Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

If your dog howls, barks, soils the house or destroys your furniture when left alone, he may suffer from separation anxiety. This behavioural condition affects up to a third of pet dogs in the UK and can significantly impact your dog's wellbeing and your relationship. Before deciding on treatment, it is vital to distinguish separation anxiety from other separation-related behaviours.

Separation Related Behaviours and Their Causes

Separation related behaviours only occur when the owner is absent and may include vocalising, toileting indoors, escape attempts, destruction, and pacing. These behaviours are sometimes due to anxiety linked to being alone but can also result from other factors:

1. Lack of toileting opportunities: Dogs left for long periods may urinate or defecate indoors due to no chance outside.
2. Insufficient exercise or stimulation: Dogs not tired or mentally engaged before being left may chew furniture or create their own excitement.
3. Response to external stimuli: Sounds such as other dogs barking may cause dogs to vocalise only when alone but not when the owner is present.

Older dogs may be content to rest when alone, but younger dogs generally benefit from toys or puzzle feeders to keep their minds active. Providing a long walk or obedience training before leaving can help tire your dog out. Owners should observe their dog's reactions to stimuli in their presence to understand potential triggers.

Because it is sometimes difficult to differentiate these behavioural causes from separation anxiety, consulting a qualified behaviourist is highly recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.

The Development of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

The socialisation period, which happens around four to twelve weeks of age, is crucial for puppies as they learn to cope with everyday experiences, including being left alone. Puppies not exposed to these experiences during this window may find separation stressful later on. Even puppies left alone during socialisation can develop separation anxiety if they are genetically more timid or if negative associations develop due to unpleasant experiences when left alone.

Treating Separation Anxiety: Steps for Owners

It is important for owners to prevent anxiety rather than merely suppress symptoms. Punishing your dog or stopping his coping behaviours without addressing anxiety worsens the problem and can cause new behavioural issues. Dogs do not feel guilt but respond to body language cues, often appearing "guilty" as a response to owners’ reactions.

1. Adjust interactions to encourage independence: Ignore attention-seeking behaviours such as pawing or barking, and reward calm, independent behaviours like lying down or playing alone.
2. Moderate your own comings and goings: Avoid dramatic greetings or departures to stabilise your dog’s emotional experiences related to your presence.
3. Break anticipatory cues: Randomly perform leave-related actions like picking up keys or coats without leaving to disrupt anxiety associations.
4. Use desensitisation and counter-conditioning: Gradually expose your dog to being alone in small, rewarded steps, ideally avoiding leaving the house during early training phases. Use special toys during absences to create positive associations.

Should you need to leave before completing training, leave an item that smells of you and a special chew toy exclusive to absences to comfort your dog. Training in different rooms or contexts from normal departures can help generalise positive experiences of being alone.

Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership

Owners must be patient and consistent in working through separation anxiety, and seek help if necessary from qualified professionals. Responsible ownership includes providing sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, and proper socialisation from an early age. If acquiring a puppy, look for reputable breeders or consider adoption to avoid contributing to unethical breeding practices.

With understanding and effort, separation anxiety can be managed effectively to improve your dog’s quality of life and maintain a loving, harmonious companionship.