Understanding Anxiety in Dogs

Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety in Dogs

As a canine anxiety specialist, I see firsthand the struggles dogs and pet parents alike suffering from anxiety and anxiety related behaviors. These complex conditions can manifest in various ways, leaving both the dog and owner feeling distressed and frustrated. However, there is hope! With the right approach and dedication, you can help your dog overcome their anxiety and build a stronger bond.

While at first glance, it may appear your dog has become aggressive, developed sudden destructive behaviors, or taken up the hobby of singing the song of his people for hours on end. Maybe your dog has started biting you as you depart or arrive from home, or has developed a taste for mini blinds, door frames, or carpet. Are you having to padlock your dog into his crate to prevent him from escaping while you're away? Perhaps you think your dog has just recently become vindictive or resentful of you leaving them home alone, whatever the case, it's important to take a step back and look at the big picture.

Often times these behaviors are a response to stress and anxiety- not your dog "trying to get back at you" or becoming "vicious and creepy".

These problems can develop from an array of things. Some as extreme as being attacked, a death in the family, or seemingly simple, "safe" experiences such as a recent move, others as benign as rearranging the furniture. Every dog is different, just like people. So, each dog is going to have their own idea of what is safe, and what is not safe. At the end of the day- when you get right down to it- every canine behavioral; issue stems from the same place- the dog feels unsafe. Seems so simple and silly, right? Unfortunately, we don't get to decide that for them. They are individuals, just like we are. As pet parents, it's our job to create and maintain an environment for the dogs we bring into our home that makes them feel secure.

One of the most prevalent problems I see that often masquerades as other problem behaviors is Separation Anxiety, or what we have come to refer to as Separation related problems/behaviors (SRP/SRB).

When I start working with a client- one of the first questions I ask is: "How do they handle alone time?" Unfortunately- the answer they give is not always accurate. Not because they are a bad pet parent, but because it's something that happens when they aren't there to observe it- so in their eyes, its not a problem because it doesn't exist. Until they get a nasty note from a neighbor or animal control shows up at their door following up on a report someone has made.

But why let it get that far?

Before I work with a client, I require they leave behind a camera for 10 minute absence to verify that we are not in fact dealing with separation related problems. The reason why is simple- because once we address the SRP, often times (not always) but fairly frequently, the other behavioral issues the dog appears to be struggling with simply fall into place as we tackle and overcome the separation problems. So, if you're curious if your dog's behavioral issues are stemming from SRP/SRB, I recommend a security camera like a Furbo, or a Ring, if you're on a budget, Amazon has some great finds like the one I use: BluRams, or if you have an old smart phone that connects to Wi-Fi and has a working camera you can download a free app like Alfred.

Whatever you decide, it's absolutely imperative that you eliminate the possibility of SRP/SRB-

OR- no matter who you hire, or what kind of training you try- the problems are going to return, most often with a vengeance. This is primarily because dogs are incredibly emotional animals, who have emotional responses to changes in things like their routine and environment. We have to work with our dogs to get down to the root of the problems, not against them by trying to "train out" unrelated behaviors.

Not all dogs experiencing anxiety will be suffering from SRP/SRB, there are a host of anxiety related behaviors ranging from sound phobia to stranger danger, confinement anxiety, over arousal/overwhelm, the list goes on. The good news is- more often than not, the treatment is much the same. The most common humane methods include counterconditioning, differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors, and gradual exposure.

While there's no single "magic bullet" for this issue, one approach stands out for its effectiveness: counterconditioning and desensitization (CC/DS). This technique involves gradually exposing your dog to triggers that evoke anxiety in a safe and controlled environment, while simultaneously pairing these triggers with positive experiences. The goal is to shift their emotional response from fear or anxiety to calmness and relaxation. It's a process that takes time, and patience. But remember- these behaviors didn't develop overnight, so we aren't going to be able to fix them overnight. Methods that boast quick fix results will always fail eventually. Anyone who tells you any different is lying to you and will have absolutely zero problem taking your money regardless of whether or not you end up with a resolution.

You have to ask yourself- Do you want it fast? Or do you want it forever?

In recent years, anxiety in dogs has been on the rise. Partly due to the pandemic restrictions preventing young dogs and new rescues from being properly socialized, some because the environments they knew to be normal changed quickly and drastically when those restrictions were lifted, and even before that- the fact that dogs are being kept and raised as a far more integral part of our family lives than ever before. Great for the future of dogs! Bad for the dogs living through this collective learning curve of the general populous due to decades of false information being the driving force for profit within the dog training industry.

But it doesn't have to stay that way!

There are a plethora of professionals out there providing solid, humane, evidence backed training based in the most up to date canine cognitive behavioral science. Tackling canine anxiety alone can be daunting, especially with the abundance of misinformation readily available.

To empower you on this journey, I've curated a list of valuable resources:

Books:

• Fixing Separation Anxiety by Malena DeMartini: This comprehensive guide delves into the science and practice of CC/DS, offering step-by-step instructions and practical tips for implementation.

• Be Right Back! by Julie Naismith: Written in a clear and engaging style, this book provides practical strategies for managing separation anxiety, including desensitization exercises, crate training, and common pitfalls to avoid.

• I'll Be Home Soon by Patricia McConnell: This insightful book explores the emotional roots of separation anxiety and offers a compassionate approach to understanding and treating the condition.

Podcasts:

• The Bitey End of the Dog with Michael Shikashio: This podcast features interviews with renowned dog trainers and behaviorists who share their expertise on various canine behavior issues, including separation anxiety.

• Separation Anxiety Podcast with Julie Naismith: As the title suggests, this podcast focuses solely on separation anxiety, providing valuable information and guidance from a leading expert in the field.

• The Cog Dog Podcast: Featuring a diverse range of guests, this podcast offers a broader perspective on canine behavior and cognition, often delving into topics relevant to separation anxiety management.

• Pet Talk Today with Will Bangura: This podcast is an excellent resource for all types of behavior challenges from the perspective of a "crossover trainer" which is someone who began their career utilizing aversive methods and after years of experience came to the conclusion that evidence based, positive training methods are more effective. (Will actually has a great episode detailing different types of anxiety in dogs right now)

  Remember, success in overcoming canine anxiety requires commitment and patience. While self-guided approaches can be effective with the right resources, I always encourage seeking professional help if needed.

The process of finding a qualified dog trainer is overwhelming. If you believe your dog may be suffering with SRP/SPB, find a trainer or behaviorist who specializes in separation anxiety. The good news is, if the person you're considering is in fact a trainer who specializes in these issues, they will offer remote sessions. There is a host of reasons why SRP/SRB should be and is most effectively done remotely, but that's a topic for a different article. A good rule of thumb is: if they know what they are doing, they WILL be doing the training remotely. Thats a good first clue in assessing if you're talking to the right person for the job.

By combining these resources with the guidance of a qualified professional, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to help your dog overcome separation anxiety and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Additional Tips:

• Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog: This could be a crate, a designated room, or a playpen. Ensure it's filled with familiar items and toys that provide comfort. I refer to them as "Zen Dens"

• Maintain a consistent routine: This helps your dog anticipate your departures and arrivals, reducing anxiety.

• Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: Make sure you are working their brain as much as their body.

• Never punish your dog for anxiety-related behaviors: This will only exacerbate the problem.

• Celebrate even the smallest victories: This reinforces your dog's progress (and yours!) & keeps you both motivated.

Remember, with patience, dedication, and the right resources, you can help your dog overcome any anxiety related behavioral challenge and build a stronger, more harmonious relationship, giving both you and your dog the freedom you deserve.

Erin Elizabeth

Pet Parent Life (Dog Training Near You)

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