My two dogs have just spent a few weeks at my sister’s house where they had the run of the house, spent most of the day inside with her, slept on her bed, and were treated like royalty! Needless to say, they’re not treated like that at my house. With two kids, a rabbit and a husband to look after as well, the dogs live outside, sleep outside in a kennel and, well ok, they’re still treated like royalty! However, we’ve all returned from holidays to the normal routine of school and work so the dogs are trying to cope with being back at home and left alone for most of the day.

‘Where’s everybody gone?’ I can hear them woofing!  And subsequently, we’re experiencing some pet separation anxiety issues.

Jumping fences, barking, howling, chewing and uncharacteristic ‘accidents’ are all signs of what Animal Behaviourists call ‘symptoms of separation anxiety’.

Jumping the fence is what’s happening in our house. Mind you it’s only one of the dogs and he’s not fully escaping because there’s two fences between the back yard and the road. But once Crumble’s jumped the fence he’s stuck in a barren zone of no plants, no shade and no water!

What do I do about it?  According to an Australian Veterinary Association Animal Behaviourist (Dr Kersti Seksel), “the most effective way to treat the underlying anxiety is to prepare your pet for absences and think about providing stimulating activities in your absence”.  Keeping departures and arrivals more low key is another tip.

So, I’ve been stuffing kongs with delicious doggie fillings, giving him different dog chew treats (f.y.i. I’ve discovered that dried bull’s penises are a really great chew item because they thoroughly clean the teeth! Who would’ve thought?), leaving him with a variety of dog toys AND providing him with yummy shank bones. We’ve also been taking him on long walks & runs before we all leave for the day. 

It seems to be working and I guess as time passes, he’ll get used to the longer moments of being alone (even though he lives with another dog). Of course, lots of cuddles and “good dog!” pats help too!

Lou @ Pookinuk.