How to Treat Separation Anxiety

To treat separation anxiety some behaviorists use a combination of behavior training and medication. Once their anxiety level decreased by using medication, dogs with separation anxiety respond better to behavior training.

Dogs who suffer from this condition become so closely bonded to their owners that they virtually have to be pried off them, and parting is like a living hell. Dogs may follow their owners from room to room, and curl up on the couch with them to watch TV. They seem to be happy only in their owners' presence, lacking the sense of independence they need to cope with being alone. Instead, once the owner leaves, a dog with separation anxiety will become frustrated by barriers, chewing the woodwork, window sills, destroying blinds, or curtains, pacing back and forth. Food is rarely a distraction; frequently dogs who suffer from separation anxiety refuse even to eat in their owners' absence.

It does no good to punish the dog once you return and the damage is already done. Punishment only confuses an already anxious and distraught dog. Owners of a dog suffering from separation anxiety need to understand that he's not being willfully destructive or malicious. His behavior is caused by a trauma the dog suffered as a puppy, either physical or through neglect. Often such dogs were separated from their mother at a far too early age.

Daily walks and romping--at least 20 to 30 minutes are recommended. Changing the dog's food to a low protein brand will also help curb his excess energy.

If you're the owner of a dog with separation anxiety, decreasing your dog's dependence on you may be the biggest challenge you'll face. Recognizing that the dog's anxiety is destructive to a long and healthy relationship should be a strong incentive in proceeding with a program of behavior modification. It may be comforting to know that you don't have to act like an ogre towards your dog in treating the condition. Though you need to be firm and supportive, you should, at least temporarily, adopt an attitude of nonchalance towards your dog.

Since there are usually lots of cues to your departure--putting on your shoes, picking up your keys or your coat--it's helpful to desensitize your dog by running through these acts several times without actually leaving. When you come home, just as before you leave, ignore your dog for 15 to 20 minutes.

Giving the dog a pleasurable substitute for your attention while he's alone may lessen his anxiety. A chew toy or bone filled with peanut butter or cheese can provide a pleasant pastime for him. But link this treat to your dog's independence, give it to him only 5 to 10 minutes before you leave. You can also leave a tape recorder running while you're at home, then replay it for him when you are gone.

While you're treating your dog's separation anxiety, it's important to ban lap time, sleeping on your bed, and discourage him from following you around the house until the condition has eased. If he does follow you, take him gently to his bed or resting place and command him to go lie down, then praise him for compliance.

Medication is usually an important component of the successful treatment of separation anxiety. It not only reduces their anxiety, but helps them be more receptive to behavior modification treatment.