Separation Blues

Separation blues is a very common problem that occurs when dogs are frequently left alone. In the milder cases, it can be the result of boredom, and reactions can range in intensity from whimpering to constant barking and howling. Extreme cases can lead to downright neurotic and destructive behavior, like hysterical barking and destroying furniture. Some dogs go as far as to relieve themselves throughout the home. These more extreme behaviours are usually associated with a somewhat serious condition called dog separation anxiety.

Howling or barking while the master is gone is best dealt with by using the handy crate you have for your dog. Keep the crate in the same room with you while you are attending to some project that will take a bit of time. Talk to your dog in a calming voice and in so doing, reassure him that everything is fine.

Begin your absences by walking out of your room for just a minute or so. Gradually increase the time you are gone. When you return, praise the dog in a calm voice or give him a treat. Leaving some article that smells of you will help comfort the dog when you are away, and a toy will keep your dog’s attention on the toy rather than on your absence. Fretting and complaining are reduced considerably, if not entirely eliminated, when your dog is getting plenty of exercise; a dog with a high level of pent-up energy is far more likely to think of ways to act out or misbehave.

Here again, insisting your dog learns that lying down or sitting quietly is what leads to release is very effective. This is taught in the same way you had your dog learn the proper way of gaining admittance to a room or into the house.

Some dogs are fine as long as they can see you. It’s your absence that launches the vocal tirade. If this is the case, walk in and out of the room several times and extend your absences gradually. Just as soon as the dog begins to complain, rush back in and repeat the rap on the crate as you give the quiet command.

Some of the truly stubborn complainers require more drastic measures. By drastic measures, we mean the tried-and-true spray bottle or what we call the “rattle can” method. The scenario remains the same, except when the dog complains about your absence from the room, rush back and give the dog a good shot of water from the steady stream cycle of your spray bottle. This method seems to be very effective with even the most stubborn offender.

Many dogs are fine indoors but resent being left outdoors. If this is the case, the rattle-can approach might work best. You can use an empty aluminum soft drink can and drop a small handful of pennies into it. Shaking this makes a surprisingly loud clatter. When your dog begins to bark, throw the can at the fence or ground near him. If possible, do not let him see you throw the can. Lead him to believe that his sound caused the commotion.

These treatments are usually effective. But then again, some dogs are more persistent than others, and it is up to you to be unwavering in your dedication to the task. Above all, you must have the last word. Never release the dog because he is barking or howling. Release can only come when he is doing what you demand, never because he complained long enough or loud enough.

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