Treatment of Separation Anxiety
Irish Setter
Separation anxiety can be defined as a behavior problem which manifests itself in many ways – digging or chewing objects in the house, pacing, and/or barking excessively. Signs of separation anxiety are seen when the owner is away or when the dog cannot spend time with the owner (when placed in another room, or at night).
It is important to understand that punishment does not work. Dogs can not make the connection between making a mess and being punished for it later. Getting another furry friend to help with loneliness also does not work as the problem lies with the strong attachment between you and your dog.
Treatment involves reducing the dog’s anxiety. First step is to get him comfortable with being alone. Start small – leave the house for a few minutes at a time. Wait one minute and then walk back in. If your dog doesn’t appear anxious, try two minutes. Add time if the dog continues to be comfortable with it. Back off on your time, however, if the dog becomes stressed.
Here are some additional tips to improve your chances of success:
1. Walking the dog every day for 15 – 30 minutes to reduce his anxiety level. It is better if someone other than to whom the dog is attached walks him.
2. Obedience train the dog for 10 minutes twice daily in basic commands such as: come, sit, stay, and down-stay.
3. About 15 – 20 minutes before you leave, give the dog a chew toy to play with. A hard, nylon bone with holes drilled out of it and filled with cheese works well. Give it to him ONLY before you go out or display signs of leaving (like putting on a coat, grabbing your keys or handbag).
4. It is very important for everyone in the family to totally ignore the dog for 15 – 20 minutes before leaving the house and again for 20 minutes upon returning home.
5. Keep your arrivals and departures as quiet and calm as possible. Don’t indulge in long goodbyes or excited greetings
6. If your dog has been crate trained, then placing him in the crate 15 – 20 minutes before you leave will help to reduce destructive behavior.
7. Planned departure – this is where you leave your home for a set amount of time. This allows your dog to become accustomed to longer periods of alone time.
*Pretend you are going to leave by using departure-related cues (picking up keys, rattling them, turning the door knob) while the dog sits and stays.
*Give a treat or praise if dog does as directed.
*Step out of view with the door open before reappearing and returning to the dog.
*Next, actually leave, close the door, and stay outside for a couple of seconds, reopen the door, and return to your dog.
*If he is extremely food oriented, do not reward him with food. Your dog will become overly anxious if he thinks he will get food every time you come home.
*Attempt short trips and upon returning home praise the dog if he has been good. If he has been destructive, do not punish him. Decrease the amount of time you are gone and gradually work up to a longer period of separation.
The overall goal of planned departure therapy is a gradual increase in the duration of time a dog is left alone without displaying anxiety. You must judge at what point he is able to tolerate an increase in the length of separation.
Because each dog reacts differently, it is not helpful to set a rigid time interval to follow. You should increase the duration of separation only after two criteria are me: 1. the dog does not show any anxiety before the owner leaves and 2. the dog does not show prolonged or exaggerated greeting behavior when you return.
Separation anxiety can be a frustrating situation for pet owners but with patience, time, and commitment, many cases can be successfully treated. Feel free to call us at 473-0111 with any problems or questions.
