Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

Does your dog become overly anxious when you leave the house or upon your return? Could be he is suffering from separation anxiety - a severe fear and dislike of isolation. Dogs who have experienced traumatic events such as a sudden change in environment, loss or addition of a family member, or lack of attention and mistreatment early in life may be more prone to excessive dependence and separation anxiety.

Indications of separation anxiety will generally begin approximately thirty minutes before you leave. Signs include destructive behavior or scratching at the door shortly after you leave, constant or excessive barking, whining or whimpering, hyperactivity, increased aggression, depression, or urination/defecation in inappropriate areas. If these behaviors exhibit themselves consistently when you are leaving or while you are gone, here are a few ways to help your pet feel more secure.

Plan scheduled departures. This technique helps your dog adjust by exposing her to repeated short periods of isolation. Spend 5 minutes with your dog to put her in a calm state. During this time, do not touch or talk to her. Then gather your keys and leave your home for a few seconds to a minute, making certain to return before your dog becomes anxious. When you reenter the house, do not talk or touch her. Wait a few minutes before greeting your dog or causally calling her by name. Repeat this procedure until your dog shows no sign of distress. Before increasing the separation time, make certain your dog is calm and does not engage in an extended greeting when you reenter. Continue this process, gradually increasing the length of separation time. After the short departures have reached 30 minutes, increase the alone time in larger increments. Once your pet can be left alone for an hour and a half without anxiety, she can generally be left all day. Remember to consult your vet or an animal behaviourist to design a treatment program for your dog.

Give your dog more exercise, both mental and physical. Take your dog to the park for an extended run, explore new places, go for a play date with other dog buddies or teach him a new training exercise.

Make your departure and return as uneventful as possible to avoid over stimulation.

Leave a recently worn article of clothing where your dog sleeps. Your scent will help ease his anxiety.

Watch the signs. Look for the earliest action in your predeparture sequence which makes your dog anxious, such as putting on your shoes or picking up keys? When you are home, repeat these triggers in a normal fashion until your dog becomes comfortable with them, then move on to the next step in your departure sequence. If your dog's anxiety does not decrease after a number of repetitions, you may need to reassess what the first trigger is and try again.

Leave the TV or radio on for your dog to hear while you are away, providing the dog does not associate these items with a stressful situation.

Leave a hard rubber toy for your dog filled with her favorite treat (peanut butter, cheese, kibble, etc.) . This provides a distraction and keeps her occupied while you are away. It will also focus her attention on the toy and not on the destruction of your furniture.

When your pup is young, consider crate-training to establish independence and safe alone time.

Have patience.

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