Does your dog have separation anxiety?

Any dog can suffer from separation anxiety, but usually it's the high-energy dogs that exhibit the worst symptoms. This behavior usually shows up within 20-45 minutes after the dog is left alone, and can include barking or howling, scratching, chewing or digging at the door or windows, and an "accident" as a result of the anxious feeling the dog is having, even if he or she is housetrained. In addition, your dog may follow you from room to room when you're home, doesn't like being outside by himself, acts depressed or anxious when you're getting ready to leave, or is overly excited when you come home. When I adopted Rosie in July, she would whine, yip and twirl continually when I came home.

Circumstances that can cause the anxiety:
-A change in your routine, such as moving to a new home, or a new pet in the home.
-Trama to the dog, such as being boarded, or recently adopted from a shelter.
-Being with the dog constantly such as during a vacation, then you return to your work schedule.

How to solve it:
-First and foremost, prior to leaving walk your dog and feed him, then proceed to get yourself ready. By this time, your dog will be tired out from the walk and eating, and he should be ready for a long nap. For more details, please read my post from 9/27/07 entitled "The benefits of walking your dog."
-Don't make a fuss when you leave; just say goodbye, then calmly and quickly leave. It's useful to always say the same phrase when leaving so your dog will learn whether this is a short or long absense. For example, if I'm just going to the garage, I say "I'll be right back." But when I'm leaving for longer, I say "I'm going to work now". If I'm heading outside, they may or may not want to go along, but if I'm going to work, they both head to their sleeping spots.
-Also, in the interim, try playing classical music and leaving an old shirt you've worn recently for the dog to snuggle up to. It can also help to leave a toy with treats inside, such as a Kong, which will keep the dog busy for a while, and then he'll probably be ready to sleep.
-Finally and very important is to ignore the dog when you first come back home. Walk past him, and don't speak to him or pet him until he is calm. Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, says to never give affection to an unstable dog, as it only reaffirms to the dog that his bad behavior will get attention. I know it's difficult not to comfort the dog, but it won't take long before he will calm down, and then give him all the love and affection he deserves.

Above all, don't punish the dog for the behavior that the anxiety is causing. He is not trying to be spiteful or punish you for leaving-he is having a panic response to being without you. But it can be turned around. I had great success with Rosie by walking her and not responding to her bad behavior when I came home. Now instead of twirling and whining, she waits for me to come give her a belly rub. What an improvement, and I know both she and Abby are content to sleep when I leave.

(my blog has been featured in The Dog Blog Carnival, and Notes from a Country Groomer )