Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a panic response that occurs in a dog when his caregiver leaves home. Dogs with separation anxiety become highly distressed, usually within an hour of the person's departure. They may respond to being alone by digging, chewing, or scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to get out and find their caregivers; howling, barking, or whining; or losing control of their bowels or bladder.
Gradually accustom your Lab to being left alone. Start by teaching your Lab to remain calm during brief absences. Practice by doing all the things you would normally do before leaving: get your purse or wallet, pick up your keys, and put on your coat. Don't leave. Repeat this several times over several days until your dog stops showing interest in your preparations.
Gradually add more elements of departure: stepping outside, closing the door, and coming right back in; leaving, closing the door, waiting a few seconds, and coming back in; and so on. Eventually, you can practice leaving for short periods. Say “I'll be back” or some other phrase to indicate that you're leaving. Step outside the door, close it, and wait one minute. Then re-enter in an unconcerned manner. You can greet your dog quietly or just ignore him.
Behaviorists aren't sure why some dogs develop separation anxiety while others don't, but it sometimes develops when the dog is unused to being left alone; after the dog has been boarded at a kennel; or after a change in the family routine, such as moving to a new home, the addition of a baby or new pet, or the departure of a teenager for college.
Practice leaving and returning at different times of the day. Your Lab needs to learn that it doesn't matter what time you leave; you'll always come back. Once he's comfortable with your absence for periods of thirty to ninety minutes, you can jump up to longer intervals, such as half a day.
