Separation behaviors – lose the crate?

dog with separation anxiety

First in a series

Question:

I am trapped in my own home because of my Shih Tzu. He is a wonderful dog, but he goes bonkers when I leave. I have him caged because of his destructive behavior. Now he is sopping wet when I come home, panting his head off, his cage is all wet and his feet are a mess.  Please help me, I love him.

Dr. Nichol:

Nearly all dogs with separation anxiety are wonderful pets – except when home alone. They do not rip up the carpet, dig holes in a wall, tear down the blinds, or even jump through windows to “punish” their people. They’re overwhelmed, panicked, frantically trying to escape. I’ve treated the broken nails, cut lips, and fractured teeth. It’s very sad.

The brain pathology that drives these freakouts is complex. Severe cases are challenging but we can help most of them improve by implementing research-based treatments – for life. They’re never cured. Take a few big tummy breaths and roll up your sleeves.

Step one is a thorough diagnosis. What!!?? Isn’t it obvious? Well, let me say this about that. Applying the same treatment to every dog with this miserable affliction would only help some of them somewhat. If we want the best possible outcome for every suffering dog and human, we must uncover every detail.

Unless you live off the grid in a cave, I’m betting you have a smart phone. Invest $13 in a table top tripod (Amazon). Snap in your phone and aim it at your unhappy little guy to gather evidence twice – once with him crated and again, on a different day, with him loose indoors.

Dogs watch their leaders. Pets with separation anxiety focus with great intensity, missing nothing. Start your spying mission by carrying out every detail of your pre-departure ritual as though you’ll be gone all day. Include all personal quirks, habits that only you and your Shih Tzu would know. Switch on the video camera and leave; I mean really leave. Your dog will catch onto the ruse if he doesn’t hear you drive away. After 30 minutes you’ll have vital evidence that will make success possible.

Next week: Why is this happening? Is it your fault?

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.