Separation Anxiety

Dogs that have a tendency toward separation anxiety have the need to be with a human all of the time. They may follow their human everywhere, even to the bathroom.

	Before Leaving:
	Pay no attention to your dog for 10-30 minutes before going out.
	When You Leave:
	Make it low key, without elaborate good-byes. Just walk out the door.
	Leave a special toy or a treat to distract the dog when you go out and remove the item upon your return. Make this something special, like a food-filled treat, so that your leaving is associated with something positive. The treat should also occupy your dog during those critical first moments after your departure.
	When returning, ignore the dog until he is quiet and relaxed, then interact on your initiative. You may not realize it, but even eye contact can be rewarding to a dog seeking attention. Interact with your dog only when he is quiet, thus rewarding his calm behavior.
	Do not reprimand the dog for destructive behavior or for urinating or defecating in the house. No matter what you find when you get home, remember that your dog could not control himself when you were away. Punishment will not help, and will only increase his anxiety.
	At Home:
	Interact with your dog only at your initiative and when the dog is relaxed. Again, show your dog that you like to play with him when he's calm and relaxed. To encourage independence, avoid constant physical contact with your dog. Encourage him to lie down near you, but not in contact with you.
	Teach your dog to stay calm as you move away; gradually increase distance and time away. Teach your dog to be alone, little by little. Have him sit or lie down and stay in place as you back away, praising his calm behavior.
	Gradually increase your distance and time away to help him become more independent, and cope with being alone
	Put your coat on or play with your keys at times other than departure. Certain cues tell your dog that you're getting ready to leave. When he sees these, he begins to panic. This technique will help him become indifferent to those cues.

Behavior disorders are the #1 cause of pet euthanasia. An estimated 150 dogs are lost every year in the average companion animal clinic due to behavior disorders. Many of the disorders are treatable. The use of the medication, CLOMICALM, in conjunction with behavior therapy for separation anxiety disorder, may benefit your pet.

If your dog experiences symptoms of separation anxiety, call and schedule a one-hour consultation with our technician, Betty Sandlin, who has received extensive training from the American Animal Hospital Association and Purdue University in dealing with dogs who experience separation anxiety.