West Mount Vets
Separation Anxiety.
Problems
associated with separation anxiety come in many forms, but the most common
include:
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Howling and yapping
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Destructiveness
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Loss of toilet training
Generally these problems arise from your dog becoming too dependent upon you, the owner, but with care, time and patience they can be overcome.
Outlined below are methods you can instigate, that will allow your dog to become independent, and as a result a happier and more rewarding friend.
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Your dog will need to be left alone in the house for short periods whilst you are out. Getting him used to being alone in a separate room in the house is a good place to start. Aim to arrange these periods alone around his feeding, toileting and play so that he is ready to relax and settle.
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At other times he should be discouraged from constantly following you arround the house from room to room. Shut the doors behind you, be firm and try to encourage him to settle in his bed instead of being constantly underfoot.
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Avoid returning to him if he cries when he is separated from you, only return when he is quiet.
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When you do start to leave him alone in the house, do not fuss him prior to your leaving, nor on your return. Then only greet him when you are ready, and only once he has calmed down.
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Vary the times that you do leave him alone in the house so he is unable to predict when you will return, and don't leave him for too long initially. If this is unavoidable try to bet a friend or neighbour to 'dog-sit' whilst you are away.
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Other household members and friends can be enlisted to feed, play and walk your dog to encourage him not to become so dependent on one family member.
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Leaving him with the radio on and the lights off can provide a soothing, reassuring environment whilst you are away.
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Chews and toys can be left whith him for amusement but never an item of your own.
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The most important and difficult rule is never to scold him even when you return to a scene of devastation. Quietly ignore him, and clear up the mess whilst he is in a separate room. If you seem aggressive or angry, he may in future become anxious on your return, and this may lead him to adopt the very behaviour you are trying to avoid.
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Finally, try to be more assertive in your relationship with your dog and do not allow him to decide when it is playtime or teatime, etc. Nor should you allow him to share you bed or chair.
