You realize that your dog has separation anxiety, now what? I am sure that you are getting a lot of advice from well-meaning friends and family. However, how much of that is good information? Below are some common myths that you might have heard. Let’s take a deeper dive into what we know now are myths

• Shelter dogs get separation anxiety, but dogs from breeders do not
• Separation anxiety is not treatable
• Dogs can “grow out” of separation anxiety
• Getting more exercise is a cure
• Leaving your dog with food or toys will fix it
• Another dog will fix it
• If you don’t punish your dog for their behavior, they won’t know it is wrong
• Leave the TV or radio on to keep your dog company
• Leave your dog with a t-shirt or blanket that smells like you

Myth: Shelter dogs get separation anxiety, but dogs from breeders do not

Sadly, any dog can suffer from separation anxiety. Those dogs that suffer from separation anxiety can include mixed breeds, pure breeds, dogs from shelters, dogs from rescues, or dogs and puppies from breeders.

So, what are the causes of separation anxiety? To be honest, the science is still evolving. It could be part genetic, part environment, or both. Puppies, older dogs, shelter dogs, pure breeds and everything in between can suffer from separation anxiety.

In terms of genetics, we can look at breeding techniques. Responsible breeders of pure breeds and mixed breeds – yes, there are mixed breed dog breeders too! – will do genetic testing on their dogs. Additionally, they will only breed individuals with healthy behavioral characteristics.

According to Malena DeMartini-Price, separation anxiety is having profound anxiety or panic while being alone.

You may not have discussed your dog’s condition with your veterinarian yet, but you probably have an idea that your dog’s behaviors when you are not at home are not “normal”.

So what are you observing in your dog?

The top three behaviors that are seen in separation anxiety are destruction, vocalization, and elimination.

Destruction

Depending on the destruction, it can either look like your dog was having a party, suffering from boredom, or that they were having an epic panic attack. Maybe: