Separation Anxiety Treament Program

SEPARATION ANXIETY TREATMENT PROGRAM

If your veterinarian and your trainer believe that your dog will benefit from medication, Clomipramine is currently the only FDA drug that is approved for use with canines.  Studies show that the combination of a behavior modification program and medication increase the success of rehabilitating dogs afflicted with separation anxiety. 

1)     Identity and understand the problem:  First identify if it is a Separation Anxiety disorder.  Then you must understand that the dog cannot help what he is doing.  Some forms of punishment are not effective and can make the problem worse.  Consult a professional. 

2)     Discourage attachment:  Do not encourage your dog to be constantly by your side.  For example, you are watching television, make your dog lay down on the other side of the room.  Only give attention on your terms…not because he demands it.  Praise your dog when he is relaxed and calm.  Ignore attention-seeking behaviors. 

3)     Provide leadership:  All humans should be the leader and use the `Nothing in life is free' philosophy.  This approach gives your dog a sense of order and structure.  The dog must respond to your commands before anything positive is provided in return.  Use trick training and obedience as a distraction and to build confidence.  Ignore the dog before leaving and upon returning, until the dog has quieted down.

4)     Counter-conditioning: Train your dog to exercise an obedience command or a trick (sit/down/shake) when leaving.  Then alternate the reward for this action with a treat, praise, or touch.  DO NOT get stuck in a new pattern.

5)     Habituation: Go through your 'leaving the house routine' and do not leave.  Do not encourage anxiety by talking in a sad voice or worrying too much.  Dogs feed off their owner's anxiety.  Change your departure routine regularly and break existing patterns by presenting them without leaving.  At random times, go through rituals of leaving: put on cologne, shower, wear work clothes, taking the car keys, even going outside and locking the door (but then coming in again)

6)     Graduated planned departures: The owner starts after one week of habituation, leaving for two minutes, then five minutes, and so on, only increasing the length of absence if no anxiety is exhibited.  This process can take from weeks to months. 

 

2008 Written by Susan Jakobs:  Owner of Midwest Canine Academy, Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  Visit www.dogbuilders.com or www.midwestcanineacademy.com  or call 815-590-8008