Does your dog get overly excited when you come home even after only a short separation?
Does your dog become clingy with you?
Does your dog try to escape when confined(eg in a crate)?
How does your dog act when you are preparing to leave?
Does your dog urinate or defecate in the house? Only when left alone?
Has your dog ever ruined anything in the house when left alone?
Dogs are social creatures that bond with their human families as part of their social group. In some pets this can develop into hyperattachment. Signs of separation anxiety are:
- destructive chewing
- inappropriate elimination
- excessive barking or whining
- drooling, pacing, trembling
- vomiting
- withdrawl
The best threatment for canine separation anxiety includes Behavior Modification Plan(BMP).
Behavior modification plans give the pet boundaries,which restore its confidence; a lack of boundaries creates confusioin and anxiety. The BOND(tm) BMP has been developed for owners to use,it can be used in conjunction with appropriate medication as well.
B–Be Positive
O–Only reward calm behavior
N–No more drama when you come and go
D–Develop your dogs independence
Pets respond to positive reinforcement that rewards relaxed behavior.Reprimanding undesirable behavior(eg urinating in house while owner gone) adds to anxiety; they do not associate bad behavior with punishment.
Owners should ignore the dog if it greets them excessively. Only when the dog has calmed down should the dog get positive reinforcement The owner should not make a big deal of coming and going. Avoid saying good-bye upon leaving or hello upon returning.The dog should be distracted with a toy or treat 20 mins before the owner leaves–then simply leave without speaking when its time to go.
Dogs should be taught to sit and stay on command. A special blanket or place should be used. Some dogs with SA will not tolerate a crate. The crate should only be used if the dog associates it with safety and relaxation. The dog will need to learn to have distance and time away from owner. Place dog in stay in its special place and gradually over time ask the dog to stay while you move further away. The goal is to be able to leave the dog for several minutes out of sight. You must do this very very gradually. It is also good practice to desensitize the dog to departure clues,for example by putting on work clothes,but then not leaving for work, or by picking up car keys without actually going out of the house.
Successful treatment for SA will likely take weeks or even months. Medication is available to aid in cases where BMP is not enough or is required to calm the dog enough to do BMP. Always enlist help from a veterinarian it will make success more likely.
(from NAVC, March 2009)
