Separation Anxiety.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs that are in a kennel/shelter environment may display behaviour that we often mistakenly label separation anxiety.

The behaviours that are displayed are usually not from being separated from their owners, but are because they are unsettled. 

Some reasons why they demonstrate these behaviours are:

 

-   They are not well socialised with people, other dogs or unfamiliar environments.

-   They have self esteem issues that have not been dealt with.

 

-   They are a dominant or submissive dog in strange surroundings

 In order to understand the actions of our dogs we need to understand the psychology of dogs.

Background of Dog Psychology

 

Dogs require to be a member of a pack in the natural order of life.  This pack must have a leader.  Domesticated animals look to their human to be the leader of the pack.  Without this leader they are unbalanced.

 

They do not require a lot in their lives in order to feel psychologically and physically fulfilled.  It is when we attempt to humanise dogs, imparting our emotions and how we react to situations, onto them that they become confused and potentially react in an undesired way.  Dogs do not have the same psychological make up as humans do, therefore our actions can confuse them.  Dogs don’t understand human emotions.

 

For example if a person is angry about something that is not to do with the dog, the dog may try and come and snuggle up to or stay really close to the person.  This is perceived by the person as the dog being understanding and supportive.  In reality the dog is being submissive as it believes that the emotions are directed at them.  They are unable to determine the difference between the emotions directed at them and those that are not.

 

Another example we can use is digging in the garden.  A dog may have dug a hole in the garden just after its pack leader left for the day.  They return home to discover the hole, get angry and start yelling.  The dog comes rushing around the corner scared out of its mind not because the hole has been discovered (that job was completed way earlier in the day), however it does think it’s in trouble, but just not why.  The dog cannot connect the digging of the hole with the anger of the person.

 

Dogs do not need much to keep their lives full and balanced.  Unfortunately we can make it difficult for them by humanising them and perceiving what fulfils our needs will full fill their dogs.  In many dogs this encourages unwanted behaviour in order to meet their needs.

A Dog's Outlook  

What a dog requires from us: 

-   direction

-   structure

-   exercise/a job

-   food, shelter & protection

-   love (affection) 

When a dog is living in a situation that does not require them to take on any kind of leadership role, then these are generally dogs that display little or no problem behaviours.  These dogs could be said to be leading well balanced and fulfilled lives.

 

That is to say they are comfortable being part of a pack that provides discipline, structure, protection, shelter, food and affection.  These dogs, in essence, are followers and have no need to feel anxiety or stress as they are living the ideal life of a dog.  Knowing exactly where in the pack they fit, and what is expected of them as a member.

A Human's Outlook 

What humans sometimes expect from owning a dog

 

-   companionship

-   love

-   shoulder to cry on/ good listener

-   grief counsellor

                                                      -   surrogate child                                                    

However, if this balance is knocked off kilter by owners applying human psychology to their dog, this can result in dogs becoming confused about their position in the pack and what is expected of them as pack members.   

Dogs will revert to their natural behaviours compelling them to take action to ensure the survival of the individual and of the pack.  The dog will take on the leadership role left vacant by the humans, resulting in what is often seen as unwanted behaviours in the eyes of the human as most dogs are not suited to lead a pack, let alone a pack of humans that do not speak the same language or more frustratingly, fail to follow the law of the pack. 

Over time the resulting reactions to these behaviours by the humans will more often than not reinforce the dogs need to be an assertive pack leader.  As the human becomes more frustrated, the dog sees this as a weakness and reacts accordingly.  The relationship between human and dog soon spirals out of control (the humans control) and as it does there is an increase in the dogs undesirable behaviours.

Problems Caused By Humanising Dogs

If the dog is not balanced some of the following behaviours may be exhibited by the dog to name a few: 

-  Shyness

-  Destructive behaviour

-  Fearful

-  Aggression towards people

-  Anxiety

-  Noisy (barking)

-  Nippy (breed specific)

-  Snappy (breed specific)

-  Pushy (breed specific)

-  Herding (breed specific)

Adaptability of Dogs 

If the dog considers itself to be the pack leader , then any behaviour problems that are normally displayed when owners are around or within a dogs' territory (which may or may not include the front and backyard as well as the entire street), will in most cases not be displayed once owners are not present and/or on neutral territory.  If not in the owners presence then most of the time the behaviour will change straight away as they do not feel they need to lead and protect (someone else who is calm and assertive has taken the job of pack leader).

If not being influenced by an emotional person, dogs can revert to their natural way of living with surprising ease following the orders of a pack leader not having to be the decision maker and enduring the stress of being pack leader.  Some dogs may take a little longer to give up their position, but as soon as the person proves they can be trusted as a pack leader, they will gladly give up their position of power.

How to Secure Pack Leader Status

Be calm – don't rush, get frustrated or flustered

Be assertive – believe in what you are wanting the dog to do, no hesitation or backing down

Be patient – don't attempt to ask a dog to modify its behaviour if you don't have enough time to complete the task

Be consistent – don't change how you convey a message once it works.  If a dog has been well behaved don’t let it get away with any undesirable behaviour as a reward for a job well done.  Once is enough for a dog to learn anything, sadly that goes for "bad" lessons as well.

 

Using Dog Psychology/Behaviour to Your Advantage

Positive reinforcement, mutual trust and respect, confident handling, consistent leadership and direction can give any dog confidence to deal with new situations.

Avoid falling into the trap of talking or chatting to the dog in a high pitched or anxious/excited voice as this can confuse the dog and runs the risk of the wrong message being conveyed.  This also helps you to stay calm and focused on the job at hand.

Fearful Submissive Dog in an Enclosed Area  

Below are some steps to approach a fearful submissive dog in an enclosed area.  They may need to be repeated to obtain the desired result.

** Note – you MUST be in a calm state and feel comfortable prior to initiating the below steps.

1.  Enter the enclosure calmly (don't be hesitant, but don't rush either) 

2.  Don't stare at the dog 

3.  If the dog doesn't move, sit down facing side on to the dog

4.  If the dog moves, stand side on and wait for it to sit down and only then sit down

5.  If the dog begins sniffing the air, moves closer to sniff you then you can initiate contact – calmly.

6.  If the dog doesn't move then move closer without talking or looking at the dog, and stay calm

7.  When you are almost close enough that your arm or leg is nearly touching part of the dog, wait for the dog to totally relax (lays/sits down, has open mouth pant, not jumpy and tense or acting flighty at noises or you being in the enclosure).

8.  Eventually the dog will either come to sniff & investigate you. It may then initiate physical contact that you can respond to.

9.  If the dog moves away slowly then wait to see if it becomes comfortable with a little more space before moving closer or initiating contact.

10. Once it has relaxed begin moving closer again. If the dog begins showing signs of stress/anxiety, STOP and wait for the dog to relax again.  Once it is calm, leave the enclosure and return later to repeat process.

The Point of View from Both Human and Dog 

Human Definition of Separation Anxiety:  Our dog wants to come with us, he loves us, he is scared on his own, he is lonely on his own and he misses us.

Human Reaction:  I must go back to my dog in an attempt to reassure him.  I should tell him that he is a good dog and that it's okay, not to worry, I’ll be back soon.  I am worried about leaving my poor dog because he becomes anxious and I feel guilty that he is staying home by himself.  Here is a pat on the head to let him know that he is a good dog.

Results:  Over time the anxiety and guilt in us increases each time we are preparing to leave our dog (poor dog hates being left home alone), causing the them to feel that we are not in control of the situation, they need to lead the pack and worry about their pack member when they leave the house.

Dog Definition of Separation Anxiety:  A member of my pack is leaving without the permission of the pack leader and I won’t be able to protect them from danger.

Dog Reaction:  I need to tell them to come back (become vocal) and run around the yard to find a way out so I can bring them back.  I am really anxious and stressed about them going out without protection of the leader.  Oh, finally they are back, however they are quite stressed and worried….I really need to make sure they are protected when they go out again.  They are giving me affection for being so concerned for their wellbeing, so I should definitely protect them.

Results:   Our dogs get worked up each time we show signs of leaving the protection of the pack.  Each time this happens and we reward them on return it compounds that their behaviour is appropriate and it should be continued.  

What Should Happen When a Human Leaves a Dog

We should expect our dog to happily accept and trust, that as pack leaders we are leaving our pack member in a safe environment, and that they will wait patiently for the pack leader to return.  By behaving in the desired manner the dog is fulfilling its role as a member of the pack.

What a Dog Should Do When a Human Leaves

Okay pack leader is out for the day my job is to behave properly and wait for them to come back.  Until then I am free to sniff, pee, poo, chase doves and sun bake.  When they come back I will get a walk, a feed, a play and a belly rub. Too easy!

What different signs are there that a dog is not settling into a new environment?

Barking, pacing, scratching, howling, not moving around freely, not eating, unsure, running away, tail between the legs, shaking/shivering, skittish, growling, biting, snappy with other dogs or humans and not moving on lead.

Constant barking may not mean that a dog is upset, “feeling alone” or anxious.  Dogs use barking as a form of communication and if they are bored to get attention (not because of fear, loneliness or anxiety, but to gain stimulation). 

What are the signs of a well settled dog?

Curious, sniffing, boisterous, playful, open mouth panting, eating, interacting freely, laying/lounging and sleeping.

Different Ideas to Help Dogs Settle into a New Environment

-   Move them to quieter area

-   Move them to an area with more human traffic

-   Take note of behaviour of other dogs in immediate vicinity (are they compatible or causing anxiety) and shuffle dogs to keep the peace

-   Has a dog been settled, but when a new comer has arrived it has changed the dynamic?  Shifting new arrivals may calm all parties down

-   Big dogs and small dogs may antagonise or terrify one another so keep them in separated areas

-   The placement of, or the type of bed may help a dog to feel more secure/comfortable

-Sam

K9 Kalmer