Dealing with Separation Anxiety

The last article on this site on Separation Anxiety addressed prevention.  Yeah, that’s all good, but how do you solve the problem, right?

I first read Chris Conklin’s SA article on a discussion group .  The analogy in her introductory comments stuck with me over the years and will help you understand your Weim’s mindset, so I’m sharing them here before we get into the meat of the article:

In a dominant or highty interactive dog (like most Weims exhibiting SA) it is more of an attitude of  ”you can’t function without my partnership; you are not in control, I am. Don’t go without me.”  I usually tell clients to think of the emotions a mother would feel if their 13 year old daughter locked them into a bedroom and said, “See ya around 5 am.”  More than a few finger nails would be broken trying to escape and a few pints of ice cream eaten awaiting the return.

Separation Anxiety

by Chris Conklin

Separation anxiety is a common problem with Weimaraners that can have many precluding factors, including but not limited: to genetics, litter rearing, dominance, submission and boredom or stress. The causes of separation anxiety are not nearly as important as is the need to overcome the behavioral manifestations of the condition. Below is an ever-growing inventory of suggestions on dealing with these behaviors.

The safest confinement methods must be used to prevent the dog from seriously injuring itself or doing severe property damage, often in the thousands of dollars. The crate should become a ritual part of the pet’s day, consistently use the crate at scheduled times and often when you are home. If the crate is not an integral part of the dog’s day, the crate will soon become associated with separation. A strong crate of the correct size is an important factor in helping anxiety prone dogs. Invest in a quality crate with sturdy welds; sometimes even a high quality plastic or wire crate may need further fortification depending on the dog, and there are various methods for reinforcing both types.

Many pets prefer the plastic kennels to the wire, as they afford a greater sense of security. In selecting a kennel, the height should measure taller than the dog can arch his back, and make certain you feel no give when you try to shake the door; the dog will frantically attempt escape through any areas it can feel movement.  Position the crate in either the activity center of the home, the owner’s bedroom, or even have one in each area. The dog should not feel isolated; if you wouldn’t go there to sit and read a book, your Weim doesn’t want to be there either.

Treats used in training should only be given outside the kennel; all other feeding, including regular daily meals and especially all extra treats are given within the crate.  When kenneling the dog, use a specific command in a quiet, firm, authoritative voice; if you say “Aww, come on, you gotta get into your bed now…” the dog will become reluctant and refuse to go in his crate, as you sound as if you don’t really want him in there at all. If the dog won’t enter the crate willingly, physically put him into the crate without any delay or coaxing.

When you prepare to leave home, complete at least three ritual behaviors before he enters the crate: the dog goes outside, comes in, does a short down stay, gets a treat for the correct behavior, and is then kenneled at least 15 minutes before you go.

He should be left in the crate for five to ten minutes after you return home, and after you’ve had time to observe three ritual behaviors: take off your shoes, listen to messages, and pour a glass of wine, for example. Ignore all unwanted behaviors he exhibits in his crate just as if he was invisible and you were deaf.

Then, if the dog is not barking, he is allowed out of his cage; if you are beginning training, a treat can be given to quiet him. After he is out of the crate, he should then be ignored for two full minutes; if he refuses to be ignored and doesn’t remain composed, put the dog on a leash and stand on it where it hits the ground to limit his actions. Invest in a chain leash should the dog try to chew on it to get your attention.

Never clean the kennel of his saliva or waste in his presence, as you will seem submissive. For bedding, use cheap blankets cut into quarters; if the dog destroys the blanket, little is lost. The dog should always have a blanket in his crate, even if he destroys it every day. The only exception is if the dog actually will ingest the blanket.

Try to wear the dog out physically and mentally before he is to be left alone; a 15-minute walk or out to go potty is not nearly enough. At least 20 minutes of real exercising or running, along with a 10-minute obedience drill works wonders on the dog’s attitude before you leave.

Weimaraners are very intelligent dogs and need outlets for their capabilities. Enroll him in some type of classes, or give him a hobby such as: obedience, agility, hunting or therapy dog work. If Weims don’t have mental stimulation, they get overly fixated on their owners, often in such an unhealthy way as to create separation anxiety. Many of these dogs can benefit from doggie day care.

When the dog is to be left alone in his kennel, several things can be done that may help thwart anxiety:

• You can put on your shoes and coat out of sight of the dog.
• Go out a door where the dog isn’t sure if you actually left. 
• Try playing a radio or covering the crate with a blanket. 
• Give the dog a Kong toy frozen with peanut butter or cheese whiz for a pacifier.
• Sometimes herbal remedies, flower essences, homeopathic, or even using prescription medications such as Clomicalm may help reduce the anxiety level.

Many Weims have personality traits common to dogs suffering from separation anxiety; often it is an issue of owner management than as to degree. When your dog knows what to expect from you and what your expectations of him are, he will have the greatest security, and at the same time unwanted behaviors are depleted.

Separation Anxiety Help

• Join the k9sepanx group.  There is a wealth of information in the archives. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/k9sepanx/
• K9 Pet Supply makes crates that will hold wild animals (Empire series) http://www.k9petsupply.net/premca.html
• Another good link is http://www.schnauzerama.org/sa_weim.htm
• Try to go to a lower protein food. Some people go as low as 10% while working on the SA.
• Lots and lots of exercise and training.
• Get these two excellent books by Dr. Patricia McConnell: How to be the Leader of the Pack – and Have Your Dog Love You For It! and I’ll Be Home Soon! – How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety,.  The first will help establish a better relationship between you and your dog and he will be calmer when he really understands his position; and the second deals with both preventing and curing SA. 
• Another good read is The Dog Who Loved Too Much by Dr. Nicholas Dodman

Chris Conklin has been training dog owners since 1985. She is the founder and director of Michigan Weimaraner Rescue, and breeds under the kennel name Celestial Weimaraners

Patricia McConnell, PhD is a well regarded animal behaviorist. A very reasonably priced book!

At only $4.95, this McConnell book is a must read!

Dodman is a Professor at Tufts Vet School. He talks about diet, exercise, environment and drugs to manage SA.

This book describes a step-by-step program for a dog with SA problems or to implement with a new puppy.

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Have you tried any of these techniques with your Weim? What has worked for you? What hasn’t? Please share in the comments section below.