CHENNAI: Most dog owners, especially in today’s world of nuclear families and double incomes, cannot figure out what to do with their dogs when they leave for work. Minutes after they leave, the dog starts howling and scratching the doors. These are all classic signs of separation anxiety. What is separation anxiety, and how do you deal with it?
Separation anxiety is a behavioral syndrome of dogs characterized by signs of distress when the affected dog is left alone or is separated from the person or people to whom the dog is attached. (B.S. Simpson, Canine Separation Anxiety, 2000). These signs of distress may vary from destructiveness, unusual urination or defecation, excessive drooling, trembling, repetitive behaviour and howling. If not treated immediately, your bond with your dog may erode, which may cause you stress, and in extreme cases, may also result in you giving the dog up for adoption. Abandoning a dog can cause psychological and physical issues, which is not a desirable result.
There are three ways to address the issue, controlling the environment so that the dog cannot inflict self-harm, modifying your own behaviour so that he understands that it is all right for him to be alone, and medication. We will discuss the first two because any medication has to be prescribed by a veterinarian only.
Why should you control the environment? The dog, upon seeing that you are leaving, may wish to join you, and to do so, he may scratch the door or leap out of balconies. Till the time that the behaviour training kicks in, restrain him in a sterile room with no balconies but plenty of natural light. Food, water, a few toys and piece of your clothing should be kept so the dog has familiar smells around. Do not use a leash inside the house, because it adds to the stress.
Now that the dog is safe, you have to modify your own behaviour. Do not rebuke him when he exhibits separation anxiety, because he will associate you going out with him being punished. Provide plenty of exercise. Do not reward clingy behaviour. Ignore him when he follows you around. If he rests against your leg, ensure you move slightly away, and if he “stays”, reward him with a treat. Pick up your keys and watch several times in a day. Approach the door and come back. While departing, depart casually, lock the door and stand outside for ten minutes and then come back in. Reward calm behaviour when you are back inside with a treat. Repeat these steps until the dog is calm when you are leaving and coming back home.
Remember, for our furry friend, we are his entire life. The least we can do is be patient and kind to him when he is afraid.