Are Shelties Prone To Separation Anxiety?

Shetland sheepdogs are great companions for active people and families with school-age children. If your dog is likely to spend long hours alone while you are at work, you might wonder if separation anxiety is a common issue for Shelties.

Shelties are prone to separation anxiety due to their strong bond with the owner, high energy levels, hypervigilance, and high intelligence. Desensitization, letting your dog exercise before you leave, and providing toys and puzzles are all helpful ways to reduce your Shetland sheepdog’s separation anxiety.

TRAITS THAT PREDISPOSE SHELTIES TO SEPARATION ANXIETY

High Intelligence

According to renowned canine psychologist Stanley Coren, Shetland sheepdogs are among the brightest breeds of dogs.

A Sheltie is quick to recognize the cues indicating that you are about to leave the house. Putting on the coat, getting the keys, and even certain phrases, such as “Go for a walk” and “Go outside”, could alert your dog and trigger anxiety. Your pet will expect to join you and could become frustrated if you leave the house alone.

It is hard to outwit a Sheltie but it is possible to help the dog become habituated to spending some time alone and provide things to do for the hours of being home alone.

High Energy Levels

High intelligence is just one of the reasons why these dogs need constant stimulation. The other reason is that these dogs have an extremely high energy level.

Shetland sheepdogs thrive when they can join the family on hikes or other outdoor activities. Staying home, however, could be a challenge for these pups. Deprived of any physical and intellectual stimuli for even a few hours, Shelties could become frustrated.

Hypervigilance

Herding dogs in general, and Shetland sheepdogs in particular, were bred to be highly aware of their surroundings. A hyper-alert farm dog does a good job of watching over the livestock and protecting the farm.

As a result, Shelties are aware of the noises and movements around them. Their constant attention to any outdoor sounds and other stimuli can trigger anxiety in general or make it more intense.

Owner-Oriented Personality

Shetland sheepdogs can be cautious around strangers but are infinitely devoted to the owner and the family.

Shelties are among the breeds that are very attuned to the owner and may feel lost if the owner is not there to interact with them and give them instructions.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG HAS SEPARATION ANXIETY

If you are not sure if your Sheltie is anxious when you are gone, consider these behaviors that are common for anxious dogs:

Your dog becomes visibly uncomfortable when you are getting ready to leave. Your pup may pace, vocalize, pant, shake, and follow you around your home.
Your pet greets you extremely emotionally when you finally return.
Your dog follows you around everywhere you go when you are home in general.

Behaviors Associated With Separation Anxiety

Dogs might bark, howl, or vocalize in other ways to release energy and tension
Your pet may pace around the house
An anxious dog could void inappropriately even if there are no issues with elimination in general

Many dogs engage in destructive behaviors – soiling, chewing furniture, scratching, and so on.

The entrance door is often the target of the destructive behaviors of anxious pets because that is where you disappear when you leave and your pup probably wants to follow you.

HOW TO HELP A DOG WITH SEPARATION ANXIETY

There are several methods to try to prepare your dog for periods of separation.

Be patient and methodical when teaching your dog a new behavior, especially separation anxiety.

It is also important to be consistent with your behavior and expectations to prevent confusing the dog.

Normalize Being Alone

To prepare your pet in advance, teach the dog that you sometimes leave alone and there are some positives about you leaving the house alone.

Take breaks from your dog. That way your pet knows that you leave but you also come back. Go for a walk alone on occasion to help your Sheltie develop some independence.
Your pet is probably quick to pick up on the cues when you take the keys or put on your rain jacket. The dog may grow tense, pant, or start pacing. Try to desensitize your pet by leaving and coming back multiple times a day. Practice doing so over a few weeks as needed.
You could put on your jacket or take the keys but do not leave the house a few times a day. That might decrease the physiological response of your dog to cues of your leaving the house.

To counteract your pet’s anxiety, you could also offer a treat or pet your dog when you are leaving. This way your pup will have a positive association with the cues telling it that you are about to leave.
A way for your dog to learn to separate from you with less anxiety is learning to stop following you around. Patiently keep asking your furry friend to stay when you are leaving for another room. You could offer a toy for distraction and greet your pet when you return.

When You Leave The House

Minimize your dog’s separation anxiety by providing plenty of time for your dog to exercise shortly before you leave. A tired and happy dog is more likely to rest and not be that anxious in general.

You might be able to address specific behaviors of your dog, too. For example, if you know that your dog is anxious and vocal when it reacts to any activity outside, you could close the blinds to reduce overstimulation.
Provide your Sheltie with some activities. Toys or puzzles for smart dogs– try different things and rotate them often to prevent habituation and boredom.
Consider leaving some background noise, such as the TV, on when you are gone. It could give your dog a sense of normalcy and distract it from the noises outside.

Some dogs respond very well to being in a crate for a few hours but not longer than two to three hours. Some dogs feel more secure when they are in their crates for short periods.
Having a pet community at home is an awesome option to reduce anxiety in your dog if it is a possibility for your household. Most Shelties get along well with cats and certainly love the company of fellow Shelties and other friendly dogs.