What is Dog Separation Anxiety?
In some ways, dogs are like humans.
Like us, dogs like routine and often get stressed over large changes in their schedule. This is especially true for negative changes that they do not expect, and do not understand.
Dog separation anxiety usually occurs when our own schedule shifts, thereby disrupting the amount of time we are able to spend with our dogs. When faced with such disruptions, dogs may get stressed and become destructive.
A dog with separation anxiety may chew up household items, and urinate or defecate in the house.
Note that these are displacement behaviors, that occur as a result of stress. They are NOT the result of dominance, vengeance, or maliciousness.
To fix separation anxiety issues, we want to target and reduce our dog’s stress, and not punish him with physical corrections. Pain or dominance based punishment, will often increase stress, and thereby worsen our dog’s anxiety problems.
Dealing With Dog Separation Anxiety
Sadly, we will sometimes get busy, need to travel, or work long hours to meet a deadline. After all, we must go out in the wild world, so that we may put kibble on the table.
Therefore, how do we deal with separation anxiety, and make things better for our dogs?
Dog Separation Anxiety 1 – Daycare
One of the best ways to deal with schedule changes, is to put our dog in daycare. In this way, he gets the company of humans and dogs, while we are away. He also gets to brush up on his dog-to-dog, and dog-to-human socialization skills.
Before committing to a daycare center, it is important to drop by for a tour of the facilities. Ensure that the place is clean, well supervised, and suited to our dog’s temperament. However, even a well-run daycare center may sometimes fail to detect dogs that carry common ailments, such as kennel cough, puppy warts, demodectic mange, and fleas.
Therefore, make sure that our dog is up to date on his vaccinations, before putting him in daycare or boarding.
A dog who is up to date on shots, may still catch something from playing all day long with so many different dogs. This is especially true for puppies and younger dogs, who still have developing immune systems. Unfortunately, this is a risk we must accept, if we decide to put our dog in daycare.
Dog Separation Anxiety 2 – Pet sitter
If we are uncomfortable with sending our dog to a public daycare, we can also hire a pet sitter to keep his separation anxiety issues at bay. The sitter can walk him, and keep him company at home.
Make sure our pet sitter is insured, qualified, has good references, and most importantly, gets along well with our dog.
Although they may be more expensive, I try to find sitters who are also dog trainers. This means they have more experience with dog behavioral issues, and can better deal with a misbehaving, stressed, or fearful canine.
Make sure to give the pet sitter our cellphone number, the location of our vet, as well as special instructions for our dog, including allergies and important house rules.
Dog Separation Anxiety 3 – Try to keep to a schedule
Another way to alleviate separation anxiety issues, is to try and keep to a fixed schedule.
During holidays, go out and visit some friends, so that our dog has his usual alone time. If we have to be away unexpectedly, have a familiar friend come over to fill in for us.
If the change in routine is temporary, we can also have our dog stay over at a friend’s house. First, try bringing our dog over for several short visits. In this way, we are around to make introductions, and help him with the transition to a new environment.
If all goes well, do short stay-overs, then slowly lengthen the time.
Dog Separation Anxiety 4 – Exercise our dog
I take my dog out for a long walk before leaving. This will give him an opportunity to fully relieve himself outside, and also put him in a more restful state of mind.
I take my dog out for another walk, after I get home. Exercise helps to relieve stress, and gives our dog important mental and physical stimulation. Neighborhood walks also help to socialize our dog to a variety of people, objects, other dogs, and other animals.
If we had to stay cooped up in the house all day, we would get cabin fever as well.
Dog Separation Anxiety 5 – Desensitize our dog
Get our dog accustomed to us leaving the house.
First, I start with the ritual of getting my handbag and keys, as well as wearing my shoes. I walk to the door, then sit back down. I repeat this many times throughout the day, so that my dog gets comfortable with my “leaving the house” ritual.
Once this occurs, I walk to the door, leave, and come back to the room. I repeat this until he is relaxed again, then slowly lengthen the time that I am away.
When I achieve an away-time of about 15 minutes, I get in my car, circle the block, and come back.
Make leaving and coming home as low-key as possible.
When I return home, I ignore my dog until he is calm and resting. In this way, he does not spend all day anticipating my return. I also leave him with many interactive, chew-safe food toys, so that he has something interesting to do when home alone.
Dog Separation Anxiety 6 – Dog Medication
There are a variety of medications available, to help treat dog separation anxiety symptoms. However, to be effective, these medications must be used together with a behavior modification program, which includes a rigorous exercise and desensitization routine.
The medication alone will not solve our dog’s anxiety issues. However, it can help mute the symptoms, so that our dog can benefit from the accompanying retraining process.
Dog medication should only be used under the direction of a vet, and only for the short-term.
Dog Separation Anxiety
Dealing with dog separation anxiety will take time, and a lot of patience.
In general, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, we want to start desensitization exercises as early as possible, before any anxiety problems develop.
If we have a very busy lifestyle, consider volunteering at our local shelter or SPCA instead of buying a puppy.
Only get a dog when our schedule becomes more regular, so that there is less danger of separation anxiety, and other behavioral issues.
Terrylee says
Hi there, we got a 5 year old German shepherd a few days ago, Th ppl we got him from had to go over sea so we adopted him, he has extreamly bad seperation anxiety, He crys, howls, and makes a whiseling noise and jumps at the doors, we cant even go to the bathroom with out him fallowing anf crying, this is the second time he has been re-homed, his first owners had hiim for 3 years and then the ppl we got him from had him not even a year. Could this be why? im worried i have to go out of ton for the day in 2 days, i am leaving him with my brother in law and fther in law but even whe with them hes crys, What should i do?
Thanks so much for reading
shibashake says
Changing homes and integrating into a new family is very stressful for a dog, especially since they have so little control over what happens in their life. Some things that help with my dogs –
1. Consistency.
I set up a very fixed routine and a consistent set of rules so that my dog understands what to expect from me and what I expect from him. Consistency creates certainty, and certainty helps to reduce stress. I also follow the Nothing in Life is Free program.
http://shibashake.com/dog/nothing-in-life-is-free-dog-training
2. Bonding and joint activity.
I observe my dog carefully, and try to identify the things that he likes to do most. Then I use those things to engage him in various fun activities. This helps to create a bond, engages him in positive interactions, and gives him a good outlet for his stressful energy.
http://shibashake.com/dog/build-a-strong-bond-with-your-dog
3. Socialization and desensitization.
I *slowly* socialize my dog to new people and new things. I do desensitization exercises on things that he is afraid of. The more successful new encounters my dog has, the more confident he becomes. I always make sure that new experiences are very positive, as negative encounters can undermine confidence and create stress.
http://shibashake.com/dog/dog-socialization-what-why-how
http://shibashake.com/dog/how-to-calm-a-fearful-reactive-dog
A bit more on dog anxiety-
http://shibashake.com/dog/dog-anxiety-problems
Alli says
I live in oregon. I was visiting my old home where I grew up in California. On our way down there we picked up a puppy for my grandpa and grandma. She was 8 weeks old and she stayed in my lap for the rest of the 5 hours to get to my grandparents house, we got to the house and my whole family was there, cousins, aunts, and uncles for a whole week, I was the one who was always with Whitney, every second until she had to sleep. When they left I got to stay for another wee, just me. I was still with her every second. She knew where I slept so she whined at my door every morning to play with me. Then I had to go back home to oregon and it was very hard. She’s 5 months old now and I’m back for a weekend and I’m going to have to leave again and it’s going to be hard but at least it’s good to see her. Do you think she feels neglected? I read this article that if they feel sad that they will chew up things in the house and pee in the house. She does that and she still bites really hard. Do you think she forgets me when I leave to? She was only 8 weeks when I first left her do you think she remembers me, even when I have been away for 5 months? She seemed really happy when I got back but I don’t know if that’s just because she likes people. The only thing I’m happy about is she does love my franda so I know she’s happy I’m pretty sure.
shibashake says
I think dogs *do* remember people they have bonded with, especially at an early age. My two Huskies still remember their breeder, and every time she (Kelly) comes over, they get really excited. They like meeting people, but they go into a whole new level of excited for Kelly. 😀
In terms of peeing, has your puppy been house-trained? Dogs do not know what our human rules are, so it is up to us to teach them what things are acceptable to us and what is not. The same is true for biting. Dogs have much thicker skins than we do, so we need to teach them to be very careful when interacting with people (who have much thinner skins) and to control the force of their bites (bite inhibition).
A good professional trainer can help us with many of these things-
http://www.apdt.com/pet-owners/choosing-a-trainer/
Here is more on how I trained my puppy and how dogs learn.
Big hugs to your puppy girl!
Cara says
Hi
I have a one year old bearded collie cross, which
I have had for three months now. I have house trained him, although once we leave for the day, or go to bed at night and leave him in the kitchen he paces,whines,cries,chews and scratches my doors, as well as using everywhere as a toilet. I have been trying the behaviour techniques to ease his anxiety, is there anything else I can do? I can’t understand how he is so well behaved while we are there but like a completely different dog once left alone.
shibashake says
Yeah, anxiety can be difficult to deal with and can cause big changes in behavior. I think that it is especially difficult for our dogs because they have so little control over their environment and routine, and do not speak the same language as their caretakers.
Some things that help with my dogs in terms of anxiety-
1. I try to create as much certainty as possible.
I set up a very fixed routine and a consistent set of house rules so that they know exactly what to expect from me and what I expect from them. The more certainty they have, the less there is to be stressed or anxious about.
2. I slowly build my dog’s confidence.
I slowly get my dog comfortable with alone time. I also do positive socialization exercises with him and engage him in various activities that he enjoys. The more successes he has, the more confident he becomes. The opposite is also true, so I make sure to prevent anxiety attacks, because they will undermine his confidence and set back his training. At night, I have a crate in my bedroom, so that my dog can sleep in there if he wants.
3. Redirect my dog’s energy.
Positive exercise and activity also helps a lot with my dog’s stress. When we moved houses, my Shiba got a bit stressed from all the changes, so I increased his daily exercise and took him on long, quiet walks in nearby trails. It gave him an outlet to release his stress, it gave him something fun and distracting to do, and it also helped him get used to his new environment in a positive way.
More on dog anxiety.
katrina says
I have two dogs. A cross breed I got from a rescue home and a chihuhua. Theyre best friends as I got the chuhuaha, olly from 8 weeks the same day I got the larger dog,, charlie. Theyre both housetrained and havent done anything in the house forr 7 months… My partner recently moved to br closer to work and comes back 3 days a week. But charlie has started urinating in the house, whilst the back doors open but looking at me whilst he does it. Its so frustratiing. I lock him in the garden whilst I clean it up because he can open the door but hes doing it more regularly. I love him to bits and I want to work with him to cope butiI dont know what to do anymore..
shibashake says
Hmmm, two things come to mind.
1. Physical issue
Sometimes, the peeing can be from a physical issue, e.g. urinary tract infection or something else. Have you noticed any other changes with Charlie? Is he peeing more? How is his energy level? Does his pee look clear? Is he eating and drinking normally? When was his last vet visit?
2. Changes in routine and stress
Before your partner moved, was he with the dogs most of the day? How have things changed for the dogs since the move? What was their routine like before the move, and what is their routine like now?
My Shiba Inu really needs a fixed and consistent routine. When there are large changes in his normal schedule, he gets stressed, which may cause changes in behavior. More on dog anxiety and what I do.
When something like this happens with one of my dogs, I usually try to rule out physical issues first, with a vet visit if necessary. Once I am sure it is not a physical condition, I try to identify the trigger (e.g. stress) that is causing the change in behavior.
I look at how things have changed (before and after), I look at common context (for example, does Charlie only make mistakes at a certain time of day?, when your partner is not around?), and I observe my dog very closely for other changes in behavior. The more I understand about the trigger and surrounding conditions, the better I am able to manage my dog and reorganize his schedule, environment, and more, so that he can better cope with his current situation.
Getting fresh eyes on the situation can also be helpful, e.g. a good professional trainer.
Anonymous says
Hi,
I have a Labrador dog 5 yrs old.she is not doing potty for 20 days.she is vomiting whatever she eats.what to do.what should i do to make her do potty otherwise it will be a problem. plz guys help me. plz plz plz frnds suggest me sumthing as soon as possible.
thank you
mona
shibashake says
If my dog showed such symptoms, I would take her to the vet or pet emergency room as soon as possible.
dot hargadon says
hii can you help we have just got a pattedale dog 10 months old he is good but when I leave him in lounge with my husband to go into bedroom he goes grazy at the door please can you help thanks mrs hargadon
shibashake says
Some things that helped with my dog in terms of separation anxiety-
1. I start with very short sessions of alone time, and *very slowly* train him to tolerate more and more. I talk more about this “desensitization process”, and what I did with my dog in the article above.
2. I get everyone in the family to participate in my dog’s feeding, care, and exercise. In this way, my dog learns to trust everyone in the household, builds more confidence, and is able to relax with and rely on more people. This also helps to reduce unhealthy people guarding behavior.
3. I do safe and positive socialization exercises with my dog to help him build confidence with new people, new objects, and more.
Note that dog behavior is very context dependent, and each dog is different. I consulted with several professional trainers to address my dog’s behavioral issues, and it was very helpful.
http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/choosing-a-trainer
This article from the ASPCA has more information on dealing with separation anxiety-
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/separation-anxiety
Liz says
Hello,
I’ve been looking after a small mix breed dog for my friend for a few days and I’ll have her for another week.
I’ve known this dog since she was a puppy and she’s always been good with me.
I work from home so she hasn’t been alone for more than a few hours but she constantly shakes and whines and sits at the door. She attempts to throw up her food and has been pooping inside although she’s a house dog.
Is there any tips to make her stay with me easier for this old girl?
shibashake says
How old is she? Does she act like this when home alone at your friend’s place? Does she only poop in the house when alone? Does she only throw up when alone? Did the behavior start as soon as your friend left?
When there are large and unexpected changes in behavior, it could sometimes be because of a physical issue. Does she have any recurring physical issues? I would talk with her vet and your friend to make sure everything is ok on the physical side.
Chris says
Hi, I hae a 4 year old Staffordshire Bull terrier. He is a wonderfull dog and has always had a excellent temper. We went on our first family holiday since we had him two weeks ago. Alfie stayed with my inlaws who he sees on a very regular basis. He has even spent the night there on a few occasions. But since we returned he seems different, he seems very wary of me in particular. And he somtimes growls when I try and play with him. Is there anything I can do to get the dog back we left two weeks ago or do we just give him time?
Thanks
Chris
shibashake says
How long did he stay with the inlaws? How long has he been showing this behavior? Did anything unusual happen at your inlaw’s place? What type of activities did he do while over there? Do they have other dogs? What other behavior changes have you noticed in addition to the growling? Is he eating and drinking normally? Is his energy level normal? Does he seem more protective of food and other items?
If you have his favorite food, does he try to approach you on his own? Has he approached you on his own for affection or play? Does he also seem wary of other men?
There could be many reasons for the changes in behavior you describe. It is difficult to say without knowing the temperament of the dog, his routine, and surrounding context. It may be useful to consult with a good professional trainer who can visit, observe, and read body language.
http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/choosing-a-trainer
Aliyah says
Hi, I have a Siberian Husky who’s turning 2 years old on December 28. I’ve had her since she was a month old and I guess I’ve spoilt her by constantly being with her, letting her sleep on my bed (now i cant even sleep without her beside me). and its my fault for her getting stressed out when we’re apart. Till she was 6 months I’d constantly take her out a lot by the beach till one night there were lots of fireworks that really startled her to never wanting to go near “bright” lights or loud noises… So now I take her out at 5 am around the area for some fresh air and later on at night. I’m going to college soon (not a dorm… Ill be going to classes and coming back home which will be about 6-7 hours?) and Mishka (my husky), gets really destructive she starts chewing the main door wanting to leave. She isn’t alone at home I’ve got 6 cats that she plays a lot with and her eating habits are fine and all that. I just don’t get why she won’t calm down with the door chewing. I got her a crate and she sits there throughout the day chewing doggie bones without the door closed; so she likes staying in there without me telling her to. But when I leave the house and come back I find her in the cage with torn blankets inside and the cage wires all twisted from being chewed. Why does she keep doing this? I go out just for a couple of hours and that’s AFTER being with her the whole time. So I do give her a lot of attention. I don’t know what to do, I’m worried about her I really don’t want her to do this to herself… She loves me a lot though I never treated her badly, she only listens to me and not anyone else; oh and I’ve sent her to a dog kennel, that’s when I need to be out of town for a few days and she plays well there, she even has a few dog friends. My mum just told me that by the time Mishka gets puppies shell start to mature and calm down…
shibashake says
Yeah, separation anxiety can occur because of over-bonding. I am very close to my Husky Shania, but I also try to positively socialize her to other people, and teach her to trust them. My neighbors know her well, and they feed her cookies and give her affection, so she has many friends nearby. In this way, if I need to be away, there are other people that she trusts, who are can step in and properly care for her.
Note that separation anxiety commonly occurs because our dog is separated from his primary caregiver. Therefore, even dogs who live with other dogs can become anxious when their people leave. There are some examples of this in the comments section below.
There are also examples of older dogs who have developed separation anxiety.
What has helped with my dog is to do desensitization exercises, and to slowly teach him to tolerate alone time. I start with very short periods of alone time (seconds in the beginning), pair it with positive experiences, and slowly build up from there. The more successful ‘alone’ sessions Sephy has, the more confidence he builds, and the less anxious he gets. The more anxiety attacks he gets, the more frantic he becomes, and the more anxious he will be the next time he is left alone.
This article from the ASPCA also has a lot of useful information on separation anxiety and how to help our dog become less anxious.
Another useful article on separation anxiety from UC Davis.
Consulting with a good professional trainer can also be helpful.
Big hugs to Mishka.
Marge says
Our 7yr old black lab, has started to be destructive in our home ever since our last trip. We had dog sitters stay in home with her and our 13 yr old lab/chow mix dog. She will ok some days and bad others. We will have to start crating her (which my husband does not like to do!). Is there any suggestions to get her back on track. We have frozen her kong to give her more time chewing on it and getting the peanut butter, we leave toys for her to play.
We have traveled on the past and have never had these problems.
shibashake says
Did something happen at home during your last trip? What did the pet sitter say? Do the dogs know the pet sitter well and get along well with her?
With my Shiba Inu, what helped most with his separation anxiety is to do desensitization exercises. I start with very short amounts of alone time and very slowly build up his tolerance. I also set up a fixed schedule and make sure to exercise him well every day so that he has a release for his stressful energy.
The key to desensitization is to help our dog better cope with his fears, help him build confidence, and help him reassociate being alone with something positive. The more successful alone time Sephy had, the more confident and less anxious he became. The opposite is also true. Therefore, during the desensitization process I make sure to properly manage the environment so that Sephy does not have more anxiety attacks, which will erode his confidence and make him more anxious. I talk more about what I did in the article above.
As for crating, it would depend a lot on the dog. Some dogs may become even more anxious when confined in a crate, and may hurt themselves while trying to break out of their crate during a panic attack.
This article from UC Davis also has some useful information on separation anxiety.
For more serious cases of separation anxiety, I would consult with a professional trainer.
http://www.apdt.com/pet-owners/choosing-a-trainer/