​Understanding and Managing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

    When it comes right down to it, we need to realize that dogs are not genetically designed to be isolated. While most dogs, being the adaptable creatures they are, can manage just fine staying at home alone, a smaller number of dogs struggle deeply with this—these are the dogs with true separation anxiety.
 
What Is True Separation Anxiety?
    We’re often quick to label a dog’s destructive, loud, or annoying behavior as separation anxiety. In reality, true separation anxiety is less common than you might think. Behaviors such as destructive chewing, house soiling, howling, and incessant barking can indeed be symptoms of separation anxiety. However, they can also be signs that dogs are simply filling their uneventful free time with their own canine antics. 
    Dogs suffering from genuine separation anxiety are in a state of high anxiety the entire time they’re alone. They panic at our departure and remain in distress until our return. These dogs may soil the house, chew on the furniture—or even on themselves—attempt to escape, pant, drool, tremble, bark, or howl during our absence. It’s heartbreaking to think that they spend so much of their lives in a state of panic.
 
Causes of Separation Anxiety
    It’s natural to wonder if human actions can cause separation anxiety in dogs. You might ask, “Does letting my dog sleep with me cause separation anxiety?” or “My dog never lets me go anywhere alone, even when I’m just heading to the kitchen—does this mean he has separation anxiety?” The experts tell us, “No.”
While over-attachment issues may not be the cause of separation anxiety, they can certainly exacerbate the problem. Some dogs have a genetic predisposition for separation anxiety. Just like humans, dogs have different personalities. Some have an outgoing, friendly nature, while others are more insecure and shy. It stands to reason that a dog who is less confident may have more trouble staying home alone.
 
Here are some common causes of separation anxiety: 
Traumatic Events: A traumatic event experienced while home alone can trigger the onset of separation anxiety. Sudden loud noises, thunderstorms, alarms, attempted break-ins, or harassment from unsavory passersby are just a few of the frightful events that could precipitate this anxiety.
 
Abandonment: Dogs that have been abandoned suddenly or re-homed to a dramatically different environment may struggle to adjust. Dogs that have been dumped and left to fend for themselves, or left alone without food or water, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, a dog left in an unfamiliar, stressful place, such as an overcrowded shelter or boarding facility, may develop separation anxiety.
 
Never Alone: Dogs who have never been left alone can be candidates for separation anxiety. Show dogs, competition dogs, or puppy mill breeding stock that have spent their entire lives surrounded by other dogs may find a new, quiet home very disquieting—a situation ripe for the onset of separation anxiety. 
    Sudden changes during a dog’s assimilation period into a new home can contribute to the development of separation anxiety. For example, a dog adopted during the summer when the kids are out of school might suddenly find itself alone once August rolls around and everyone returns to their normal routines.
    The same concerns arose with the so-called “COVID puppies.” During lockdown, dog adoption rates soared, which was a good thing for both humans and dogs. But, as people began returning to work outside the home, what would happen to these dogs? With proper planning and training, we can successfully transition back to work without the fear of our dogs living in constant fear at home.
 
Managing Separation Anxiety 
    Now that we’ve discussed some of the causes of separation anxiety, it’s important to recognize that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every dog is unique and learns differently, at their own pace.
 
    At Peaceful Paws, I offer a comprehensive program tailored to address separation anxiety in dogs. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your dog, feel free to contact me through my website at http://www.peacefulpaws.net or email me directly at [email protected]. 
    By working together, we can help your dog feel more secure and content, even when they’re home alone.

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