Dog Behavior: Separation Anxiety

“Tennyson wrote that it is better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all. Try explaining that to a dog with separation anxiety. In this condition, dogs become so closely bonded to their owners that they virtually have to be pried off them, and parting is not, as the saying goes, such sweet sorrow, but more of a living hell. Affected dogs are often gentle, doting, and sweet-natured, but the anxiety-related havoc they wreak in the owners absence is sometimes misconstrued by the owners as being malicious, vindictive, or retributive. Some owners even spank their dogs on their return to punish them for their bad behavior, but this is both inappropriate and ineffective. Punishment never works if delivered more than a few seconds after the event: rather, it simply serves to confuse the already distraught and bewildered dog.”
Dr. Dodman goes on to explain that in his opinion overwhelming evidence suggests that such dog is the canine equivalent of a dysfunctional person who suffers from low self esteem who “live vicariously through their owners, whom they adore and on whom they are totally dependent.”
In explaining how dogs can acquire separation anxiety Dr. Dodman points to the usual suspects: Puppy mills, early isolation and neglect, too early weaning from their mothers and litter mates etc.
If one adopts a dog with such precondition it is vital to recognize it and take precautions not to foster bad behavior. Dr. Dodman observes that” extremely empathetic owners seem to be much more likely to foster this problem in their dog. Susceptible dogs absorb all the attention and affection they are given and return it manifold…. In effect, the dog and owner become codependents and are virtually inseparable.

The symptoms are straight forward: Destruction of property in the absence of the owner. Chewing up of windowsills and /or doorways -called barrier frustration- or destroying personal property of the owner is a cardinal sign. Affected dogs constantly follow their owners around the house, never letting them out of their sight. Whimpering or barking right after the owner left, not eating in the owner’s absence, sometimes even defecating in the house and exuberant greeting rituals that continue for several minutes after the owner’s arrival can also be signs of separation anxiety.
The recommended cure or prevention? Teaching your dog independence. More on that tomorrow.
Source: The Dog Who loved Too Much by DR. Nicholas Dodman

painting by ipaintyourpet.net

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