Is It Normal for Dogs to Be Closely Attached?

Every time a family member prepares to step out, the dog's mood sours visibly. From the moment the preparations begin, the canine companion becomes almost inseparable, tagging along as you move from the bathroom to the kitchen, or even into the bedroom. Upon the owner's return, the dog's excitement is palpable. Some dogs, left alone at home, might exhibit perplexing behaviors, such as turning the house into chaos or even defecating in inappropriate places. If your furry friend shows these symptoms, it may be suffering from a degree of separation anxiety.

Dog Separation Anxiety

"Separation anxiety" is a term that describes a dog's excessive dependence on their owner, making it difficult for them to live independently. Without their human companion, these dogs can become deeply melancholic and anxious, resorting to unusual behaviors as a result.

Causes of This Behavior:

Some dog breeds are naturally more inclined to be dependent on their owners, such as sheepdogs, which have historically maintained close working relationships with humans. They are accustomed to following commands and have a special bond with their handlers, leading to a strong sense of loyalty.

However, in our daily lives, the primary cause of this behavior is often the experiences that dogs have, which deepen their dependence on their owners and make them more clingy. For instance, dogs that were abandoned and then rehomed might fear being abandoned again, leading to an overdependence on their owners.

Some dogs become overly attached to their owners because their owners inadvertently reinforce this behavior; when the dogs cling and beg for attention, the owners often respond with affection, treats, or toys, which reinforces the desire to be close to them.

But for dogs with separation anxiety, this can be quite distressing. Owners should encourage their dogs to be more independent and build their confidence.

Symptoms of Dogs with Separation Anxiety:

When with their owners, dogs feel secure.

When left alone, they might refuse to eat, remain inactive indoors, and in severe cases, they could whine to express their helplessness and frustration. They might also engage in destructive behaviors or urinate or defecate inappropriately. Sometimes, overly anxious behavior might be triggered by underlying growth factors. Dogs might lose their hearing or sight as they age, leading to a lack of security and an increased need for their owner's presence. Cognitive dysfunction in older pets can also lead to behavioral changes and separation anxiety. It's important to conduct a physical examination to rule out any underlying medical issues.

How to Help Dogs Overcome Separation Anxiety:

1. Involve Family Members in Care

If there are other people in the household, encourage them to engage more with the dog, such as feeding, training, playing, and walking. This helps the dog become familiar with each family member, reducing their dependence on a single owner and can significantly aid in alleviating separation anxiety.

2. Avoid Overindulging Your Dog

When your dog constantly seeks affection and attention, it's important for owners to ignore these requests, even if the dog whines or barks for attention. Instead of immediately complying, use a system of conditional negotiation to set boundaries. Overindulgence can actually worsen separation anxiety, much like with children.

3. Leave the Dog Out of Your Sight

Don't always stay within the dog's line of sight. Occasionally step out of their view and let them know that you will return shortly. Additionally, you can train them with exercises like "stay" or "leave" to enhance their independence.

4. Maintain Calm on Arrival and Departure

Excessive enthusiasm when you come and go can exacerbate separation anxiety. When you return home, try to greet your dog calmly without overthetop affection.

5. Avoid Saying Goodbye

When you pick up your keys, your dog may start to show signs of anxiety because it knows you're about to leave. Train your dog to adapt to this situation by providing treats when you pick up the keys, closing the door, and leaving for a short period. Gradually increase the duration of your absences and avoid saying goodbye to reduce their sensitivity to the event.

6. Encourage SelfPlay

When you leave, engage your dog in activities that distract them. For example, play a hideandseek game with treats hidden in hollow toys around the house. This can keep your dog occupied for a considerable amount of time.

7. Consider Medication

If your dog's separation anxiety is severe, consult with a veterinarian for prescribed medication to help manage the symptoms. Each dog's level of anxiety is different, and training methods can vary accordingly. Regardless of whether your dog has separation anxiety, it's crucial for owners to help their pets learn to be independent and not overly dependent on them, fostering a healthy and confident canine companion.