3 Separation Anxiety Myths

Katherine Davidson of Dog Inspired Behavior and Training discusses 3 myths about separation anxiety and the first steps you can take to helping your dog find relief from this common condition.

Together May Be Better

By: Nikki Phillips

Katherine Davidson of Dog Inspired Behavior and Training discusses three myths about separation anxiety and the steps owners can take to help their dog find relief from this common condition.

Davidson is a graduate of the Academy of Dog Trainers (CTC), certified separation anxiety trainer (CSAT), puppy start right instructor, and Fear Free Certified (FFCP). She also works for The Learned Dog made up of a bi-lingual, French and English, group of specialists who offer their services virtually and worldwide. They specialize in separation anxiety and other anxiety issues.

Common Myths

In this video she focuses on the most common separation myths she hears from clients, but stresses there are many myths out there related to this issue.

Myth #1: Your dog needs more structure.

This myth may be connected to comments such as, “No dogs should be allowed on the furniture.” Or “Try ignoring your dog.” Or “If your dog had more obedience training and was not allowed to sleep in bed with you, there would not be a problem.” Instead, Davidson says owners should give their dog all the love. Openly and freely. Her experience, and many studies, show we should allow our dogs follow us and give them lots of love, so they feel
comfortable. This does not increase their separation anxiety or cause any undo harm. There is no need to feel guilty about being the cause of our dog’s anxiety.

Pro Tip: You did not cause this anxiety in your dog, so release the guilt.

Myth #2: Crate training will cure separation anxiety.

The treatment for this type of anxiety is not quite that easy to cure. Most dogs with separation anxiety also experience confinement anxiety. Forcing the dog into a crate, even a heavy duty, spacious one, could make the entire issue worse.

Pro Tip: Crating a dog with separation anxiety could be unsafe and cause harm, especially if they try to escape.

Myth #3: Your dog is acting this way out of spite.

This is usually stated in cases where the dog has destroyed belonging and materials in the house, peed on floor or in a bed, or display a look of guilt. These are especially challenging for us to process when the dog does not present these traits in other situations when we are with them.

Davidson informs us that the look we associate with guilt is actually a demonstration of stress and fear feelings. A dog’s expression of anxiety may look like destructive behavior, potty messes, and/or excessive vocalizations.

To adjust the situation Davidson suggests suspended absences. This means making sure your dog is never left alone and we do this to help reduce general anxiety and prevent them rehearsing unwanted behaviors. This will also help to reduce the negative experiences when they are left alone. Overall, the best tool for combating anxiety is never leave them alone. This may be counter-intuitive because you want your dog to learn to be comfortable to be alone, but there is a process that has to be applied to get to that point.

Remember, you did not cause anxiety in your dog and giving affection will not make it worse. Crate training is not the answer to this problem and may increase the issues and challenges. Your dog is not being spiteful, but they are probably trying to communicate to you that they are scared or stressed.

This information is intended solely as a general educational aid and is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice.

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