How to Control a Dog With Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety bark, pace, chew and defecate to cope with their extreme fear of being left alone. According to Valarie Tynes, a doctor of veterinary medicine, separation anxiety most likely involves the dog's genetic makeup and its innate need to stay with its pack for survival. Up to 40 percent of dogs taken to vets for behavior problems suffer from separation anxiety. The condition can often be controlled though a long-term counterconditioning program, which may be supplemented by medication.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Hollow dog toy
  • Medication
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Instructions

  1. Signs of Separation Anxiety

    • 1

      Watch for increasingly destructive behavior when you are gone. This might include excessive chewing and digging. Obvious scratching near doors is a strong sign that your pet is trying to escape to reduce its anxiety.

    • 2

      Ask neighbors if they hear barking and whining when your dog is alone. Set up a video camera -- or use a sound-activated tape recorder -- to see and hear the extent of its anxiety.

    • 3

      Monitor how often your dog has accidents in the house. Anxious dogs are prone to bladder and bowel control problems.

    • 4

      Pay attention to your dog's behavior as you get ready to leave. Pacing, drooling and shaking are signs it is anticipating the fear it feels when alone.

    Counterconditioning Program

    • 5

      Act relaxed and quiet when you leave the house, and when you come home. Dogs with separation anxiety are easily excited, and overdoing attention right before or right after a separation will only reinforce their unhealthy attachment.

    • 6

      Don't punish your dog if it has an accident, or chews up a prized possession while you are out. It will learn to fear your anger when you come home.

    • 7

      Train your dog to be happy when you leave. Think about your behaviors that trigger its anxiety -- turning off the TV, grabbing your coat, picking up your keys -- and work on desensitizing these triggers. For example, pick up your keys, but don't leave. Later, put on your coat; wear it around the house instead of going out the door. Your pet should eventually learn that the trigger behaviors do not always mean it will be left alone.

    • 8

      Condition your pet to associate something good with your leaving. Fill a hollow dog toy with a favorite treat. Let your dog work on it while you jiggle your keys. Put the keys down again and take the toy away. Give it back to your dog a little later. Pick up your keys again. Repeat this combination until your dog associates the sound of keys with getting a treat.

    Medications and Other Helps

    • 9

      Check with your veterinarian about using medications -- such as clomipramine, fluoxetine and diazepam -- to calm your pet as you work on counterconditioning.

    • 10

      Hire a dog sitter. Some dogs with separation anxiety just need a warm body at home. They do fine with someone else's attention.

    • 11

      Try doggy day care. Your dog will not have time to be lonely, and will benefit from a day of exercise.

    • 12

      Teach your dog independence. Don't let it follow you from room to room. Teach a "stay" command, followed by a treat. Leave the room for a few seconds, and then come back and praise your dog. Gradually increase the time you are out of the room.