Separation Anxiety

You are not alone: Researchers estimate that up to 20% of dogs become distressed to the point of panic when left alone. This distress is usually referred to as separation anxiety. A puppy or dog who panics when left alone may:

• Howl, bark, and/or whimper for a very long period after you leave
• Try to break out of a crate, often to the point of injury
• Eliminate in the house — though they are accident-free when you’re home
• Destroy objects such as remote controls, furniture, and window and door frames (things that smell like you and your home’s exit points)
• Ignore food toys that she normally enjoys when you’re home 

You — as well as your dog — need peace of mind when you go out

Separation anxiety is equally hard on a dog’s guardians. In addition to feeling upset about your dog’s distress, you wonder “What will happen this time?” Will your dog chew up the furnishings or bark nonstop to the point where the neighbors leave notes on your door and your landlord threatens eviction? 

We regularly went out with knots in our stomach and came home to scenes like the one pictured. We finally learned that our beloved Petey was panicking when alone and that this destruction was a manifestation of his panic. Through the Missions (see below) we did with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Petey can now happily be left alone for more than four hours at a time.