Dog Separation Anxiety

Crate training is very helpful for dogs but there are some dogs who shouldn’t be crated. Dog separation anxiety is a real condition that affects some dogs. Dogs may bark, cry, whine and howl when their owner leaves them, even for a few minutes. When the owner is home the dog can’t bear to let him or her out of their sight. The dog may want to be in physical contact with the owner nearly all the time. The dog has so much stress that he may forget his housebreaking and use the bathroom in the house. He may chew the owner’s clothes because of the scent on them. And, if crated in the house they may destroy the crate and even harm themselves trying to get out.

There’s a difference between dogs who are sad when their owners leave and dogs with separation anxiety. Many dogs are sad when their owners leave. They may be bored during the day, or lonely, or they may even tear up the house out of frustration. But this is not the same behavior as a dog who has separation anxiety which is a genuine anxiety state similar to what people experience.

If you believe your dog has genuine separation anxiety you should take him to the vet. He or she can check to see if there could be other veterinary causes for your dog’s behavior. You want to rule out any other health problems. Your vet can confirm whether or not your dog has separation anxiety. If it is dog separation anxiety then your vet can discuss appropriate treatment with you. Treatment usually consists of medication followed by behavioral therapy, either on your own or with a good dog trainer or canine behavior therapist.

Dog separation anxiety will not be cured overnight. If your vet gives your dog medication it won’t cure the separation anxiety. Instead, it will help ease your dog’s anxiety enough that he can learn new, more positive behaviors to deal with his problems.

So, while most dogs benefit from crate training, crating a dog with dog separation anxiety can be harmful to the dog. Yet people must still leave these dogs at home. People have to work and go other places where dogs can’t accompany them.

If you have a dog with dog separation anxiety you may want to consider having a dog sitter come to your house to see about your dog while you’re gone. If you have a trustworthy neighbor they may be able to help you out, too, while your dog is being treated. Your dog may or may not do well in doggy daycare. Dogs with separation anxiety may have problems with socialization. If possible, you may need to try to come home during the day to see about your dog.

You can try to leave your dog with plenty of toys and safe things to chew on, but a dog with dog separation anxiety may ignore them. When you’re together with your dog you should try to work on socialization and taking your dog places. Improving his level of socialization will, in time, help with his separation anxiety.

There’s no quick cure for dog separation anxiety. With patience and the help of your vet and other professionals you can help your dog overcome it.

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