Does my dog have Separation Anxiety?
 Separation Anxiety is often the label or misdiagnosis given to dogs suffering from extreme boredom. If a dog can spend the night away from its owner, and is comfortable lying in another room out of its owner’s sight, it is unlikely the dog has true separation anxiety, and more likely a case of boredom or simply inappropriate behavioral habits. Those dogs with true separation anxiety disorder display dramatic behavioral problems and are overcome with extreme panic and fear within a short period of time (20–40 minutes) as the result of their owners leaving them alone. Separation anxiety is commonly brought on:
1. When dogs accustom to constant companionship and have never been left alone, are for the first time.
2. After a traumatic event (from the dog's point of view), such as a period of time spent at a shelter or boarding kennel.
3. With a change in the household routine or structure such as change in work hours, moving to a new home, or the addition or loss of a new pet or person in the house.
4. Following a long period, such as a vacation which the dog and owner spend constant time together.
Digging, chewing, and scratching at doors or windows is usually associated with a dog’s attempt to escape to find their owner. Howling, barking, and crying are the dog’s way of begging their owner to return. And urination and defecation (even housetrained dogs) are signs of utter distress.
Because dog separation anxiety is a highly stressful experience for both the owner and more so for the dog it is important to recognize true signs and signals of this troubling fear response. A dog may have separation anxiety if most, or all, of the following occur:
1. The behavior always occurs when left alone, whether for a short or long period of time.
2. Exhibits overenthusiastic, nervous behaviors when owner returns.
3. The dog follows the owner from room to room whenever home.
4. Dislikes spending time outdoors alone.
5. Reacts with enthusiasm, depression, or apprehension when owner prepares to leave the house.
Although it is difficult to understand the reason some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and why other dogs in similar situations don't, it is vital to understand the destructive behavior and house soiling are not a dog’s attempt to punish or get revenge on the owner for leaving, but rather the dog’s involuntary panic response to their fears and anxiety. Once dog anxiety behavioral problems are properly diagnosed, and the triggering factor is identified, owners can begin making dogs feel safe and loved at home.
For information on helping a dog overcome separation anxiety read other dog calming articles on this website.
And remember dogs are always good dogs- always. |
