A DOG expert has revealed the red flags owners should look out for to spot separation anxiety – and the breeds that struggle the most.
Canine behaviour expert Caroline Spencer said animal lovers need to be monitoring their pet's mood, as many dogs "suffer in silence."
Leaving your pooch alone while you're at work, attending social gatherings or running errands can feel like an eternity to them.
Studies show dogs often become stressed when trotting around the house solo, indicating they have an awareness of the passage of time.
Caroline says pups who whine or drool when their owner leaves are likely to be suffering from separation anxiety.
Other signs to look out for include urinating and defecating, pacing back and forth, extreme salivating and destructive behaviour.
READ MORE ON DOGS
I am a luxury dog wedding planner and I get inundated with requests from celebs
Beloved BGT dog star who was stabbed saving his owner’s life dies aged 14
If you return back to your humble abode and your slippers are chewed or your pet has tried to escape, it indicates they are unhappy.
Caroline told the Daily Mail some popular breeds are more "naturally independent" than others – so which ones struggle with solitude?
The behaviour expert has now dished the dirt on which canines are the most sensitive to feelings of loneliness and sadness.
As Cockapoos are dubbed the social butterflies of the dog world, it's no surprise that they don't completely enjoy their own company.
Most read in Fabulous
The light of courage in new undertakings reaches every part of your chart
'Furious' Beckhams' friendship with Harry & Meg 'over' after bombshell accusation
Love Island Rich List 2023 reveals star earning the most – and it's NOT Molly-Mae
You have 20/20 vision if you can find the dog hidden in the rocks in 10 seconds
Their loving and attentive nature sees them create a strong bond with their owner, so they may feel abandoned when left alone.
Caroline suggests Cockapoo owners should make their pups familiar with their usual routines, so they aren't crippled with uncertainty.
She explained: "You need to desensitise them, and this takes time – be patient.
"When you’re at home, get them used to your movements around the house, for example, so they know they can expect you back at a certain time."
In size and character, Labradoodles are larger than life and are renowned as a highly intelligent breed.
But the high-maintenance hounds can be susceptible to separation anxiety due to their typically close relationship with their owner.
Left to their own devices, Labradoodles can become increasingly agitated – so Caroline shared some advice to help them adjust.
She encouraged people to train their furballs to recognise the sounds of you leaving, such as the jingle of your keys.
The dog behaviour boffin said they will eventually become used to the noise and will reassure themselves that you will return later.
Jack Russell Terriers are also a breed to watch out for, as their infatuation with their owners can leave them feeling rejected when they're left alone.
FAMILY FAVOURITES
The inquisitive and excited pooches may need a firmer approach to calm their nerves whenever you leave the home, Caroline says.
To stop them from stressing in your absence, owners have to take a less hands-on approach and stop giving them so much attention.
The expert said: "It can be helpful to quietly go about your business at home without constantly looking at, touching, talking to, or entertaining them."
To get in the swing of things, she told animal lovers to try and complete tasks in the home while their JRT relaxes in their presence.
With a gentle temperament and a striking golden coat, Golden Retrievers are a popular pet beloved by families.
But as they feel so comfortable among human broods, they can feel left out when their owners leave for long periods.
Caroline pointed out there were a variety of triggers that can fuel their separation anxiety – which can start when they're a pup.
She continued: "For example, a quick transition from being with their mother and litter to being alone in their new home."
But even when your Golden Retriever has got its feet firmly under the table, other factors can still set them off.
"Humans showing anxiety when leaving the dog, being overindulged and overstimulated when there's no time to rest, changes at home, and moving to a new home," Caroline added.
PAWS FOR THOUGHT
Even adventurous dogs like Vizslas aren't immune to feelings of loneliness – as they constantly want their human pal to play with them.
The breed has been dubbed "Velcro dogs" as they cling firmly to their owner's side, crave attention and hate being alone.
The dog expert advised people to "'pretend you’re leaving the house when you’re not" to help them come to terms with flying solo.
Caroline said: "Open and shut the door, but don’t leave and slowly progress to leaving for a few seconds.
"Gradually spend longer out of the house when your dog has adjusted and is no longer showing signs of stress.
"When you return, give them a brief hello and wait for them to calm down."
If any Disney fans wondered why there were a whopping 101 Dalmations in the iconic film, it's because the breed loathe being all by themselves.
Experts have warned not to leave the spotty pooches alone for over two hours – as their owner's homes may suffer the consequences.
Caroline suggested trying to soothe your pup by playing music at a low volume when you are around – which you can leave on when you depart.
This can help your Dalmatian deal with the transition, as it can somewhat distract them while dually calming them too.
RUFF DAY
Bichon Frises also don't fare too well with their own company, Caroline says, as they adore close contact with their owners.
The charming canines who love to play will rarely stray from your side, but can begin to fret when they do.
The dog expert said owners should spend less time with their pooches to "desensitise" their pup and help them adapt to alone time.
But she warned: "It is very important that you don’t spend longer outside the house than your dog is comfortable with.
"If you push your dog way over their comfort threshold, this could undo all of your hard work.
"If you are going to be out longer than they can cope with, take them with you if you can, or find someone to stay with them."
Although they may fit in your handbag, Chihuahua owners sometimes have to leave their tiny pups at home.
This also serves as a symbol of their character – as they love being up close and personal with humans.
But with a bark louder than their bite, Chihuahuas tend to voice their displeasure when left alone as they are prime candidates for separation anxiety.
As they are incredibly small dogs, their size and stature can make them feel vulnerable without their owner to turn to.
BODYGUARD BREED
Loyal to the soil and brimming with personality, German Shepherds have long been a popular breed for animal lovers to take on.
But as a true man's best friend, they like to stick to their owner's side – hence why they have been renowned as fantastic guard dogs.
German Shepherds' clinginess and commitment mean they are prone to being affected by separation anxiety when their owner leaves.
Similarly, Border Collies' devotion to humans can often leave them feeling fretful when they are alone.
The athletic and energetic breed dote on their owners and want to fulfil their every need – so they aren't happy when you're out of sight.
However, Caroline says it all comes down to the personality of each individual dog and its environment.
She said: "All dog breeds can suffer from separation anxiety, although some are naturally more independent than others.
"Many pets will also suffer in silence."
The expert advised concerned owners to purchase a doggy cam for their home to keep an eye on their behaviour and potential unease.
She added: "
Read More on The Sun
Love Island fans predict who will win after spotting huge clue in Unseen Bits
Mum shares ultimate free day out for animal-loving kids but it’s divided opinion
She says that perhaps the only real way to know if a pet isn't happy being home alone is to take a detective approach, explaining: 'The best way to determine whether or not your dog is struggling with separation anxiety is to put a camera up in your home and look out for identifiable behaviours – such as whining long after you've gone.'
Animal expert Sidney said her experience has also enlightened her to what kind of pooches are the most anxious during examinations.
Source: Read Full Article