How to Reduce Dog Separation Anxiety

Does your otherwise well-behaved puppy or adult dog become a basket-case when you leave the house? Animals afflicted with separation anxiety chew couches, destroy shoes, shred upholstery, eliminate in inappropriate places and otherwise cause mass destruction in the absence of their human companions. Your dog isn't out to get you. He's afraid. He's frustrated. You can alleviate your dog's fear and frustration by employing simple behavior modification techniques.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set up a crate in a comfortable place in the house. First things first. You want to make your dog feel secure. Don't believe the misconception that the use of a crate is a cruel practice. Dogs are den animals and they feel safe and secure in small spaces. Choose a crate in which your dog can easily turn around, but no larger. Place soft bedding and a favorite toy in the crate. You might even purchase a crate cover or drape a blanket over it to create a true den.

2. Begin with short departures. You will need some time for this process so set aside a long weekend or a few vacation days to spend with your dog. Start by coaxing the dog into the crate with a chew toy or treat. Turn on the TV or a radio and the voices will become part of his "pack" and make him feel more secure. Leave the room for 5 minutes. Do not return to him if he is crying or barking. When he is calm and quiet, return to the room, let him out and praise him lavishly. Repeat this process several times.

3. Increase departure time in small increments. Once your dog has mastered being alone for 5 minutes, leave for 10 minutes and repeat the process from Step 2. Slowly lengthen your departures to 30 minutes, then 45 minutes and then an hour, until your dog can remain calmly by himself in the crate for two hours. At this point, your dog should be able to handle longer departures.

4. Graduate to a small room, if your dog's separation anxiety has subsided. Some dogs feel most secure in a crate when their human companions are not around to lead the pack. Other dogs may eventually be able to handle being left alone in small rooms; for instance, you might try enclosing your dog in a bathroom with a dog bed, a treat and some toys.

5. Explore drug therapy options if your dog does not improve. Some dogs will not respond as well as others to behavior modification techniques. In that case, talk to your veterinarian about potential drug intervention.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercise your dog daily. This will relieve separation anxiety, excess energy and frustration.
• Encourage your dog to play by himself sometimes.
• Encourage your dog to stay in a room without you some of the time.
• Never use the crate for punishment. It should represent a place of sanctity and happiness to your dog.
• Do not lengthen your departures until the dog can make it through the last interval without crying or whining.
• Never make a fuss when coming or going; this can enflame anxiety.
• Never punish the dog for anxiety-induced behavior.
• Never perform "trigger" behaviors in front of your dog, such as jingling keys or picking up your purse.