Separation anxiety can be exhibited in destructive behaviors, These can include: constant barking; destroying furniture; chewing doors or the walls; ripping apart books; urinating and/or defecating in the house; and self-abuse (like chewing their paws raw). .
Professionals attribute separation anxiety to a wide array of internal or external causes, or a combination of both. External causes range from changes in the environment, a lack of exercise or stimulation, and changes in behavior of the pet parents. Internal causes can include illness, persistent pain, nervousness, being in season and negative physiological changes due to poor diet.
To determine whether your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety, ask yourself these questions:
• Does your dog exhibit unusual behavior when you are getting ready to leave the home?
• Does the destructive behavior occur only when you are not at home?
• Does your pet greet you frantically, following closely wherever you go when you are home?
If all of these are true for your pet, you could be dealing with separation anxiety.Once you have established that your companion might be experiencing separation anxiety, it’s critical that you are aware of the following:
• Do not punish your dog when you arrive home and discover the damage – this will only aggravate the problem.
• Do not bring another pet into your home. Introducing another being at this time will only add additional stress. Although it seems logical (i.e., your anxious pet will now have a companion), the separation anxiety is due to your absence.
• Do not make a big production out of leaving or entering your home. There is strong support for a relationship between your displays of heightened emotion at these times and the destructive behavior of your companion animal.
There are numerous training techniques that can help you deal with this pressing issue. These usually incorporate desensitization strategies as well as changes in your own behavior. We advise consulting a professional trainer or animal behaviorist for the best way to deal with your unique situation.
As with all training, affecting behavioral changes takes time. Here are some short-term solutions that can help to alleviate these symptoms while you are away from home.
• Have a friend or relative care for your dog.
• Place your dog in a day care facility.
• Bring your dog to work.
If none of these options are available to you, there are other stress reducers you can try on your own. When leaving your home, give your dog a toy (be sure it’s one that’s safe for him or her to have without supervision) like a treat ball – this will keep your dog occupied and provide a source of pleasure and gratification that your dog will learn to associate with your absence. Play soft music or a DVD with other dogs, birds and butterflies to engage their attention, try leaving a pillowcase or a recently-worn article of clothing in an area where they commonly stay – just the smell of you may bring them some comfort.
The time you spend now addressing this issue could save you and your canine companion grief and distress in the future. With patience, persistence and a lot of love, you can help your pet overcome this syndrome.
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