Separation anxiety in dogs is a tough and often misunderstood condition. Unfortunately, there are many myths that confuse dog parents and sometimes lead them down the wrong path. Let’s clear up three common misconceptions.
Myth 1: If your dog has separation anxiety, he won’t eat when he’s alone.
While some dogs with separation anxiety refuse food when left alone, this is not always the case. Just like humans, dogs handle stress differently. Some people lose their appetite when anxious, while others dive headfirst into a pint of ice cream. Dogs are no different. Some may not touch their favorite treat if they’re panicking, while others will eat through the stress. Refusing food can be an indicator, but eating doesn’t rule separation anxiety out.
Myth 2: If your dog follows you around at home, it means he has separation anxiety.
So-called “Velcro dogs” love to stick close to their people, but that alone is not proof of separation anxiety. Research from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 64% of dogs who did not have separation anxiety still shadowed their owners. Dogs are social animals and it is natural for them to want to be near us. Constant companionship is not automatically a red flag. (Flannigan, Gerrard, and Nicholas H. Dodman. “Risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 219.4 (2001): 460-466.)
Myth 3: Letting your dog sleep in your bed causes separation anxiety.
This one is a big myth that causes unnecessary guilt for dog parents. Many dogs sleep in their humans’ beds without ever developing separation anxiety. The exact causes of the condition are still not fully understood, but research does not support the idea that co-sleeping creates it. In fact, sharing your bed can strengthen your bond and give your dog comfort. You can snuggle guilt-free.
Separation anxiety is a serious condition, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Your dog eating alone, following you around the house, or snuggling in your bed does not automatically point to the problem. If you suspect separation anxiety, focus on behavior when your dog is truly left alone and contact me if you need help.
Recovery from separation anxiety is possible!
Separation anxiety training is always been done remotely, because the dog needs to be truly alone in order for us to do training. If a trainer showed up, then the dog isn’t alone! So no matter where you are located, we can work together! Set up your initial assessment today! Or check out my self-paced Separation Anxiety Foundations Course!
If you would like to support my efforts and make a contribution to allow me to continue to create free resources like my blog and all of my other free resources, you can Buy Me A Coffee!
Happy training!
