Separation Anxiety is a big challenge not only for the owner but also for the dog. It's completely unnerving when you bring a new puppy home and he cries the moment you put him in a crate to leave. It's upsetting and discouraging when you adopt a dog with the intention to provide him with a new loving family and he goes into an absolute state of panic when you leave him at home.
As the name already indicates, it is a disorder that will leave your dog with worries that are out of proportion to the situation. Some of the milder symptoms are a little crying and barking, but it can also turn into severe panting, drooling, chewing, destructive behavior, stomach/intestinal problems, …
The medical description of anxiety is below. Although it is describing human anxiety it can easily translated into "dog" talk.
Main Entry: anx·i·ety
Pronunciation: a[ng]-'zI-&t-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural –eties
1
a: a painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill
b: a cause of anxiety
2:
an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Although I address every case individually there are some general things that can help you to avoid or work on separation anxiety.
- Tire out your dog physically as well as mentally before you leave
- Play with your dog close to the crate
- Have special treats (bones, rawhide, selected toys) that your dog can have only in the crate even when you are home (when you are home leave the gate open)
- Leave very calmly, like you would just walk into another room (no teary good-byes)
- When you return go to the crate open the gate and don't pay any attention to your dog until he has calmed down (no excited hellos)
- Boost your dogs confidence, by teaching him a number of commands. Every time he does it right he has a sense of accomplishment!
- DON'T CUDDLE YOUR DOG OR CONSOLE HIM! If you do, you tell your dog that he was right to be anxious and you validate the fear. Be positive and upbeat instead and tell him that everything is fine and that he can get over it.
As with most things a blog post, can't do the complexity of the topic full justice. I hope though, that it will be helpful.
As the name already indicates, it is a disorder that will leave your dog with worries that are out of proportion to the situation. Some of the milder symptoms are a little crying and barking, but it can also turn into severe panting, drooling, chewing, destructive behavior, stomach/intestinal problems, …
The medical description of anxiety is below. Although it is describing human anxiety it can easily translated into "dog" talk.
Main Entry: anx·i·ety
Pronunciation: a[ng]-'zI-&t-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural –eties
1
a: a painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill
b: a cause of anxiety
2:
an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Although I address every case individually there are some general things that can help you to avoid or work on separation anxiety.
- Tire out your dog physically as well as mentally before you leave
- Play with your dog close to the crate
- Have special treats (bones, rawhide, selected toys) that your dog can have only in the crate even when you are home (when you are home leave the gate open)
- Leave very calmly, like you would just walk into another room (no teary good-byes)
- When you return go to the crate open the gate and don't pay any attention to your dog until he has calmed down (no excited hellos)
- Boost your dogs confidence, by teaching him a number of commands. Every time he does it right he has a sense of accomplishment!
- DON'T CUDDLE YOUR DOG OR CONSOLE HIM! If you do, you tell your dog that he was right to be anxious and you validate the fear. Be positive and upbeat instead and tell him that everything is fine and that he can get over it.
As with most things a blog post, can't do the complexity of the topic full justice. I hope though, that it will be helpful.
Great post Yvonne. I've learned something new from you again!
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