[Dailydrool] Separation Anxiety

[Dale Rutz]

Our Sugar Magnolia had AWFUL separation anxiety and she ate furniture as a 
result of it.  She did get better, and she did eventually stop eating anything 
in the house (although she would still dig holes to China when someone 
traveled).  At the time our finances were severely restricted and I turned to 
the humane society who had an animal behavioralist on staff and phone 
consultations were FREE.  I called her several times a week for a couple of 
months to report on symptoms and progress and talk it all out.  I am GREATLY 
simplifying but what helped Maggie most were:
 
1)       A distraction that kept her busy for at least 10 minutes when we left.  
A Kong stuffed with peanut butter was her favorite.  The behavioralist told me 
that almost always the destruction happens in the first 10 minutes after you 
leave while the dog is in panic mode, after that they calm down although 
sometimes they get nervous about what they’ve done.
2)      Someone to talk to.  We have a neighbor who is home days over the back 
fence.  And a dog door.  We told Jill about our issue and Jill would go out back 
and call to Maggie, especially if she heard her crying.  She’d toss treats or 
small toys over the fence.   Maggie figured out she wasn’t completely alone.
3)  A routine.  We were told that at least one of us had to come home at the 
SAME time every day.  NOT early, and ESPECIALLY not late.  It helps build 
confidence that you always come back we were told.
3)      Forgiveness.  I remember coming home after a month of no chewing to find 
she’d eaten the arm of my rosewood futon while my husband and I had gone out to 
get dinner.  I dropped onto the couch and started to cry.  She came whimpering 
up and I told her “oh Maggie, I love you no matter what you do.”   She curled up 
and put her head on my knee.   It was the last piece of furniture she ever 
chewed.
 
Good luck and please know you don’t need a lot of money to fix this.  You (and 
the dog) need time, patience and love.
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