Does your pet perform separation-related behaviours?
What are separation related behaviours?
Separation related behaviours are a repertoire of behaviours that occur when a caregiver is absent or when the owner is planning to leave. Some separation related behaviours may occur when the caregiver is home, however, they occur at a higher intensity, frequency or duration when the owner leaves. For example, your dog may bark when you are home on the odd occasion but when you leave, they howl or bark continuously.
What causes separation related behaviours?
Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been domesticating dogs for the past 30,000 years, we have selected the friendlier animals that are comfortable in our presence and that want to spend time with us. Dogs are a social species that have learnt to enjoy being in the company of humans, it makes sense for them to want us to be present since we provide them with food, access, security and comfort.
Research has suggested that separation related behaviours may be influenced by genetics, early life experiences, stress in the mother during pregnancy and a mothers care towards her offspring; it is quite possible that you did not have much control over the cause of your pets separation related behaviours.
Common separation related behaviours:
Excessive vocalisation which may include barking, whining, crying or howling
Destructive behaviours, particularly directed around entrances or towards items that belong to the caregiver
Attempts to escape or be reunited with a person/caregiver which may result in injury to the animal
House soiling in animals that are otherwise house trained
Some animals may display all of the behaviours above and others may only show one of the behaviours. Other signs of separation distress could include panting, drooling, vomiting, shaking/trembling, hiding and changes in behaviour or body language when you are preparing to leave the home. Dogs can learn to predict signs that you will be leaving such as picking up your keys or putting on your coat.
Are separation related behaviours the same as separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety occurs when separation related behaviours are triggered by the fear/anxiety emotional system in the brain, however, there are other emotions or motivations which can drive an animal to perform separation related behaviours, the animal is not always anxious. A clinical animal behaviourist can identify the cause(s) of your pets separation related behaviours and create a personalised behaviour modification plan to support you and your pet in managing their behavioural complaint(s).
Why should I be worried about separation related behaviours?
Separation related behaviours will likely worsen without behavioural support, if your pet is able to regularly perform the behaviours then they could become a habit which will be harder to manage. It is best to gain support for separation related behaviours as soon as possible in order to achieve a better outcome, alternatively, gaining support from a dog trainer/behaviourist when you first obtain your pet can help prepare your puppy to have time alone and prevent the risks of them developing separation related behaviours in the future.
Excessive barking may lead to complaints from neighbours
House soiling or destructive behaviours may result in loss of deposits or expensive redecorating fees
Escape attempts can lead to damage to the home or may result in injuries to the animal which may require veterinary treatment
Animals with separation related behaviours are at an increased risk of being rehomed
An animal will typically perform separation related behaviours when experiencing a negative emotional state and their physical and emotional health may be harmed if exposed to their caregiver leaving on a regular basis, this is difficult since as humans, we often work long hours. Additionally, Separation related behaviours can severely impact the welfare of pet owners and could lead to a break down in the human-animal bond. Caregivers may feel stressed or frustrated when their pet performs the behaviours or may feel guilty or apprehensive about leaving their pet, which may cause them to become isolated.
What can I do to help my pet?
If you are planning on obtaining a new pet, discuss the behaviour of the mother and father with the breeder and observe them for signs of separation related behaviours.
If you have obtained a new pet (whether young or older), consider discussing how to prevent separation related behaviours with a trainer or behaviourist.
Separation related behaviours can be caused by underlying health complaints, particularly in older pets that have a sudden change in their behaviour, for this reason, Becka will only work on veterinary referral.
If you have an animal who displays separation related behaviours, please get in touch for support, do not try to rectify the problem yourself, this could make the behaviour worse. Separation related behaviours that have become a habit can take months to years to manage.
It is not only dogs that display separation related behaviours, although the signs may vary dependent on the species, if you are concerned that your non-canine pet may be displaying signs of distress when separated, please get in touch for advice.
