The close bond between man and dog is a great joy to many. We enjoy and encourage this
friendship in our daily lives. If your dog, however, becomes too dependent on you and your
presence, dog separation anxiety can develop.

“The disappointment of separation that is felt by new school children is similar to the frustration
felt by dogs when people leave them alone at home. The bond that is felt between dogs and
their humans can be very strong,” says Dr Peter Higgins, Veterinary Adviser and
spokesperson for Dogs NSW. “As we send our children to school at the start of the new year,
we can think about how to ease the anxiety of our four-legged friends who can also be upset
about a new separation.”

Separation anxiety affects up to 10% of family pet dogs. The signs include destructive
behaviour and excessive barking. Whining, howling and licking are common responses which can lead to further frustration and anxiety, upsetting for both the dog and for others who are left in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately this is a common reason for dogs being sent to animal shelters.

True symptoms of dog separation anxiety will only appear when the dog is parted from his best friend. Dogs are pack animals. When you establish yourself as the pack leader, your dog, a pack member, can become disturbed when you are absent. Your dog may search for a way to be reunited with you.

“A dog doesn’t understand where, why and when you have gone, nor if you will return. An item of clothing with your smell will fool your dog into a peaceful comfort zone. A radio in the next room replicates the familiar human voices and suggests your presence, creating a calm tranquillity,” advises Dr Higgins.

Some dogs can even become stressed if it looks like they are going to be separated. If your dog grows anxious when you and your family get ready to leave, there are ways to train your furry friend. A common trigger for separation anxiety is the collection and jangling of keys. Try getting your keys and then sitting down ignoring your dog’s anxious response. Gradually your dog will learn that collecting keys is not a signal for distress.

This process is called desensitisation. He slowly gets accustomed to the departure actions

and eliminates the trigger to his reaction of anxiety.

“One of the most common complaints that vets and animal shelters receive is a continually
barking or howling dog. Some owners also complain that their dog digs holes in the yard. This
is almost certainly caused by separation anxiety but can be fixed with a clear understanding of
what causes the problem,” says Dr Higgins. Dogs NSW suggests that we consider our dogs
as we start the new academic year and prepare our dogs for a new separation, just as we do

for our children.