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Canine separation–related problem behaviours – part 1: social living and owner absence

02 September 2023
7 mins read
Volume 28 · Issue 9

Abstract

Members of the veterinary profession will have noticed the demise of the term ‘separation anxiety’, along with the previous assumption that all canine separation problems boil down to an excessive intensity of the human-canine bond. A range of replacement terms for separation anxiety have materialised: ‘separation disorder’, ‘separation syndrome’, ‘separation-related problems’ and ‘separation-related behaviours’ are just some, all of which are now regularly used to replace the term ‘separation anxiety’. This article produces a summary of the profession's current understanding of the issues associated with owner absence-related problems in dogs. Further articles will consider options for behavioural modification to support the needs of dogs whilst owners are absent.

Previously generally referred to as ‘separation anxiety’, the greater understanding of the range of factors that can result in a dog expressing problem behaviours during owner absence has resulted in the range of conditions generally falling under the broad term of separation-related problems. But, despite the wide variety of factors that may result in a dog failing to cope during the absence of its owners, one or more of the widely accepted range of separation-related behaviours can be shown in any one of many separation-related problem scenarios, often making the specific identification of causative factors extremely complex – not least as the problems, by definition, occur in the absence of the owner who subsequently is unable to provide accurate details of exactly when or why the problem behaviours occur. Despite this, figures suggest that 22–55% of companion dogs experience separation-related problems (Bradshaw et al, 2002b; Mills and Mills, 2003) at some stage in their life, and the 2022 PDSA Animal Welfare Report found 11% of the canine population to be currently suffering whilst owners are absent. With behaviour problems remaining one of the most common reasons for the relinquishment of dogs, this makes the condition, and the inconvenience to owners that is associated with separation-related problems, a substantial welfare problem for the domestic dog population.

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