THE
DREADED SEPARATION ANXIETY
Separation
anxiety is one of the more difficult issues to overcome. But, far better than an aggressive problem.
Have you ever used a crate? Perhaps you
have and perhaps your dog has not coped well in one, but if you haven't tried it, we strongly suggest you do. When a
dog is left to his own devices at home with the run of the entire house, he can get into a lot of trouble in an effort to
relieve the anxiety he's feeling. Sometimes, it's just a matter of having too much space - it can be overwhelming to an already
insecure dog. A crate can offer him security and comfort while you're out (but never more than 8 hours for a healthy adult
dog - and puppies & senior dogs should not be left alone for more than their bladders can manage).
A crate should always be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement training only
- never as a source of discipline. Only good things should be associated with the crate. When you go to leave, don't make
a fuss. If he's a peanut butter fan, you've got it made! The night before, fill a kong with his favourite treats and top it
off with unsweetened peanut butter. Put it in the freezer overnight. Give him the kong in the crate when you leave. Separation
anxiety usually sets in within the first 20 minutes of your leaving. If he has something to occupy him in that timeframe,
it can help to lessen his anxiety.
A blanket should
be placed over the crate (you can leave the front portion uncovered so he can see out but you want to make it as much like
a cave as possible). If he has a tendancy to pull things into the crate, i.e. blanket, carpet, etc., then opt for a Vari Kennel
(the ones that resemble an igloo). If he tends to knock over his water, you can purchase a receptacle that attaches to the
door of the crate or to the bars of a wire crate. Make sure he has a blanket (you can buy baby blankets for next to nothing
at Value Village if he has a habit of shredding them). Put on some soft music and soft lighting to help calm him. And, don't
make a fuss. The same goes for when you return.
As hard
as it is, you should ignore him for at least 15-20 minutes after you arrive home. And even then, you want to remain casual.
"Hi little beagle boy, how are you? Let's take you out for a tinkle" - that sort of thing.
If, however, he is at risk of
causing harm to himself in a crate, it may not be the solution - unless the anxiety can be reduced.
Equally important is the level of physical and
mental stimulation he's getting while you're with him. He should be going out for a nice walk in the morning before
you leave for work - that will help to tire him out for the day ahead. A tired dog is a happy dog! He should get another
invigorating walk after you get home. Socializing with other dogs is also a plus - unless he's not good with other dogs
of course in which case some training with a good behaviourist is suggested.
You may also want to consider a dog walker to come in mid-day to
take him for a walk. The only concern with this approach is maintaining it. If you ever had to stop using a dog walker, the
separation anxiety could escalate. Same scenario when using a doggy daycare facility. Unless your dog is plagued with severe
separation anxiety, using a doggy day care every day can often make matters worse. Your dog needs to get used to being left
alone so that it does not cause him such anxiety when you do go out. After all, everybody has to go out now and then. We cannot
be imprisoned in our own house because of our dogs.
If all else fails, and you've ruled out any medical issues, then speak to your vet about Clomicalm.
It's a very mild drug that helps to reduce anxiety in dogs. It doesn't work for every dog mind you, but it has proven to be
quite successful in many.
Finally, go back to our Home
Page and click on Joan Weston articles to read her article, "What Really Matters". With any
luck, it will serve to inspire you not to give up on your beagle...at least not until you've tried everything. Shoes
can always be replaced, but not that crazy yet adorable beagle of yours.
Hoping you will carefully consider the advice we've provided here. It's important
to understand that re-homing your beagle should be the last resort. It
doesn't matter whether a home is found for him where his people are home more often than not. As mentioned above, we all have
to leave our house sometimes. As you can imagine, it's not easy finding loving homes for dogs with health or behavioural issues. Your
beagle is counting on YOU to help him through this problem. You're his family. Are you sure
you want to take a chance that someone else will be just as committed as you? Please consider giving him another try.
There are far too many unwanted dogs in our shelters because we didn't learn the one most important thing from our pets -
unconditional love.
