 Elmo
Says...
Separation anxiety is a real problem with some dogs.
It manifests itself as destructive and annoying behavior and is one of
the common reasons that dogs are euthanized or given up by their owners.
Punishing a dog who suffers from separation anxiety will only make
things worse; however, most cases can be reduced by simple behavior modification
once the owner understands the root of the problem.
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Lost & Found Pet Hotline
Before you go knocking door-to-door, putting up signs,
or making yourself crazy with worry, call the hotline — we may be able
to help! Century 21 Advantage sponsors the Lost & Found Pet Hotline.
Just call us at (770) 517-8210 ext. 567 and give us the details on a pet
you’ve either lost or found. We’ll try to find a match and get your
pet(s) back home where they belong!
Reported LOST recently:
White Bichon, female, looks like a curly, white Poodle. 11-years-old,
20 pounds, red collar decorated with white bones and tags. Lost in the
Highland Colony area. Call (770) 643-5889.
Rottweiler, male with distinct markings and black collar. Not
neutered. Lost in the North Fulton/Cherokee area. Call (770) 955-5555 or
(770) 777-0737.
Two male kittens, one with short black hair, the other with long grey
hair. Lost in Towne Lake Hills South. Call (770) 517-1478.
Calico cat, female, spayed, no collar, sweet but afraid. Lost in the
BridgeMill area. Call (770) 704-6263.
Reported FOUND recently:
Red/Brown Lab mix puppy, male, approximately 12 weeks old, found in
the Spicer’s Grove area. Call (770) 926-6159.
Two blonde Lab/Retriever mix puppies, look like Border Collies. Found
in Victoria Landing and Bells Ferry area. Call (770) 928-0884 or (770)
516-0080.
Black Lab, male with red collar, approximately 5-years-old,
approximately 80 pounds. Found in Wellesley. Call (770) 926-7288.
Dog, male, small and fluffy, neutered, wearing red collar. Found in
ParkView. Call (678) 445-6568.
Also, notify The Atlanta Journal, (404)
577-5772, and The Lakeside Ledger, (770) 928-0706, who run
lost-and-found pet ads for free. The Cherokee Tribune, (770)
479-1441, will run found pets for free, but charges for lost pets. Be
sure to also call the Animal Shelter, (770) 345-7270, and local
veterinarians. |
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Many dogs react to the stress of being left alone by becoming
destructive, barking or howling continuously or eliminating in the
house. Separation anxiety occurs in dogs of all ages and breeds. It is
most commonly seen in dogs who have particularly close relationships
with their owners and are rarely left alone or in dogs who were kept
separated from the family while puppies.
Attachment to the pack is a normal canine behavior that is necessary
for a dog’s survival. In domestic dogs, the family becomes the “pack.”
When deprived of their “pack,” some dogs become so frantic that they
display a variety of severe and unacceptable behaviors. Most typically
these behaviors include those mentioned above, however, generalized
depression, diarrhea and self-mutilation can also occur in dogs who are
extremely stressed.
Some dogs become very destructive when left alone. Their high level
of stress causes them to dig, chew or scratch doors, rugs or household
furnishings. An otherwise well trained dog will suddenly chew or shred
anything left in its path in an attempt to find relief from the anxiety
it feels from being left alone.
There are several effective ways of correcting or at lease minimizing
these objectionable behaviors. The first involves adopting a matter of
fact and calm attitude when preparing to leave the house. Emotional and
lengthy good-byes will only serve to heighten your dog’s anxiety.
Ignore any display of stress related behavior in your pet and reward
only those behaviors that are desired and appropriate.
Dogs who become destructive should not be given the opportunity to do
so. They must be crated or put in a small area devoid of household
objects. Chew toys or rawhide strips can be provided for tension
release. Consider exercising your dog before you leave. This will
encourage rest.
Discipline for dogs suffering from separation anxiety should consist
of behavior modification (unpleasant consequence for objectionable
behavior followed by reward for appropriate behavior). Ideally, the goal
for dogs suffering from separation anxiety should be anxiety reduction.
When this is achieved the undesirable behaviors will automatically also
be reduced. If your dog is displaying symptoms of separation anxiety,
contact your veterinarian for assistance. |
