Building Independence and Overcoming Separation Anxiety in Dogs

🐾Dogs place a huge value on being with their owners, and separation anxiety can cause them distress.

🏠Signs of separation anxiety in dogs include pacing, destructive chewing, vocalization, and incontinence.

🔑Instead of punishing dogs for their anxiety, it's important to build up their independence and create positive associations with being alone.

⏰Start by offering opportunities for voluntary isolation and gradually increasing periods of semi-isolation and proper isolation.

🐶Recruit the help of your neighbors, friends, or a dog walker to gradually increase the duration of time your dog is alone.

What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?

—Signs of separation anxiety in dogs can include pacing, destructive chewing, vocalization (howling, whining, barking), incontinence, and inability to eat when alone.

How can I help my dog overcome separation anxiety?

—Instead of punishing your dog for their anxiety, you can build up their independence by offering opportunities for voluntary isolation and gradually increasing periods of semi-isolation and proper isolation. Creating positive associations with being alone is key.

Should I punish my dog for exhibiting separation anxiety?

—No, punishing your dog for separation anxiety will only increase their anxiety. It's important to be patient and understanding, and focus on building up their independence and creating positive associations with being alone.

How long does it take for a dog to overcome separation anxiety?

—Overcoming separation anxiety in dogs takes time and patience. It can vary depending on the individual dog and their specific case, but with consistent training and gradual exposure to being alone, improvement can be seen.

Can separation anxiety in dogs be prevented?

—While not all cases of separation anxiety can be prevented, starting prevention early by gradually increasing periods of alone time and creating positive associations with being alone can help reduce the likelihood of separation anxiety developing.

00:34Dogs place a huge value on being with us, and separation anxiety can cause them to suffer when we're absent.

01:01Signs of separation anxiety in dogs include pacing, destructive chewing, vocalization (howling, whining, barking), and incontinence.

01:22Instead of punishing dogs for their anxiety, we should build up their independence in small increments and create positive associations with being alone.

02:48Start by offering opportunities for voluntary isolation, where the dog can choose to be in a den area without you.

03:59Recruit the help of neighbors, friends, or a dog walker to gradually increase the duration of time your dog is alone.