Managing Dog Separation Anxiety

Managing dog separation anxiety can be confusing – one place telling you they'll get over it in time, and another saying under no circumstances should you let them cry it out, which one do you decide is right?

Look no further! This article has got your back, guiding you through the do's and don'ts of managing dog separation anxiety.

By recognizing signs of distress, creating a safe environment, and using tried and tested behavior modification, you can help your pooch feel more comfortable and secure.

Want to start training right away? Leave your worries behind and get in touch or book a consult. You’ll find more about my skills and 15 years dog training and behavior experience on the about page.

Recognizing Separation Anxiety Signs

Recognize the signs of separation anxiety in your dog is important, so that you can address your dog's anxiety effectively.

Look out for excessive barking or howling, anxious behaviors like pacing and trembling, as well as destructive actions such as chewing, digging, or scratching. Frequent accidents in the home and excessive attempts to escape confinement are also indications of there being a separation related problem.

Understanding these signs will allow you to empathize with your dog's distress and implement some practical solutions. Seek help from a CSAT and talk to your Veterinarian to discuss the severity of the anxiety and behavior modification and training.

Learn more in my article on signs and symptoms of dog separation anxiety.

Using the Crate as a Safe Space

A dog crate can serve as a den-like environment, providing a sense of security and routine, but it can also feel terrifying to a dog that might feel trapped – or a puppy who desperately doesn't want to pee in their bed but you've been gone the whole day, and they simply HAVE to go!

If you're going to crate train your dog because you think it might help their separation problems, then start by introducing the crate gradually, always making it a positive experience. Place your dog's favorite toys and blankets inside to make it more inviting. Occasionally give treats in the crate to reinforce positive associations. However, avoid leaving your dog locked in the crate all day as this can worsen their anxiety.

Counter-Conditioning With Treats

While I don't recommend using treats for separation anxiety training, for a puppy who has never been left, teaching them nice things happen when they're alone is useful, and is something people should work on more.

Start by gradually increasing the duration of alone time, using puzzle feeders as boredom busters and mental enrichment during separation. This technique helps your dog form more positive associations with being alone. By giving a food toy before leaving, you create a positive experience and reduce anxiety. As you extend the time your dog spends alone, continue to reward calm behavior with treats. This reinforces the idea that being alone is a positive and rewarding experience.

If your dog is already showing challenging behavior related to separation, then consulting with a CSAT or booking a consult to talk to a professional behaviorist is the way to go.

Ask For Professional Help

When it comes to managing dog separation anxiety, it's essential to seek out support. Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance and support to help you navigate this challenging situation, and give you a referral to a certified behaviorist or a CSAT who is experienced and specialized in this field.

Here are three reasons why seeking professional support is crucial:

• Expert Diagnosis: A veterinarian can accurately diagnose separation anxiety in your dog by ruling out other potential causes for their behavior. This ensures that you're addressing the root cause of the problem and can implement the most effective treatment plan.
• Customized Treatment Plan: Every dog is unique, and will have different needs. A professional separation anxiety specialist can create a tailored training plan based on your dog's specific needs, temperament, and severity of anxiety. This personalized approach increases the chances of success and helps you address the issue in the most effective way.
• Medication Options: In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage dog separation anxiety. Your veterinarian can discuss medication options with you, explaining the benefits, potential side effects, and proper dosage. They can also provide guidance on combining medication with behavioral modification for the best results.

Avoiding Punishment for Anxiety

Never punish your dog for separation anxiety. Punishment is ineffective in teaching desired behaviors and can worsen your dog's anxiety. It's important to be kind and patient with your dog, they can't help the way they feel, and it's our job to change how they feel using kind, fair and effective techniques.

Instead of punishment, focus on using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Teach them new skills so they get a sense of accomplishment and enjoy mental tasks.

Importance of Exercise and Stimulation

To effectively manage your dog's separation anxiety, it's crucial to understand the importance of exercise and mental stimulation. By providing your dog with regular exercise and engaging activities, you can help reduce their anxiety and promote a sense of calmness.

Here are three key reasons why exercise and stimulation are essential for managing separation anxiety:

• Exercise helps by reducing your dog's overall stress levels and providing an outlet for their energy. This is particular key with working dogs or breeds made up of working dogs, who would normally be being fulfilled by working, hunting, or searching all day, and now they are stuck in a room while we head out to work.
• Engaging in age-appropriate exercise with your dog, such as going for an enriching or sniffing walk or visiting a dog park, not only will this provide physical activity but also stimulates their mind, allowing for interaction with members of their own species. Dogs often need dog friends.
• Leaving favorite toys and treat puzzles for your dog to play with while you're away can provide mental stimulation, keeping them occupied and less focused on your absence. They will help to prevent boredom and get your dog thinking while you're gone.

Behavior Modification Training

Look at behavior modification training to help your dog overcome separation anxiety and develop appropriate behaviors when alone.

Have a consult with a Certified Companion Animal Behaviorist or CSAT to help you get started. Many of us offer a light touch or a power hour where you can get an assessment of your dog and some initial separation training plans, even if you can't stretch to work with us until the problem is fully resolved.

Learn more about how I use desensitization in separation anxiety training.

Considering Medication Options

Considering medication as an option for managing your dog's separation anxiety is a viable choice to explore. It's important to remember that medication isn't a cure-all, but it can provide significant help when other methods have failed.

Here are three things to keep in mind when considering medication for your dog's separation anxiety:

• Consultation with a veterinarian: Seek professional guidance from a veterinarian who can assess the severity of your dog's anxiety and recommend appropriate calming and anti-anxiety solutions. The vet can also help you determine the best type of medication for your dog's specific needs.
• Combination approach: Medication works best when used in conjunction with behavior modification training and creating a safe and comfortable environment, that meets your dog's emotional needs. Combining different strategies and working with a CSAT will give your dog the best chance of overcoming separation anxiety.
• Quality time: Remember to prioritize quality time with your dog. Medication can help manage the symptoms, but spending time together, engaging in activities, and providing mental stimulation are crucial for building a strong bond and reducing anxiety in the long run.

Manage Your Expectations

Separation training is often not a quick fix, and while some dogs progress super quickly through the training protocol, there are others who will take more time. It's important that we manage our expectations and don't push the dog too quickly in order to ‘get it done', we need to work at the dog's pace.

When working through behavior modification for separation related problems, we need to be mindful that the thing the dog is most scared of is being alone, so wrap round pet care, changing work schedules or working from home will accelerate how quickly you progress through the program.

For more information or to work with me on your dog's separation anxiety get in touch via the contact page, or book a consult. You can also read more about how I use data tracking in separation anxiety training to achieve the best and fastest outcome.