Separation Anxiety: Merlin

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

03 Jun 2006 08:24 AM

Separation anxiety can be a very serious problem in dogs. Take, for example, my friend's dog Merlin. (Or Merlie-Girlie, as I like to call her.)

Merlin is generally friendly; the first time we met, she brought me a sock. She's one of those dogs who likes to greet her people with a toy of some sort. She likes chest rubs and stuffed toys and chicken... and she HATES when anyone leaves.

If Merlin sees you trying to leave, she becomes extremely agitated. She barks, she growls, and she bites. Friends or family, everyone can come in but no one can leave.

Separation anxiety is not uncommon in dogs. Your dog may whine, bark, howl, or scratch at the door when you leave -- these are signs of separation anxiety. In more serious cases, the dog may chew your furniture and belongings, do damage to the door and window frames, or even hurt himself. Think of it this way: your dog doesn't really have a hobby while you're gone. Being home alone is really boring.

Being home alone can also be stressful! To relieve stress, dogs often chew. Offering a rawhide, a new toy, or a food toy like a Kong can give your dog something to do when you're not home. This way, he'll have something appropriate to chew instead of your shoes, your couch cushions, your laundry, or anything else.

Try not to make a big deal out of leaving when you do go out. Slip out the door quietly, with a quick "Be back soon!" or "Be good!" Moaning and wailing over your impending departure will get your dog all worked up... and make things seem even emptier once you are gone.

You can also practice leaving and returning several times a day. Your dog will eventually realize that you aren't abandoning him forever. In the case of Merlin, obedience training may be helpful -- teach her to Stay while everyone slips out the door will protect friends and family from Merlin's anxiety attacks. Obedience training can help build confidence in a skittish dog; learning and performing a task can be a very positive experience!

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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