These days, Separation Anxiety in dogs seems to be a very common and prolific problem. This term is often used to generically refer to any behaviours exhibited by dogs where the dog, while being left alone, displays a host of maladaptive behaviours such as excessive barking, whining, urination and defecation, destructive chewing, or trying to escape from the house. When these issues are accompanied by signs of panic, distress or depression, they may indicate your pooch suffers from Separation Anxiety.
For many dogs, even the slightest change in daily routines can be upsetting. However, just because a dog displays these behaviours when left alone does not necessarily mean that they have true Separation Anxiety. The dog may have the lesser condition known as Isolation Distress.
Isolation Distress – Dogs do not want to be left alone but for these dogs, any kind of company, people or other dogs, will take away or lessen their anxiety and the mal-adaptive behaviours that go with them.
Separation Anxiety – Dogs that suffer from true separation anxiety are hyper bonded to one specific person. These dogs will continue to show anxiety and stressed behaviour while that person is absent even if other humans or dogs are present. In true Separation Anxiety, the maladaptive behaviours ONLY occur when the owner is absent. However, it can be noted that dogs that have Separation Anxiety tend to be very clingy and needy even when they are with their owners. These dogs seem to want to be physically near their owners at all times.
With both Isolation Distress and Separation Anxiety, the displayed behaviours are not simply about dogs behaving badly. These behaviours do not respond to scolding or to punishment nor do they get better over time on their own. Getting angry at the dog for doing the behaviour is not the solution. As a matter of fact, that will only create even more anxiety because eventually the dog will associate your absence and your presence with punishment.
They follow their owners around from room to room when it becomes obvious to them that their owner is preparing to leave.
The dogs display high levels of stress and panic during the owner’s absence, primarily exhibiting excessive barking, howling, house soiling, physically destroying objects in the house, especially doors and windows.
Some dogs display self destructive or obsessive compulsive behaviours such as chewing or licking at paws and flank or tail sucking.
Some dogs display hyperactive or manic behaviours, such as running in circles or galloping through the house.
In some severe cases, dogs will try and escape out the house by breaking through windows or chewing through doors or walls.
And anxious dogs will often display out of proportion manic excitement and frenzy upon the owners arrival home.
Before you assume that your dog’s urination in the house is separation anxiety, check to make sure that he does not have an underlying medical problem that causes this behaviour. Common medical issues for uncontrolled urination( incontinence) can be urinary tract infection, bladder stones, diabetes, or kidney disease.
Whether you are dealing with a new puppy, a newly adopted dog , or a dog that you already live with, it is not uncommon for them to attach themselves to a family member and not want to be separated from them. You can avoid complications from attachment disorders in your puppy or your newly adopted dog by observing the following steps:
Make sure there is someone there with the dog while they are making their adjustment to their new home and owners.
When the dog arrives in his new home, after showing him to his new toileting area, spend the next 10 -15 minutes with him inside his new in environment. Show the dog to his new bed or sleeping area. Stay with the dog but do not interact with him every minute to allow him to become accustomed to his new surroundings.
As the dog is familiarizing himself with his new surroundings, slowly begin removing yourself from his area but come back often so he can start to make the connection that the humans leave and then they return.
Make sure the dog is safely contained in a crate or safe area of the house. Leaving your dog loose will mean that you will likely come home to massive physical devastation in your house.
Exercise the dog very well before you crate the dog. A tired dog will be less likely to panic at your absence. End your exercise session and allow 20 or 30 minutes for your dog to settle down before you leave.
Use counter conditioning to help your dog associate being alone with something good to eat. Use a treat dispensing toy or give your dog a stuffed Kong to occupy his attention when you leave the house. Busy mouths are less likely to become destructive through boredom or anxiety.
Try leaving the television or radio on for your dog for some background noise while you are away. There are special music CD’s or even DVD’s made just for soothing dogs that you can purchase.
Make your departures and arrivals as unemotional as you can. If you make a big fuss over having to leave the dog, the dog will pick up on your stress and be stressed and anxious too. Many dogs know when you’re about to leave the house and will get anxious or try to prevent your departure altogether. One way to tackle “pre-departure anxiety” is to teach your dog that when you pick up your keys or put on your coat, it doesn’t always mean you’re leaving. Put on your boots and coat, and then just sit down and watch TV instead of leaving. Desensitize your dog to the triggers for you leaving. After you have densensitized your dog with short stays alone that don’t produce anxiety, then gradually increase time spent apart over the course of a few weeks.
If you have to be gone for longer periods of time, either arrange for a house or pet sitter to come in or consider placing your dog in doggie day care. Leaving a dog at home all day by itself for long periods of time is just inviting attachment disorders to happen.
If your dog continues to be stressed and anxious, ask a vet, behaviourist, or qualified trainer about using DAP sprays (pheromones are natural chemicals that a momma dog produces to calm her puppies. ), or a Thundershirt (uses gentle, continuous pressure to help calm your dog, making him feel safe and relaxed) on your dog.
Consult a Medical professional if your dog continues to have problems with Separation Anxiety or Isolation Disorder and does not respond to behaviour shaping or desensitizing techniques .
And please remember that anxious behaviours are not the result of disobedience or spite, so please do not scold or punish your dog for displaying these behaviours. If you punish him, he may become even more upset and the problem could get worse. Be patient and work with him until he feels comfortable and confident enough to spend time alone.
Dog owners naturally turn to their vet for help when their dog shows signs of being anxious or fearful. But in addition to traditional drugs given by veterinarians, there are also many natural alternatives too, often with less or no side effects. However, always consult with your vet before embarking on a natural path and research each product to determine the dosage, which will change based on the size of your dog.
Julie from aldaronessences.com says, “When selecting appropriate flower essences, look to the underlying causes – that is, the emotional motivation – behind the anxious dog’s discomfort, as well as the expression of the emotions the dog is experiencing.” Be sure to check out her website for a list of natural remedies for your dog.
As always, we welcome your questions, comments, and stories about your anxious dog because when we share our stories, we may well be helping someone who is struggling with their dog.
I have a Siberian husky who was born 29/10/16 and she is suffering terribly from Separation Anxiety. She is totally bonded to me and as soon as I get out of her eyesight she whimpers, then howls and will even defecate at times.
The vet has given her Proxac and Xanax to no avail. My wife is at her wits end because as soon as I leave she goes bananas (the dog, not the wife!)
I’m having to sleep on the couch because if I go to bed she’ll scream,,,, I’ve been on the couch for 20 days now. She gets 2x 50 walks a day.
My husky cant be alone, we have tried everything, multiple drugs, sprays, and leaving short periods. But she keeps getting stresses and terified. She whines, howl and barks in fear, if we have another dog in our house she’s calm… seems like our only option is to get one more.
My husky digs his face into the crease of the door when I exit, and forces himself out, after reading your article I attempted to confuse my dog by doing my exit routine and it worked! He didn’t dig his face in the door, he looked at me confused not sure what to do, albeit my girlfriend was still in the room so maybe that’s why he didn’t freak out. But my question was, if I’m in a hurry, and he’s digging his head in the door, what is the correct approach towards correcting—or not adding to—his isolation distress at that moment?
A woman recently ended a brief relationship with me. She texted me, “I’m too needy. I’m a lab, you’re a husky.” I was taken aback. I Googled, “Are huskies needy?” and found your post, but it doesn’t clearly answer the question I have. In your experience, are huskies not needy?
Labs are all over the place and constantly trying to escape. A husky will attempt to runaway and will not try to find its way back home. Labs are companion dogs. Always faithful and they’ll never leave your side.
Labs are known to be devoted to their master, very much companions-oriented. Huskies are independent and more pack-animals.
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Following a successful year as an official affiliate of NYCFC, the Wilmington Hammerheads have extended its contract with the New York club throughout the 2016 season. Both sides note their excitement for the upcoming season and the opportunity to further develop their organizations in the future.
Soccer News: New York City FC have announced an extension with United Soccer League affiliate team, Wilmington Hammerheads FC.
April 2015 saw defender Connor Brandt and midfielders Kwadwo Poku and Tommy McNamara loaned to Wilmington for a match against the Red Bulls II team, in which the Hammerheads won 3-0.
“We’re excited to extend our relationship with Wilmington Hammerheads for 2016. Our coaching departments will work together on team development and we’re looking forward to the collaboration and sharing ideas”
Wilmington Hammerheads FC compete in the Eastern Conference of the USL Professional Division. Founded in 1996, the North Carolina-based franchise will be celebrating its 20th season in existence. The Hammerheads have had a history of success on the field, qualifying for the USL Pro playoffs in 13 seasons as a club, including in 2014.
Wilmington have experienced national triumph, winning the USL Pro Select League in 2003 and defeating MLS franchises during the U.S. Open Cup in 2003 and 2009.
“We are extremely excited about entering our second year of the affiliation with NYCFC. Both clubs have been very busy in the off-season and have a lot to look forward to in 2016. To be affiliated with NYCFC and their entire structure gives us great pride and we are pleased to continue our affiliation.”
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