In parts 1, 2 and 3 of this 4 part series a brief description and scenario of separation anxiety was given and the fight or flight response was described, and what happens when it is triggered was briefly discussed, and the anxiety cycle, diagnosis and causes were explained.
Prevention of Separation Anxiety: Crate training of new puppies should be encouraged, and regular use of the crate when the owners are not leaving is also a good idea so that the crate does not become a warning sign for departure.
Without proper crate training and regular use of the crate, owners may possibly create a negative connection with the crate.
The crate should feel like a safe-haven and a place of relaxation for the dog, not a place of isolation, or punishment.
Owners should also encourage independence, this can be done by teaching a puppy to go to a dog bed or mat away from the rest of the family.
Also allowing the puppy to play with certain toys, only at times when the owner is absent or is at a distance, will help to create a positive connection with being away from the owner.
Securing the toys to a stationary object so that they cannot be removed from the designated area can be compared to allowing children to play video games only when you leave the house or when they are in their designated play area.
Good advice to give the owners is to give the puppy one of its special toys 10 - 20 minutes prior to leaving the house (preferably in the puppy's play area or in the crate) so the puppy will connect the departure with something pleasurable.
It is important that the owner does not overstate arrivals and departures.
Overstated departures may ease the owners hesitation about leaving the puppy alone, but it risks over-stimulating the puppy.
If the owner overstates their departure what is left behind is a puppy with the ultimate dissatisfaction of being left alone.
Separation Anxiety Facts and Treatment: 1.
If a dog exhibits signs of separation anxiety it does not mean they are angry, or are trying to get back at anyone in the family.
2.
Separation anxiety does not come about because the dog is attempting to control or dictate the owner.
3.
Separation anxiety is very much treatable and quite often has a very good prognosis.
4.
To punish the dog is inappropriate and will more than likely increase the anxiety substantially.
5.
Getting another dog as a companion may help with the anxiety or may have little or no effect.
6.
The dog may sporadically experience a setback or recurrence of separation anxiety, predominantly during major changes in the household or in their environment, such as a family relocation.
7.
Drug therapy can ease the pets anxiety, allowing it to be more interested in approved behavior modification training.
As a rule owners are not responsible for the separation anxiety and it would not be appropriate to place any blame them.
However the owners actions could possibly yet unintentionally make the problem worse.
It is more likely that the dog has genetic tendency to separation anxiety.
Separation Anxiety Treatment options: 1.
Utilizing an approved behavior modification program alone to help the dog feel more comfortable when it is alone.
2.
A veterinarian prescribed drug regimen alone.
3.
A combination of a veterinarian prescribed drug regimen and an approved behavior modification program.
4.
Consultation with a board certified veterinary behaviorist.
Any and all questions or concerns about drug and behavioral programs should be directed to a licensed, local or family veterinarian prior to implementing any type of regimen or program.
Prevention of Separation Anxiety: Crate training of new puppies should be encouraged, and regular use of the crate when the owners are not leaving is also a good idea so that the crate does not become a warning sign for departure.
Without proper crate training and regular use of the crate, owners may possibly create a negative connection with the crate.
The crate should feel like a safe-haven and a place of relaxation for the dog, not a place of isolation, or punishment.
Owners should also encourage independence, this can be done by teaching a puppy to go to a dog bed or mat away from the rest of the family.
Also allowing the puppy to play with certain toys, only at times when the owner is absent or is at a distance, will help to create a positive connection with being away from the owner.
Securing the toys to a stationary object so that they cannot be removed from the designated area can be compared to allowing children to play video games only when you leave the house or when they are in their designated play area.
Good advice to give the owners is to give the puppy one of its special toys 10 - 20 minutes prior to leaving the house (preferably in the puppy's play area or in the crate) so the puppy will connect the departure with something pleasurable.
It is important that the owner does not overstate arrivals and departures.
Overstated departures may ease the owners hesitation about leaving the puppy alone, but it risks over-stimulating the puppy.
If the owner overstates their departure what is left behind is a puppy with the ultimate dissatisfaction of being left alone.
Separation Anxiety Facts and Treatment: 1.
If a dog exhibits signs of separation anxiety it does not mean they are angry, or are trying to get back at anyone in the family.
2.
Separation anxiety does not come about because the dog is attempting to control or dictate the owner.
3.
Separation anxiety is very much treatable and quite often has a very good prognosis.
4.
To punish the dog is inappropriate and will more than likely increase the anxiety substantially.
5.
Getting another dog as a companion may help with the anxiety or may have little or no effect.
6.
The dog may sporadically experience a setback or recurrence of separation anxiety, predominantly during major changes in the household or in their environment, such as a family relocation.
7.
Drug therapy can ease the pets anxiety, allowing it to be more interested in approved behavior modification training.
As a rule owners are not responsible for the separation anxiety and it would not be appropriate to place any blame them.
However the owners actions could possibly yet unintentionally make the problem worse.
It is more likely that the dog has genetic tendency to separation anxiety.
Separation Anxiety Treatment options: 1.
Utilizing an approved behavior modification program alone to help the dog feel more comfortable when it is alone.
2.
A veterinarian prescribed drug regimen alone.
3.
A combination of a veterinarian prescribed drug regimen and an approved behavior modification program.
4.
Consultation with a board certified veterinary behaviorist.
Any and all questions or concerns about drug and behavioral programs should be directed to a licensed, local or family veterinarian prior to implementing any type of regimen or program.
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