Does Your Dog Suffer From Separation Anxiety?

Canine Separation Anxiety - CSA

By Bonnie Stokely Ponsaty

If you live in San Diego, we highly recommend Jessica McCloskey of Finest City Dog Training to help you learn more about Canine Separation Anxiety.

www.finestcitydogtraining.com ~ 619-379-5330

What is Canine Separation Anxiety?

While the cause of Canine Separation Anxiety is not fully understood, it is commonly thought that dogs with CSA were born with this frustrating tendency. It is often considered that some owner have innocently aided the anxiety by creating a overly dependent connection with the dog during it's early developmental stages.

Separation anxiety can greatly disrupt the daily life of any dog owner who must contend with the destructive affects of separation anxiety. Today's dog owners are desperately seeking answers that might help ease the often debilitating anxiety their beloved dogs are suffering from.

While Separation Anxiety is more often noticed in younger dogs, it is also seen in mature and senior dogs as well. Many dogs with severe anxiety are often abandoned given up to shelter's or rescue's. Quite often the anxiety is not disclosed to the adopting party as the rescue's and shelter's may not be aware the CSA exists.

Forty plus years ago CSA was practically unknown. Today, it is the rare dog owner who hasn’t heard of separation anxiety, or experienced it with a one of their own dogs.

CSA often develops in dogs with a high inclination towards dependency. Certain breeds might be more inclined than others. Events that occur during a young dog's developmental stages may also increase the chances of the manifestation of overly strong attachments.

This could include:

• Early separation from the litter (separation prior to 7 weeks of age.)
• Death of the bitch or rejection at birth.
• Sickness of pup during the first several months of life.
• Frequent changes in living situation.
• An abrupt and sudden change of schedule.
• Lack of imprinting or "bonding" during early socialization periods (pups kept in pet stores or animal shelters.)
• Excessive crating during early formative months.

THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF SEPARATION ANXIETY

1. Transitional Anxiety - this usually occurs in adolescent dogs and for a period of 4 to 6 weeks in duration.
2. Permanent Anxiety - this usually occurs during fear impact stage and is most likely permanent.
3. Conditional Anxiety - can occur at any age and is usually triggered by a change in environment, such as new baby, new home, etc.

It is important to understand that dogs experiencing separation anxiety are not being naughty. They are most definitely NOT behaving in such a way as to get their owners attention, nor to seek payback for being left alone. Separation Anxiety can never be cured with discipline. Separation anxiety is a developmental disorder and should always be viewed as such if the owner is to help the dog - to any degree that one can.

SYMPTOMS OF SEPARATION ANXIETY

• The dog follows owner from room to room, whimpers, paces, pants heavily, excessive salivation or shivers when the owner prepares to depart.
• Anxiety usually builds and within 20-35 minutes of departure where the dog may begin to cause damage to it's surroundings.
• Excessive whining, barking and howling during the period of separation.
• Dogs displaying CSA will often scratch and dig in the carpet or at doors and/or windows in an attempt to be with their owner.
• Destructive chewing, often damaging walls, doorways, windowsills and furniture.
• In severe cases dogs will experience vomiting, diarrhea, and will sometimes self-mutilate.
• Desperate attempts to escape house or yard when left alone.
• Dogs affected will become "hyper-excited" when the owner arrives home.

HELP FOR CANINE SEPARATION ANXIETY

There is no cure and no easy way to resolve the problem once CSA has developed. It will not go away on its own. But, with proper understanding and handling there are many things an owner can do to begin to manage the condition.

Separation Anxiety can range from mild to severe. Depending on the severity of symptoms presented, methods used to reduce the frequency and intensity will differ. It is very important to always keep in mind that punishing your dog will only cause the symptoms to worsen. It could even cause a dog with minor anxiety to become a dog with severe anxiety. While it is very disheartening to come home to a shredded couch, feces-covered carpeting, or even just a note on the door from the apartment manager notifying you of a noise violation, the problem will not be resolved with verbal or physical punishment. This disorder is best dealt with using the psychology of the dog, and some preventative measures by the human.

What You Can Do ...

• Enroll in an obedience class or program from beginning to an advanced level so as to create a feeling of consistency and confidence in your dog. Never make it a big deal when you are leaving and especially when you return. Do not say good- bye or hello - hard to do but very necessary!
• Frequently alter your departure routine. Always keep it low-key.
• For mild anxiety, leaving your dog with a frozen raw marrow bone, a deer antler or a Kong filled with your dog’s favorite treat can help.
• Teach your dog a word or action that you use every time you leave that assures your dog you'll be back. Dogs easily learn to associate certain signals with short-term separation from their owners.
• Walk or exercise your dog before you leave. Do the same when you come home.
• Ignore your dog for the 30 minutes before you leave home, and for 30 minutes when you return.
• Anti-anxiety medications are sometimes used to reduce anxiety. Usually these medications are used only in severe cases.

What You Should Not Do ...

• Punishment is not an effective way to handle separation anxiety. 
• As a general rule, it is not advisable to get another dog or pet. Your dog is experiencing Separation Anxiety from you and your absence.
•  Do not crate your dog unless he/she is already used to and fond of the crate. 

FINALLY!

You can use some routines to actually help your dog deal with stress and anxiety. In the process, it can relieve your stress and anxiety too! Do one or more of these things on a regular basis throughout the week or month.

• Find a good doggie daycare with experienced handlers who provide activity and interaction for your dog. A once or twice a week visit can make a big difference.
• Have a dog walker, trusted friend or family member visit once or twice a day a couple days a week.
• Take your dog to work with you once or twice a week. These days many businesses are accepting of this practice.