Separation Anxiety is a very common behavioural issue in dogs. This disorder is characterised by increased barking, howling when left alone, following the owner all over the house, and destructive behaviours induced by stress - including destroying furniture and gnawing through doors in larger breeds.
The most effective way to reduce these unwanted behaviours in dogs is through is Desensitisation. There are two types of Desensitisation: Flooding and Systematic.
Flooding is where you expose your dog to stressful stimuli all at once. This process is not suitable for their welfare due to the dramatically increased stress levels that they are under during the Flooding process. This tactic makes it difficult for the dog to comprehend the situation and usually invokes a fear response rather than desensitising them to a situation. Prolonged exposure to stress with no release from the stimuli can cause Psychosis and enable displacement behaviours such as fur pulling and self-mutilation in extreme cases. As a result, the Flooding technique is discouraged.
Systematic Desensitisation is provided in a hierarchy-type manner, so the dog is exposed to the least fearful stimulus level until it no longer reacts. Once it no longer reacts, the stimulus is gradually increased in intensity, following this pattern of complete Desensitisation of each stage before moving onto the next. This tactic is very effective at reducing unwanted behaviours as they will no longer be fearful of them. Systematic Desensitisation is also used while you introduce them into your old routine. They get used to you doing your routine that they no longer see as a threat as they know that you are coming back, which is excellent in reducing Separation Anxiety behaviours.
Reducing these unwanted behaviours will prevent owners from feeling the need to re-home their dogs as they cannot cope with them while they are away. These practices will help reduce the dog’s stress while maintaining social interaction and companionship with its owners.
Tip 1: Re-enact your normal routine
Showcasing your normal routine may seem like a simple task, but getting your dog used to your normal routine before you go to work will get them acclimatised to seeing you do those things without any cause for alarm. These can be simple steps by putting on your jacket and putting your keys in the pocket. You can even get ready for your workday, lock the door behind you and sit in your car for a few moments before coming back in. It is the small steps that count, and they go a long way in getting them acclimatised to you leaving them at home while you go to work.
Tip 2: Desensitisation for Young Dogs
As most puppies were purchased during the lockdown, according to Google Analytics, the keyword “Buy a Puppy” increased in searches by 166%. All puppies have a crucial developmental stage between the ages of 3-6 months, where they learn their key socialisation behaviours, including how to interact with other dogs and strangers. If you find that your dog has trouble with their daily walk, you can still train your dog through the process of Desensitisation. This is where you implement a stimulus, in increasing amounts, until they no longer react to it.
An example is that you can start small by getting them used to traffic on their walks and reward them with a treat when they do not chase the traffic. Soon enough, they will have no desire to chase the traffic at all, and they are no longer interested in it. This method will take a lot longer to implement when they are older than if they were taught during the socialisation period, but it is possible. This same method can be applied to correcting other unwanted behaviours including unwanted barking at visitors and when you return home.
Tip 3: Ignore them when you re-enter the home, and only give them attention once they are calm
Your expected arrival home is always exciting for your four-legged friend, but it can be not easy to get through the door between the dogs jumping up your legs and barking for attention. To prevent your dog from doing this, you must ignore them when re-entering the home, put your items away as usual and if they jump up at you, say “Down” and turn your body away from them. This training method shows that you will not pay them any attention until they have sat down and are no longer barking. Appraisal when displaying the desired behaviour is of the utmost importance. When your dog stops barking and is sitting nicely, rewarding them with a treat or attention will reinforce their good behaviour.
Tip 4: Gradually increase visitations into the home
Getting visitors to your home can be a nightmare when you have a dog that just won't stop barking. Introducing your visitors to your dog is a significant first step. Allowing the dog to approach the human while holding out its hand so it does not feel under attack is a suitable interaction. The gradual introduction and exposure to the same visitors will reduce the likelihood of the barking and defensive behaviours that are commonly exhibited. This tactic is another form of Desensitisation, and it will take time to put into practice. However, the results are worth it, not just for you and your visitors but also for your dog, as their stress levels will decrease significantly with the correct exposure.
Tip 5: Keep them occupied when you are out of the house
Dogs can become bored when they are out of the house as they do not have constant interaction. A way to occupy them while you are gone is to provide stimuli. This interaction can be in the form of leaving the TV or Radio on, so as to not hear outdoor noises, or remain in silence. Another good tactic is to use a puzzle feeder, as most dogs are food-orientated. You can provide small treats in the maze-like contraption, such as a Lickimat feeder. Another method uses KONG balls filled with a peanut butter made explicitly for dogs. This method gives them a toy to interact with while getting a tasty treat. These tactics stimulate the mind and reduce their barking as they are already using their mouths to get the treats. This method will significantly reduce the stress and anxiety that they have while you are not home, as they have plenty of stimuli.
Tip 6: Give them a safe space
An excellent way to acclimatise your dog to be on its own is by providing them with a safe space. This safe space can be a designated corner of the room with their pet bed or a secure crate with the latch unlocked. Somewhere for them to retreat to when they feel stressed and when you need the downtime without interaction from your dog. This safe space is where the dog is left alone and self-soothe during stressful events. Therefore, when they are sent to bed and told to "Lie Down", they know that they will not be receiving any attention and will be left alone.
Tip 7: Giving them less attention
To get your dog used to you not being around as much, you can reduce the amount of attention that you give. For example, an excellent tactic is only to provide attention when you would generally be accessible based on your normal routine. This would include after dinner, in the evening and early morning. So, the dog knows that there are specific cues that mean they will be receiving attention. Reducing the amount of attention they receive will reduce the likelihood and effect of Separation Anxiety as they are becoming acclimated to not receiving your attention 24-7 or demanding it. If your dog displays attention-seeking behaviours, make sure that you do not provide any attention, say “No,” and walk away. This training method will show that you do not give them attention when they demand it.
Tip 8: Go on walks with fellow dog-owning friends
A dog walk is great for their mental stimulation, but an even better walk is when they have a dog friend to share it with. This time is the perfect opportunity to introduce your dog to other dogs to tire them out for when they'll be home alone. They can play and run around, and it is even a good time to test letting them off the lead as they tend to be so preoccupied with the other dog that they are with that they will not run far. Letting them off the lead is at the owner’s discretion and will depend on how busy the walking destination is and their dog’s behaviour. It is an excellent training opportunity and will allow your dog to spend time exercising and having fun without you being the sole focus.
