Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety in dogs is a prevalent and stressful behavioral condition estimated to affect nearly 14% of the canine population. Misunderstandings often arise when attempting to address this problem, as people tend to approach it from a human perspective rather than understanding its canine origins. To effectively tackle separation anxiety in dogs, the key lies in demonstrating to your dog that you are the pack leader. Let’s explore the symptoms that signal this condition.
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety:
Chewing:
- Chewing is a common symptom, as it releases endorphins in a manner similar to humans chewing gum to maintain calmness.
Barking and Whining:
- Dogs may vocalize their distress through barking and whining, akin to a call for their owners to return to the pack, similar to calling children when they are out of sight.
Escaping and Destructive Behavior:
- Attempting to escape when left alone can lead to destructive and sometimes dangerous behavior, reflecting the dog’s desperate search for its owner.
Digging and Destruction:
- Stress and anxiety often manifest in destructive behaviors such as digging and destroying objects within the environment.
Self-Mutilation and Excessive Drooling:
- Excessive licking, chewing, and drooling are signs frequently mistaken for medical conditions but are, in fact, indicators of stress and anxiety.
Toileting Issues:
- Changes in toileting behavior, such as going inside despite prior training, may be a behavioral response to separation anxiety, especially if it occurs exclusively when the dog is away from its owner.
Understanding the Root Cause
Addressing separation anxiety requires recognizing it as a straightforward problem rooted in the dog’s belief that it is the pack leader and the owner is a member of its pack or even a puppy. In the wild, dogs do not venture far from the den without the pack, and this behavior continues until the owner returns. Establishing yourself as the pack leader is crucial to resolving separation anxiety.
Conclusion:
To effectively combat separation anxiety, the key solution is to become the pack leader in your dog’s eyes. Once your dog understands your role as the leader, it will adjust to your comings and goings without undue distress. For comprehensive guidance on becoming the pack leader, consider exploring resources such as The Online Dog Trainer, a video-based website run by professional dog trainer Doggy Dan. Understanding the true cause of separation anxiety is the initial step, with becoming the pack leader emerging as the ultimate solution.
