The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [68]
A Two emotions are at work in your household: Teddy’s separation anxiety and your feeling of guilt for having to bid him good-bye each morning and head to work. Guilt affects millions of hard-working dog owners who want to make their homes comfortable and secure for their stay-behind dogs. They feel bad about leaving the dog home alone, but of course they must go to their jobs and earn paychecks. The guilt surfaces when they make a big fuss over their dogs when they come home. Unfortunately, that approach can make dogs like Teddy more clingy and more in need of their attention.
The biggest problems with dogs who are bored or anxious about being left at home include inappropriate elimination, incessant barking, and chewing up household items. Some dogs pace around in a panic or claw at windows and doors. Certain facts you cannot change — unless you win mega-millions in the lottery and can suddenly quit your job! Your dog spends more time inside your home than you do. But you can shed guilt-laden thoughts by designating a safe, cozy spot for Teddy to hang out in during the day and by giving him something fun to do in your absence. It is also important to avoid a common bad habit among working owners: making a big deal out of leaving and returning to your house.
BREED BYTE
Australian shepherds are touted for their ability to herd sheep and cattle, but the breed did not originate in the land down under. It actually got its start in California in the mid-19th century.
Start by rescripting your comings and goings. Some owners unintentionally create separation anxiety in their dogs because they make a big deal of departures (“I’m so sorry I have to go work today, Max, you poor thing”) or arrivals (“Hey, Max! Guess who’s home? Where’s my sloppy kiss?”). For Teddy’s sake, cease the emotion-filled departures and arrivals. Exit and enter without a lot of fanfare. Give him a treat or activity before you walk calmly out the door, but don’t make a fuss about leaving. When you return, say hello, but then spend several minutes checking your mail or listening to your phone messages before making a fuss over him. You are teaching him that it isn’t a big production when you leave and return and that he must wait patiently for your undivided attention.
Here are a few other strategies to turn your home into a haven for Teddy during your absence.
LIMIT HIS ACCESS. You’re right not to crate your dog if you are gone for more than four or five hours at a time. That is far too taxing for any canine bladder or patience. Instead, identify a room in your home where you can close a door or use doggy gates to keep Teddy safely inside. These small places often give dogs like Teddy a feeling of security and may help him to calm down.
BRING ON THE FOOD FEAST. A few minutes before you head out the door for work, give Teddy a hollow, hard rubber toy stuffed with his favorite treat: peanut butter, cream cheese, mashed bananas, pieces of rice cake, or pieces of kibble. Your dog should be so happily working to release every little morsel that he won’t notice your absence for hours. This tactic can help curb destructiveness, overeager greeting, and separation anxiety tendencies. Clean these rubber toys in your dishwasher or hot, soapy water at least once a week.
THOROUGHLY DOG PROOF any room where he will be spending time alone. Provide him with a comfy bed, a couple of favorite toys, and a bowl of water.
TURN ON THE TELEVISION or radio to provide some sound to counter the silence.
VARY THE DAILY ROUTINE. If he likes other dogs, treat Teddy to an occasional day at a doggy day care center or a midday visit from a dog-friendly neighbor or a professional pet sitter. (See Choosing a Good Day Care, page 238–239.)
GIVE HIM PLENTY OF EXERCISE. A tired dog is a more relaxed dog.
Remember not to make a big deal of leaving or returning so you do not feed into