The Dog Dude

Canine separation anxiety can show itself in many ways, from your dog following you around the house the moment you grab for your keys to barking constantly at the door after you leave, destructive chewing or soiling in the house while you’re away. The result can be quite a frustrating experience that can put stress on the relationship you have with your dog. The good news is regardless of how bad things may seem there are steps you can take to lessen or even solve your dog’s anxiety issues. The real challenge is standing your ground through the process as dealing with a dog with separation issues can be much like dealing with a crying child. With that in mind let’s get to work.

1. Introduce Your Dog to Crate Training

The crate is one piece of apparatus many dog owners are reluctant to use thinking that “putting my dog into a cage is cruel”. In fact the exact opposite is true, many dogs will find comfort in the enclosed space that the crate provides. Dogs feel safe and more at ease in a den like sleep/rest enclosure. The side benefit of crating a dog experiencing separation issues is it removes their ability to destroy and lessens the likelihood of them soiling. The flip side is that a dog with separation issues may feel very isolated when first introduced to the crate. The crate use must be encouraged gently but firmly and never used as a punishment. Remember persistence and consistency are the key.

2. Never Say Goodbye

Stop making such a big production out of leaving your dog. If your dog looks to you as the pack leader (which is the ideal) then it will take it’s emotional cues from you. If you make a big fuss petting and “comforting” them as you head out the door then they are far more likely to make a fuss once you’ve gone. (This of course goes for returning home as well) The best method for leaving is a casual exit after a command (sit-stay is a good one here), or a simple nonchalant scratch on the ears on your way to the door. Use your judgment to find a style that won’t prompt the negative response you are trying to avoid in your dog. In general your departure from the house should be no more of a production than simply leaving the room would be.

3. Music Soothes the Savage Beast

Pretty much everyone enjoys a good tune from time to time. Why should your dog be any different? In our home we use our PC speakers to play a rotation of dog friendly music through iTunes while we’re away. A good choice is instrumental tracks of various tempos and energy but nothing too raucous. The idea is to provide white noise and mask other sharper noises that may trigger a reaction from your dog. If all goes according to plan your dog will be awakened by a noise only to be lulled back to sleep by Bach.

4. Mix Up the Normal Routine

Your dog is likely far smarter than you think. In the time you’ve known each other they’ve learned most of your daily routines. They know what it means when you put on your running shoes or grab your keys and wallet. You’ve trained them to know what step comes next.

5. Wear Them Out!

One step needed to solving ANY behavior problem is so simple yet so healing. Exercise, and plenty of it. Most dogs can benefit from some moderate exercise as part of their daily routine. So ask yourself if your dog is getting enough exercise and if not (less than an hour per day of “active mode”) then step it up & get them out and active. Be sure to also provide the mental exercise they need in the form of NILIF or another discipline regime.