Trifecta Of Troubles Part 2 Take A Walk Without The Dog

“Sheltering in place” directives are universally welcomed by dogs experiencing separation issues. To have his beloved hominid(s) at home 24/7 is the dog’s dream come true and this formidable affliction slips into remission. But there will come a time when humans have to resurface at school or work. At that point, the prognosis for resolving this intimidating disorder will take a deep dive. Causes are varied- rehoming, a traumatic event, moving, never being left alone, schedule changes, death of an owner, etc. Separation issues range from mild cases of pacing and whining to an alarming misery which may involve destruction, elimination and self harm. Severe cases may require working with a vet and medication. Nothing funny about it. A combination of resources and resourcefulness is required to meet this problem. An essential element of treating this disorder is to keep the dog “below threshold,” meaning he cannot be left alone longer than he can tolerate. As work and school necessitate an owner’s absence, this may require taking a pup to daycare, a dog walker or an understanding friend or neighbor to fill in alone time gaps (when next allowed). Separation Anxiety can be a daunting predicament that requires patience, knowledge, time, and technology. Some instructive books are Don’t Leave Me by Nicole Wilde, Treating Separation Anxiety In Dogs by Malena DeMartini and Canine Separation Anxiety Workbook by James O’Heare. Now, as we “shelter in place,” is the perfect opportunity to set some groundwork to treat separation issues and to help prevent the easily foreseeable surge in stressed dogs as people return to work and school. 

A major goal is to be able to go for a walk without your dog. This does not mean that your pooch should not be walked- on the contrary, he needs plenty of exercise to get the good brain chemistry going. Numerous walks, retrieving, calling him back and forth, hide and seek, find it games are all beneficial. But we do want to close the door and leave behind a relaxed Buddy. A dog suffering with a separation problem is not easily convinced it is a good idea to be left alone. As these pups often crave physical contact it is best to gradually introduce social distancing inside the house. Limit the cuddles on the couch. Teach him to go to a bed (or crate, if safe) and gradually move his target destination into another room. He must be comfortable a short distance away from you in sight before you can expect him ok without you present. Make all comings and goings calm, ignore Buddy a great deal of the time. He needs to know it is all right to be on his own. He can learn it can be rewarding to be away from you. Since many dogs will not eat when alone, give him a stuffed kong(s) or favored chew toy ( for a high tech solution check out the Pet Tutor®). Hang out a while, as you don’t want the kong to signal you are leaving. Step away and return, gradually adding more time and distance as Buddy ignores you. Use a thin knotted rope through the small hole to tie the kong to something if he continually returns to you with his prize. Eventually, we want him relaxed and comfortable behind a baby gated or closed door. Put his secured kong or chew on a doggie bed (or in a crate, if safe, with an open door) in this room. Send him to bed (or crate) from close by. Take a step back and over time add more distance until he can be sent from the next room. Meanwhile, making sure his kong(s) is stuffed with enticements to keep him on his bed (or if need be tied to the back of the crate), build up the time he is on the bed. Hang with him, as before, but now the goal is to leave the room for an instant and then longer, until he can be left relaxed behind a closed door. Music, TV, or a looped recording of normal household activity may be helpful. But do not let these sounds predict absence, play them in the background regularly. Leave an article of unwashed laundry. Over time, build up a repertoire of basic behaviors- Name Recognition, Leave It /Take it, Sit, Down, Come, Polite Walking, etc. He needs to know what is expected of him. Review the impulse control exercises in Part 1, remember to reward calm behavior. Deactivate any triggers- keys jangling, slipping on shoes, garage door opening, starting the car, hair dryer, walking to and through the door, etc., by repeating over and over until it does not predict your departure (or doing what was a ritual differently, like leaving and returning through a different door). Gradually extend time outside the door. Your mantra has become “below threshold.” True separation anxiety is complex and will require outside help. Dogs who presently have their people at home will become distressed when schedules change and “normal” life resumes. Dogs need to be confident and comfortable being left alone. Your mission, and Buddy will be happier if you accept it, is to go for a walk without the dog.