Does your dog freak out when you leave?
If your dog seems to worry when you're heading out, destroys stuff when you leave the house, follows you from room to room when you're home, goes berserk when you come back and seems to be eyeing you suspiciously even before you leave—you may be dealing with a case of separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety typically manifests within 30 minutes of departure of the owner. It is not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others do not.
How to treat separation anxiety
- Don't make a big deal out of arrivals and departures — ignore your dog for the first few minutes then calmly pet them.
- Leave your dog with recently worn clothes that smell like you.
- Create a "safe place" to limit your dog's ability to be destructive while you are away
- Establish a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog you'll be back.
- Teach your dog the sit-stay and down-stay commands using positive reinforcement to show they can remain calmly and happily in one place while you go to another room.
- Consider using an over-the-counter calming product that reduces fearfulness in dogs.
How to cope while your dog learns to be calm
It can take time for your dog to unlearn their panic response to your departures. To help you and your dog cope in the short term, consider the following interim solutions:- Ask your veterinarian about drug therapy to reduce their overall anxiety.
- Take your dog to a doggie daycare facility or kennel when you have to be away.
- Leave your dog with a friend, family member or neighbor when you're away.
- Take your dog to work with you, if possible.
Often the best and most effective way to alleviate your dog's anxiety is simply with companionship. While medicine may be necessary for some pets, it's a good idea to try more natural methods first. Fun, two to three hour playdates with other dogs is a great option for owner's who do not wish to kennel their dog's all day long.
