| Anxiety
& Stress
Getting a grip on Separation Anxiety
By
Mary Wulff-Tilford
 CORKY,
A LOVING MIXED BREED DOG, hates being
left alone. He has ripped up car upholstery
and jumped through windows in an attempt
to rejoin his humans. Shay, a husky mix,
is less aggressive about her anxiety.
She watches longingly out the window when
her humans leave every day and then, if
she finds the bathroom door open, attacks
the contents of the garbage.
Dog lovers with companions that tremble,
whine, or rush to the door in anticipation
of being left alone know all about the
problems of separation anxiety. In some
cases, the problem can interfere with
work or travel, and make life very difficult
for you and your companion. In severe
cases, a vet may even prescribe sedative
or antidepressant drugs for an animal,
a practice that seldom reaches the root
causes of separation anxiety, and may
lead to serious long term health problems.
So what are we to do for the lonely, confused
and depressed companion animals we must
leave at home? Is there a natural way
to help them cope with their anxiety?
To answer these questions, we must first
look to the root of the problem.
Who’s
most likely to suffer?
Improperly socialized or mistreated, abused,
or abandoned dogs may be more prone to
separation anxiety. Likewise, dogs that
live with a nervous, angry, or depressed
human being may suffer as well.
The breed and physical requirements of
your dog may contribute to his anxiety
too – breeds that require large
expanses of ground and vigorous daily
exercise may not be well suited to apartment
living in urbania.
While there are many happy huskies and
heelers in places like New York City,
it is important to understand that virtually
every domestic dog lives in a confusing
world – one that exists somewhere
between humanity and the world of wild
dogs. To ease their confusion, we must
try to perceive the world as they do and
reassess our roles as pack leaders.
Restoring
and maintaining order in the pack
Unlike cats, which tend to be solitary
creatures, dogs are very social pack animals.
They need to feel part of a pack and must
have a sense of rank in that pack. In
the course of domesticating dogs over
thousands of years, humans have become
pack leaders in the minds of household
canines. This means that the behavior
and habits of his human caregiver largely
influence a dog's behavior.
While it may seem like a good idea to
add another animal to the household to
keep your companion company, this can
actually make matters worse – you
might end up with double trouble as the
hierarchy of the pack is thrown into a
state of continuous competition and even
more confusion. So, rather than adding
to the chaos, it may be a better idea
to provide substitute leadership in the
form of another human. Dog walkers, friends,
neighbors or relatives could come by and
spend time with the dog, acting as a surrogate,
temporary pack. Alternatively, you could
consider a good doggie daycare. Just remember
that this is not a permanent substitute
for the original order of the pack –
your dog must know his social order in
the pack which means that you, the human
“Alpha leader", must be a strong,
controlling presence whenever you are
together. By beginning of your relationship,
your dog will gain trust and faith in
your leadership, and trouble, training,
and dog sitting bills may be avoided later
on.
Of course for many of us, puppyhood is
long past. So if you must be away from
your dog for long periods, here are a
few tips and tricks to keep Buster from
becoming too bored and tearing the house
apart:
• Leave the television on a nature
show channel. Human voices can provide
soothing reassurance that humans still
exist.
• Leave the radio on. It is said
that “music tames the savage beast”,
and in many cases it will help a lonely,
confused pooch to relax. Be sure to play
a station with soothing music –
head-banging, heavy metal music might
not be a good idea! A talk station may
also be soothing to some dogs. Alternatively,
even a continuous recording of your own
voice may make the dog feel less anxious
and not so alone.
• Leave safe toys out to play with.
A “Havaball” or “Kong”
toy filled with peanut butter or dog treats
might keep them busy for awhile. When
using the toy “trick”, take
the toy out before leaving. When returning,
give the dog the treats that were in the
toy, and take the toy away. Only give
the toy as you are leaving the house.
• Ignore the dog several minutes
before leaving the house. Do not shower
him with hugs and kisses as you are leaving,
as this may add to his already building
anxiety.
• Begin by leaving for very short
periods of time and then increase the
time you’re away over a few weeks.
Each time you return, have the dog sit,
praise and reward him with a treat when
he is calm.
• When in doubt, work with a recommended
animal behaviorist. Also consider any
physical problems that may be causing
the anxiety disorder.
|
