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By Jacque Lynn Schultz, From ASPCA Animal Watch magazine, Fall 1998
Supposedly, absence makes the heart grow fonder. However, the absence
of an owner sends some dogs into keen wailing and barking, frequent
house soiling and selfdestructive behaviors. These are all signs that a
dog is suffering from separation anxiety.
The canines most likely to fall victim are second-hand dogs. Whether
from a shelter, rescue group or greyhound-track adoption program, dogs
re-homed in adolescence or older are at greater risk of suffering
separation anxiety than puppies. This is probably because it is more
difficult for these dogs to accept changes in their routine and
environment. They cling to their new pack leader and panic when that
leader leaves home to go about his or her daily business. For similar
reasons, unemployed companion animal owners or those who take lengthy
at-home vacations or recuperations may find that their dog becomes
disoriented when they return to work. These distressed pets need help.
Separation anxiety is often a problem of over-bonding. It is not
healthy for a dog to follow his caretakers' every step, to be
constantly in the same room, sharing the same piece of furniture, being
in close contact all the time. Promote independence by teaching the dog
to down-stay on his own bed while you go out of sight. Start with a few
seconds, then build up to a length of time the dog can tolerate. Put up
a gate and eventually close a door between the two of you. And, get
family members involved in dispensing the "good stuff" to the dog.
Walks, play sessions and feedings should not be provided by only one
person, for that person's absence means the end of all that is good in
the world to the dog. Panic can ensue. If you live alone, perhaps a
neighbor or relative will share the duties, or hire a pet-care
professional to assist you.
The worst of a dog's hysteria is often during the first hour after
departure. Diffuse the emotion of your leave-taking by heartily
exercising the dog right after you wake up. Then, after feeding him,
scale back your attention to the point of ignoring him during the last
15 minutes before you leave. Turn off the lights and turn on the
television, radio or white noise machine - whatever you play most when
you are home. And, with no more than a whispered "Be Good," leave the
house.
Some dogs will read the signs of imminent departure and begin to work
themselves into a frenzy. If putting on make-up, packing a lunch or
shuffling papers in your briefcase distresses the dog, desensitize him
to these or other actions by doing them frequently and at other times
(such as before mealtime) so they lose their direct connection to the
dreaded departure. Presenting a toy stuffed with goodies can draw the
focus of less seriously afflicted canines toward cleaning out the item
and away from your leaving. Buster cubes, Kong toys, Goodie balls/ships
work well as canine diversions. The seriously afflicted dog, however,
will not give the toy a second look until his pack is together again.
Separation anxiety can be severe and all-consuming to some dogs. You
may need to seek a professional assessment by an Applied Animal
Behaviorist or Veterinary Behaviorist, for they may need
pharmacological aid while they undergo training.
Luckily, the majority of dogs - if the earlier suggestions are followed - in no time will be howling "I Will Survive."
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