Conquering Separation Anxiety
As fall time approaches, our children go back to school, our work schedules pick up and our poor dogs are left alone with a complete upset to their daily routine. But did we prepare them for this? If not, we might be faced with the barking, destructiveness, potty training problems or any of the other regressions associated with a puppy or older dog suffering from separation anxiety.
So now what? Your sweet little angel has turned into a frantic mess when you leave. What can you do? What will ever make her feel comfortable again?
The following is a list of steps to take to get you on the right track. Over the years, doing these things with my own personal dogs and rescue pets has given our home a lot more comfort- and sanity- for us all.
In the end, remember, this is a fear. No different than something we might be afraid of ourselves. Every dog has a different level of anxiousness and every dog will take a different amount of time overcoming their fears, but with your guidance you can help your friend beat this and build an even stronger bond with them in the process.
Kim Mayes CDT, CTDI
So now what? Your sweet little angel has turned into a frantic mess when you leave. What can you do? What will ever make her feel comfortable again?
The following is a list of steps to take to get you on the right track. Over the years, doing these things with my own personal dogs and rescue pets has given our home a lot more comfort- and sanity- for us all.
- First thing in the morning spend 30 minutes with your dog. This should not include breakfast or potty walks.
- If you are leaving the house for more than 20 minutes, ignore your dog 30 minutes prior to leaving.
- Every time you leave the house, provide your dog with a special “goodbye” toy, even if you are just going to get the mail! I recommend a Kong treat ball or something similar.
- Any time someone is home, the dog is not allowed access to the “goodbye” toy.
- Each person in the house must take one day a week and perform the life needs of their dog (i.e. water, food, potty walks). Everyone in the house must take a turn.
- Each family member must take time to bond with the dog. This can be done by taking an obedience class or even better – a trick training class. Just taking a walk is not an adequate bond building experience.
- You will need to do a mock “leaving” routine at least 3 times daily. This includes putting on uniforms grabbing keys, turning off lights, etc. Once you are ready to go, walk to the door, put your hand on the doorknob, hold it for 20 seconds, then go and sit down on the couch for at least 15 to 20 minutes before changing clothes.
- Also, try not to do your “get ready” ritual in the same order every day. Change things around a little bit so the anxiety doesn’t build up as much.
- Take at least 3 short trips throughout the day. You can make multiple trips to the mailbox, or take a short walk. Each short trip should not exceed 10 minutes in the beginning.
- Some of the following items I have found to be very useful as well:
- The Comfort Zone Plug-In = releases a natural pheromone like a mother dog might release. I have found it to be very helpful in extreme cases of anxiety.
- Natural tablets and liquids such as Calm Ease and Richard’s Organics Pet Calm.
- A tried and true old favorite in my house – Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time tea! It is a natural relaxant for both pet and owner alike! Simply brew some tea just as you would for yourself, cool it off in the fridge, and give in place of water or pour over their food.
- Medications are available from your veterinarian, however, severe side effects can also be associated with these medications, and they do a good job of muting the problem, but will not solve it. Please discuss these with your veterinarian first.
In the end, remember, this is a fear. No different than something we might be afraid of ourselves. Every dog has a different level of anxiousness and every dog will take a different amount of time overcoming their fears, but with your guidance you can help your friend beat this and build an even stronger bond with them in the process.
Kim Mayes CDT, CTDI