the area where it is to be confined. Play games, train him, and feed him in the confinement area. If the only time your dog is in the confinement area is when you leave him, then your dog will view this area as a prison, not his den. Also, make sure your dog is well exercised before leaving for the day. A tired dog will probably choose to sleep during the day when you are gone. Often, bringing in another dog as a companion can help eliminate anxiety as your dog would have someone to keep him busy. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.