I am sure almost anyone who has owned a pet in their life has experienced what it is like to leave your pets at home and them beg you not to leave. This has been my experience for the majority of my childhood and into my adult years of having a pet. I have a 2 year old Aussie, Bear, who absolutely adores us. He believes he is the alpha leader and his sole purpose on this earth is to protect us from the mailman and strangers passing by while we sit in the car. (As you can imagine, this only results to busted eardrums and additional anxiety)
I mention Sasha Armstrong quite often in these blogs because I truly believe in her work. She has very knowledgable and beautiful perspectives on dogs and their behavioral patterns. Sasha explains in this article how dogs are descendants from wolves and their deepest root is to take care of one another as a pack, and of course there is a wolf leading this pack. Dogs can be easily swayed in today's society to believe they are the alpha. We see our dogs as our babies and whenever we see them sad or upset we immediately want to fix it. However, this may not always be in their best interest.
What is separation anxiety?
At its essence, separation anxiety manifests as distressing emotional turmoil in dogs when they are separated from their caregivers. Whether you're stepping out briefly or for a longer period of time, your dog may feel uncertain about your return, especially if the boundaries within the pack aren't clearly defined. Left unaddressed, this can lead to various behavioral issues such as destructive chewing, incessant barking, or indoor accidents.
During the recent transition out of quarantine, separation anxiety became a prominent concern, particularly among pandemic puppies. With many individuals working remotely and spending extended periods at home, these dogs grew accustomed to constant company, making it challenging for them to cope with being apart from their family members or pack mates as life returned to normalcy.
Why does separation anxiety happen & how can we minimize it?
To decrease separation anxiety in dogs, embodying the alpha role is key, and it involves two main steps, particularly when physically leaving your home. Firstly, it's essential to maintain a calm and collected demeanor. Reflect on your unconscious expectations regarding your dog's behavior when you're away. Your energy profoundly influences your dog, so it's crucial to disassociate from any negative narratives you may inadvertently project onto them.
Secondly, limit engagement and communication before departing. While it might feel instinctive to comfort your dog when they seem sad or anxious about your departure, excessive interaction can reinforce their fears. Petting, playing, giving treats, or even making eye contact can inadvertently signal to your dog that something is wrong and heighten their stress. Instead, projecting positive and calming energy can reassure your dog that everything is okay, fostering a sense of security and peace in your absence.
By taking control and establishing yourself as the leader in your canine relationship, you can create a supportive and positive environment for your furry friend, ultimately alleviating separation anxiety and promoting a stronger bond.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety isn't an easy hurdle, but it's a common aspect of human-canine relationships. If you want more information and are interested in taking a holistic route with your pet, check out Sasha's website here. She can help you understand your role as an Embodied Alpha and how crucial it is to align the pack hierarchy by assuming the position of the pack leader. This is the most effective way to alleviate this stress and anxiety in your dog. By taking on this responsibility, you alleviate the burden from your dog's shoulders and create space for healthy growth and development. A grounded dog is a happy dog, and establishing yourself as the leader of the pack paves the way for just that!
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