News You Can Use
Separations never are easy-just ask Fido!
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Susan Hughes
Aug. 14, 2006
STARKVILLE, Miss.-Paper-strewn floors, ripped furniture and broken knick-knacks-descriptions of a house that's been robbed or, more likely, the home of a dog suffering from separation anxiety.
"Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members," explains Dr. Mark Russak of Mississippi State University. "They become anxious and show distress symptoms when separated from their owners."
The College of Veterinary Medicine professor says that, in addition to property destruction, symptoms may include whining, barking, pacing, floor-soiling, or depression. Most often, these patterns occur within 20 minutes of the owners' departure.
While it may be instinctive to consider punishment to correct the dog's behavior, Russak says this reaction can be counterproductive. "Separation anxiety is a stubborn behavior problem that responds best when owners use a behavior modification program developed by a professional animal behaviorist," he adds.
Retraining can help reduce the dog's anxiety over its master's departure. Avoiding departure cues and keeping the dog occupied also can help.
Some other techniques Russak suggests include:
- Arranging for another human to stay with the dog.
- Having the dog crated if no one is available, though this option should be employed with caution since an anxious dog may injure itself trying to escape. (Crates should always be placed in a room in which the dog is comfortable.)
- Adding electronic mats, indoor electric fencing and motion detectors to set interior boundaries.
- Employing commercial taste deterrents to prevent chewing; for short separations, a muzzle can control behavior while allowing the dog to roam free.
Upon the owner's return home, dogs should be calm before receiving attention.