I think my dog has seperation anxiety?

Question

I think that my Siberian Husky has separation anxiety, when we leave the house he does not lay down he just runs around and cries, we just moved to a new area, and that is when he started acting like this, he pees and poops in the room and chews up paper if we ar gone, he is fully housebroken, he just seems really distressed, is there anything that I can do for him when we leave so he feels more comfortable, would video recording myself talking to him and playing that on the tv while i am going make him feel better, any suggestions?

Answer 1

You need to desensitize him to your comings and goings.

For example, when you leave the house, you should avoid making eye contact and petting of any sort. Just stroll out as if it was nothing. Start by stepping outside for 5-10" and then coming back in as if it was nothing.

Don't give him any attention if he pressures you for it upon your return. Wait until he has calmed down sufficiently before saying hello or giving him a pat. And don't react excitedly - while you might think you are conveying your happiness over seeing him, he might interpret it as confirmation that you were just as anxious as he was.

Gradually lengthen the period of time you are out of the house until he gets that your coming and going is nothing to worry about.

For more information, check out Victoria Stilwell's program - It's Me or the Dog - on Animal Planet.  

Answer 2

Sound like separation anxiety. Don't make a big fuss when you leave, or when you come back. Leave him with a chewy, or a toy like a kong that has a treat inside. Leave the radio on for company.

Answer 3

This site may be helpful to you for your questions:

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/Se...

Hope it helps.  Take care.

Answer 4

This is common when a Siberian is the only dog in the house. They are pack-oriented dogs, and if there are no other dogs around, the humans are their pack.

Thus, when the humans leave...the pack leaves. If he were home with another dog, I can pretty well guarantee this wouldn't be happening. It's not separation anxiety as much as general loneliness and boredom.

First, I would crate him while you're gone to prevent damage to the house/harm to the dog. You can leave him with a chew/kong/toy of some kind to keep him busy in the crate. It may also help to leave the radio/TV on, although I'm not sure a video of you personally will make that much of a difference.

Answer 5

Does he get along with other dogs?  Most dogs with separation anxiety are afraid to be alone.  If there is another dog to keep him company, it usually helps.  However, you must make sure to adopt a confident dog - not one that could learn from your Husky and take on the same anxious behavior.

Answer 6

try this,

            Every time you enter your house, don't give him any attention. Just ignore him for about 5min and then pet him.