Human children may experience separation anxiety sometimes when they are away from their loved ones, and dogs can also be prone to similar feelings of separation-induced anxiousness too. In this blog, discover the signs and learn how to help reassure your pup when you’re not there.
There’s no worse feeling than trying to leave your house and seeing your beloved pup attempting to escape with you, howling or crying. We know they do it because they love you, but it could be because they’re scared, too! When you leave the house, they don’t know when you’re coming back, so it’s a time of uncertainty for them.
If you have a dog that gets nervous or scared when you leave, it’s probably a case of ‘separation-induced anxiousness’ – when your dog doesn’t want to be without you. It’s quite a natural behaviour, as dogs like companionship and rely on us for most things in their life. If your dog occasionally cries, whimpers, barks, bites furniture, or urinates indoors when you’re gone, it could mean they may be experiencing some stress or anxiousness. This is a similar feeling to separation anxiety in humans.
Your pup could have been frightened by a loud noise, or your neighbour’s tedious cat might have just strutted in front of the window again – whatever the reason is, it can be emotionally traumatic for all parties involved; your dog, you, and the neighbours that have to hear your pup barking!
The best way to help overcome these behaviors is by taking the time to train your dog into feeling more confident in their own company, so that they stay safe in the knowledge that you will return!
We’ve put together some excellent ways to get you started, so that you and your pup don’t feel sad whenever you have to step out of the house without them. Our dog behaviour team is here to help your dog become more confident and develop a sense of independence!
How To Deal With Separation Anxiousness in Dogs, and How It’s Similar to Separation Anxiety in Humans
Practice Alone Time
Training a dog to be able to stay alone at home comfortably can be difficult, especially if you regularly leave the house for a long period of time. But, that’s when it’s most important – dogs don’t want to be left alone, but sometimes things happen that require them to stay home without you.
So, start with shorter periods of separation, to begin with. The best thing to do is use familiar surroundings, such as your dog’s bed, or a room they spend a lot of time in. Encourage your pup to go to that place and praise them when they settle there. Praising them will confirm that they’re doing the right thing.
You should leave the room without making a big deal out of it. Walk calmly out of the room and go somewhere that’s out of sight or earshot from your pooch for a short period of time. On your return, praise them if they have stayed there and remained relatively calm. It will give them good associations with staying in one place without becoming destructive or emotional, and they’ll know that when you return, you’ll be as happy to see them as they are to see you!
If you leave for, say, 10 minutes, and you find that your dog starts to become visibly upset after a few minutes, reduce the amount of time and build it up. You don’t want them to be howling or crying every time you leave the room!
Leave A Scent
A dog’s strongest sense is their ability to smell things, and they are very sensitive to your scent – the scent of their best friend and guardian. Being left alone can make your dog feel vulnerable and unsafe, so giving them a little piece of comfort may help them to remain calm when you have to leave.
Find an object – maybe a favourite toy, or an item of clothing you’ve recently worn – and put it in their bed or the room you’ve chosen as your familiar space. The comfort of your smell can help to keep them calm while you’re away.
Try Day Groups
There is, of course, the option to take your beloved pup to a daycare where they can socialize with other dogs! Socialization is good for your dog’s well-being and tends to improve their confidence. Approaching new friends can be nerve-racking for some animals, so it’s a good idea to spend a little bit of time there with your dog at first, to get them used to it, and then leave without too much of a fuss. When you return, praise them and show them some love. I’m sure you’ll both be happy to see each other and head home together after a long, busy day!
Use Toys
Gifting your dog a new toy can help keep them distracted and well-behaved when you leave the house. The idea is that when you get the toy out, they will understand that you are preparing to leave, and come to anticipate playing with the toy once you go.
Different dogs prefer different toys —mind-stimulating games, for example, can provide hours of fun distraction for a curious pup, while others may prefer a tug rope or chew. Whichever toy you choose, make sure it’s safe and doesn’t pose a choking risk or have any sharp edges.
Leave Them With Someone They Know
Travelling with your furry pal isn’t always possible, and we know it can be difficult to decide where they should stay while you’re gone. The most important thing is that the place is familiar.
If you have a friend or family member who’s happy to take your pup in every time you have to go away, then perhaps your dog already knows the people and the surroundings. If they don’t, spend some time together in that space so your dog can sniff around and become familiar with their house.
Kennels and dog boarding facilities are always an option if you have nobody to look after your dog. They’re usually happy for you to visit so that your dog can wander around the place and get used to the smells. It might be worth visiting a couple of times before you leave, for extra reassurance! And remember, when you go away for a long time, give your pal something for comfort, they’ll really appreciate it.
Dealing With Separation Anxiousness In Dogs
Leaving your dog to go to work doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you start training your dog to be in their own company, or introduce them to a doggy daycare, they will gradually become more confident when they’re without you. That sense of independence they’ll get may be beneficial to their overall happiness, too!
