how to combat loneliness and anxiety in dogs, according to an expert

We all get anxious and lonely now and then, it’s a sad but true fact of the human condition – and if you don’t, please give us your secrets – but an even sadder fact is that it’s not just people who feel this way, animals can also struggle with the same feelings in their own lives, including pooches.

Giving our beloved pups cuddles, care and yummy treats can help out our tail-wagging pals, but since we cannot speak dog or translate barks into fully-formed sentences, it becomes a little harder to brighten their days or assist them with whatever troubles they’re facing. Lara Shannon, an ace dog behaviourist and all-around animal lover, sat down with us to give us the lowdown on the rise of loneliness in dogs, and the best ways to help keep their days look a little brighter.

Please tell us a bit about yourself. I’m a dog behaviourist and trainer, as well as a TV presenter and producer. I love educating pet parents on how to better understand and care for their pets to help improve their lives together.

When did you decide you wanted to be a dog behaviourist and why? Having worked in the environmental and wildlife conservation space for 25 years, I wanted to be able to make more of a tangible difference where I could see real change happening around me.  

I’ve grown up with and always had a big love of dogs. When I took a gap year after selling my home back in 2013, I started a dog-minding and walking business, which was called Pooches at Play. I always had a vision for creating an education-based TV show about dogs, and so I started my formal dog training certification studies. Having had a dog with severe separation anxiety made me passionate to help other dogs with these issues, which is why anxiety is a big topic I focus on a lot. What are the most common problems you’ve found with dogs and their owners? The most common tend to be anxiety-related, from separation anxiety to reactivity to other dogs and people (which is generally fear-based.) Then there is barking due to boredom and anxiety, attention-seeking and protecting their territory.  Other day-to-day problems mostly stem from owners reinforcing the behaviour, such as jumping up on people. Often there is a lack of clear boundaries and good leadership, as well as inadvertent reinforcement of unwanted behaviours. 

How does separation anxiety within dogs occur, and what are the best ways to combat it? There are many reasons why a dog can suffer separation anxiety, so you must understand the underlying reasons; this may include a genetic predisposition to anxiety, being left alone too long each day, insufficient environmental enrichment leading to a lack of mental and physical stimulation, not enough exercise and socialisation, something happening to them or an environmental ‘trigger’ or previous trauma that has led to anxiety.

Generally, the number one solution is providing them with some form of human company.  Doggy Daycares, like Kip Happy Stays, are a great way to provide them with company as well as lots of exercise and enrichment to tire them out, which is also important.

Independence training is also important, starting with them spending small amounts of time in another room or outside, so they can still see you through a window or baby gate. I always recommend giving your dog a long-lasting chew, bone, puzzle or interactive toy when you go out (and rotating these options each day) and leaving without a fuss. If you find they are not engaging with them, then this may indicate their anxiety is severe. 

For many dogs that are kept outside, simply providing them with access inside the home, ideally your bedroom or lounge – can often result in an immediate calm. Consider a dog walker to take them out in the middle of the day, doggy day care as mentioned and change your departure routine; always keep departures and arrivals calm. In mild cases, calming pheromone sprays, collars and diffusers or vet-prescribed CBD oil can help out. Another tip is to leave the radio or TV on with some classical music since it calms and helps block out any environmental noises that might be triggering.

While some of these really can help with mild separation anxiety, anything above that is something to discuss with your vet or behaviourist.

It’s also not only us humans that deal with loneliness. What are the best ways to spot it in dogs? Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety most commonly bark, whine, scratch doors, have accidents indoors or try to escape.  They might engage in destructive behaviours such as digging and chewing, which only occur when you aren’t there.

Sometimes the signs are more subtle – hyper-vigilant dogs who don’t fully relax when alone, may constantly pace about, or other dogs may refuse to eat or drink until you get home.What are the easiest and best ways to help ensure dogs maintain a happy and healthy life? Daily exercise, in my opinion, is a non-negotiable when it comes to owning a dog and ensuring they are happy and healthy.  This includes walks outside of the home, being allowed to stop and sniff the world around them as well as games, exercises and obedience training at home.

Assuming your dog doesn’t have severe generalised anxiety or isn’t reactive to other dogs or people, socialising them with other dogs and people outside of the home is also great – although I am not a big fan of dog parks for any anxious or nervous dogs.

What are some actions people can do in their everyday lives to help out their animal friends? Donate or volunteer with a local animal shelter – whether it be financially or by providing them with an extra set of hands.

Reduce your meat consumption as much as possible, or if you do eat meat or meat by-products, choose ethically and sustainably produced, free-range and grass-fed from local farms and businesses as a priority.

Be a responsible pet owner by taking care of your pet, and also being mindful of how you and your dog interact with other pets.  Give nervous or reactive dogs space.

My biggest bugbear is when people keep rushing up to me with their dog when I am very obviously trying to give my reactive dogs space. It is extremely difficult for owners of anxious and reactive dogs, many are struggling greatly and may even be considering surrendering or euthanising their dog because it is just too hard, so try to be mindful of other people's (and their dogs) struggles and give them space. Be kind and maybe even give them an understanding nod or smile. You have no idea the difference that can make.See more of Lara Shannon and her dog training tips by visiting her website over here.