Don’t say goodbye to your dog
Many of us experience the guilt of leaving our dogs at home while we head to work each day. To alleviate this guilt, we often shower our pets with kisses, hugs, and treats before we leave, hoping these grand gestures will comfort both them. However, research indicates that dogs pick up on our emotions and may associate these actions with something being wrong. As a result, when we leave, our dogs can be left in a state of heightened anxiety.
Recent research emphasizes the importance of managing the way we act with our dogs before leaving the house. So what does the research say?
Key Findings:
Avoid Dramatic Farewells: Dogs can pick up on our emotions and behaviors, and saying a prolonged or emotional goodbye can increase their anxiety. You should avoid eye contact and verbal interactions for about ten minutes before leaving. This minimizes the emotional buildup and helps make your departure seem like a normal part of the day (University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna & Journal of Veterinary Behavior)
Desensitization and Routine: Gradual exposure to departure cues without actually leaving can help desensitize your dog. For instance, putting on your coat and picking up your keys without leaving the house can reduce their association of these actions with separation. Over time, this helps reduce the anticipatory anxiety that these cues can cause (Veterinary Medicine Report & ASPCA)
Calm and Consistent Returns: When returning home, it’s also important to maintain a calm demeanor and avoid giving your dog immediate attention. Waiting a few minutes before greeting them reinforces the idea that comings and goings are routine and not events to be anxious about (Veterinary Medicine Report & ASPCA)
This approach is supported by extensive research and practical findings in canine behavior studies. For more detailed insights, you can refer to the academic research cited below.
Sources:
University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna. (2020). New insights into the canine perspective: Dogs prefer objects they can easily distinguish. ScienceDaily.
Ogata, N. (2016). Separation anxiety in dogs: What progress has been made in our understanding of the most common behavioral problems in dogs? Journal of Veterinary Behavior
Simpson, B. S. (2020). Canine separation anxiety: Strategies for treatment and management. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.
American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - ASPCA. (2020). Treating anxiety in dogs. ASPCApro
