Separation Related Behaviours
You are not alone. It is not your fault.
Those two sentences are really important to remember. There are millions of owners and dogs who experience similar separation behaviours to you. Separation anxiety and other SRBs can be resolved but they take time and patience and are certainly not a reflection on you as a dog owner.
Dogs suffering from separation related behaviours (SRBs) may experience symptoms from mild anxiety to overwhelming panic when they are left alone. These behaviours in your dog can be so hard to deal with and really tug at your heart strings and stress levels.
- Do you return to find your dog has been engaged in destructive behaviours when left alone?
- Do neighbours report excessive barking or howling when you are away from home?
- Do you return home to find your dog has had a toileting accident while you have been absent?
These symptoms are all potential SRBs and unfortunately, these behaviours rarely resolve themselves without specific desensitisation training under the guidance of an animal behaviourist*.
SRBs can take many forms; barking, howling, whining, toileting and destructive behaviour. But some distress signs can be silent; pacing, salivating, standing or sitting frozen at exit points or windows.
How does it work?
Every dog is different and there is never a ‘one size fits all’ strategy with separation issues. This is why it is so important to make careful observations of each dog’s body language and behaviour. After assessing your dog’s threshold (the point at which they become stressed or anxious) a personalised Journey Plan can be designed for your dog. Owners are supported and guided through each step of the Plan so that it can be adapted and tweaked at each step along the way.
Imagine being able to leave your dog to visit a friend or pop to the shops!
A – Initial Assessment
This is a remote (online via camera) assessment to observe your dog and establish the extent of the behavioural issue.
B – Personal SRB Plan
A tailored SRB Journey Plan designed specifically for you and your dog to help you achieve steps along your overall training plan.
C – Remote Training and Support
As SRB training requires the trainer to be remote, training sessions can be fitted in at times convenient to you.
Take a look at some FAQs below.
If your dog finds time alone at home very stressful then get in contact and we can discuss your way forward together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have I done something to cause my dog’s separation anxiety?
No. Separation anxiety is a panic issue, like a phobia. If you have heard statements such as; “You let your dog sleep on the bed”, or “You molly-coddle him too much”, then you can be reassured that this behaviour issue is not your fault. Research has repeatedly found that creating a strong bond with your dog does not create this problem. Some dogs are just more prone to stress and anxiety than others.
Can my dog just grow out of separation anxiety, or just get over it?
Separation anxiety in dogs typically does not resolve on its own and if unresolved can worsen over time. Dogs are a naturally social species and it’s normal for them to stay close to their social group which is why they can become anxious when left alone. Training involves desensitisation, gradually exposing the dog to short periods of time alone that they are able to cope with (their threshold).
Is there medication for a dog with separation anxiety?
Most cases of separation anxiety can be resolved through a behaviour modification plan (BMP). However, in some cases medication can be very helpful alongside the BMP. Your vet (often in discussion with a behaviourist) can discuss with you whether medication may help the dog to be in a better, more receptive state to undergo the behaviour modification. In other words, the anxiety can be eased allowing them to focus on the behaviour modification.
How long will it take for my dog to overcome their separation anxiety or other SRBs?
Every dog is an individual with their own complexity of stress or anxiety. It would be great to be able to give a estimate of how long it may take to overcome SRBs but this is an impossible question to which an answer would be at best a wild guess. It will likely be months, not weeks. Concentrating on smaller milestone successes and following the training protocol will lead you to the end of your separation anxiety journey.
A gradual, systematic desensitisation programme is your dog’s best chance of overcoming their separation anxiety in the long term.
* Separation anxiety should only be treated by a clinical animal behaviourist (CAB) after a referral from a vet. I am happy to discuss this with you and arrange for a referral form to be sent to your chosen vet.