Fear of attachment is a behavioural disorder in dogs. At the extreme end of this disorder, dogs release negative energy into the environment, which spells big trouble for the owners. Dogs damage furniture and other household items, pollute the house with excrement, make loud growling noises and, because they are not at home, there is nothing to stop them. The result: the house is a mess, the neighbours are annoyed and you are in shock.
This disorder can also manifest itself in other ways, such as shortness of breath, increased interest in personal hygiene or restless behaviour. In this case, a stimulus is needed to cause the outward signs. For example, there are signs that the owner is about to leave (he/she is taking a breath, taking the car keys, taking a shower, drinking his/her morning coffee, etc.), which makes the dog very anxious.
Fear of separation can also occur when moving to a new place. namusement, or due to a previous very long separation from the owner.
The difference between separation anxiety and boredom
It is easy to grasp the difference between the two concepts. But unfortunately, animals cannot talk and we can only judge their feelings from their behaviour.
For example, a dog tears down a door or turns a sofa into a pile of rubbish. Is this a sign of separation anxiety? Or is it just fun? separation anxiety = separation + fear
This condition has several main characteristics:
Behavioural disturbances only occur during solitude or just before the owner leaves. (It’s a different matter if the dog is acting out of boredom with people in the house).
The dog is too attached to the owner. It always follows behind and always wants to perch on your hand. Many people like this attachment, but it is a good idea to instil some independence in the pet.
The effect is directed at the object that separates the dog from the owner (e.g. a door that closes behind the owner) and may bewith a shrill howl that turns into a repeated screech. Psychologists explain this as a return to the stressful state the puppy felt when it was taken away from its mother.
The outward signs of the disorder start to appear 30 minutes after the owner leaves.
It is important to note that these criteria are not sufficient to objectively assess the situation. For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to find out what exactly is the cause of your dog’s problematic behaviour, whether it is fear of separation or some unmet needs.
Behavior correction
Living with a destructive animal can be hell. No one can predict what else might happen behind closed doors. It would be good to give the dog a pill to prevent unwanted behaviour, but the best and proven method to deal with this problem is training. However, it is important to remember that this is a painstaking daily job, and one that requires more self-education on the part of the owner. If you are up to it, here is a recipe:
1 Step: remove excessive attachment
Task: to normalise your interaction with the dog, despite its active attempts to take full control of your attention.
Solution:
If you decide to play or chat with your pet, refrain from excessive affection. When you return home and the animal says hello, keep your cool. Remember that the person should be the initiator of the interaction with the dog, not the other way around.
Do not let the dog get too close to you. Try to keep a distance of at least 1 metre. Place the dog on a sofa, armchair or floor away from you. Try to praise the animal with your voice, but not too often, otherwise the dog will want to come closer when it feels your constant attention.
Wean your pet from the habit of sleeping in the same bed as you. The dog must have its own place. You may have to set up a place a step away from your bed at first, but then gradually pull the bed farther and farther away until you move it to another room.
Share the care of the animal with kother family members, so that more than one person is involved with the dog.
Encourage the dog to play with toys that do not require human involvement.
Step 2: Reducing the tension of separation
Task: create a pleasant environment when the owner leaves the house.
Solution:
Devise a special game for the dog to play when you are not home. This could be a long chewed bone, a favourite toy, or both. Attention! These items should entertain your pet during times of solitude. Remember to hide them when you get home.
There is a special device, the diffuser, which emits pheromones in the room. A synthetic material is used to mimic the effect of pheromones released by lactating bitches and to calm puppies. These pheromones are not sensed by humans. The product is available in two types: an oil solution and a spray. It is recommended to use the solution for the diffuser, as the pheromones are constantly circulating in the air while the device is in operation and have a calming effect on the dogHome.
Leave the radio or TV on before you leave. Of course, technology won’t replace a person, but it will create an atmosphere of cosiness and a feeling that someone is home. People often watch TV or listen to the radio, so these sounds become familiar to the dog and create a sense of comfort.
Step 3: From attachment reduction to separation
Task: to disrupt the normal sequence of separation.
Solution: Regularly change the sequence of actions that precede your departure, e.g. take a shower, take a breath, put on your work clothes, get your car keys, walk out the door, close it, and come back in a short time. This will help the dog to stop reacting to these stimuli as it will not be able to determine how long you will be away, whether it is for 5 minutes or the whole day.