Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Get Separation Anxiety?

It is wise to consider if your prospective pet could be prone to separation anxiety if you spend long hours away from home regularly.

Icelandic sheepdogs are prone to separation anxiety and do not do well alone. As typical herders, these dogs need mental stimulation and physical exercise to prevent boredom. They also love the company of their human families and fellow household pets.

What Makes Icelandic Sheepdogs Prone To Separation Anxiety

Innate Vigilance

Herding and guard dogs, in general, and Icelandics in particular, were selectively bred to be keenly attuned to their environments. This trait made these pups superb at watching the livestock and protecting the farm.

These dogs are always aware of their surroundings and can react to any noise or movement outdoors. Being vocal, they are also likely to bark in response.

High Intelligence

The high capacity to learn and think increases the likelihood of getting bored and the need to be occupied.

The renowned canine psychologist Stanley Coren does not discuss Icelandics directly, given that they are relatively rare, although gaining popularity, he discusses a close relative – the Sheltie – in his book.

Shelties are among the very brightest breeds, and Icelandic sheepdogs are similar in intelligence and behavior.

Such intelligent dogs promptly recognize the cues indicating that you are about to leave the house. Putting on the coat, and taking the keys alerts the dog to your departure. Certain phrases, such as “go for a walk”, and “go outside” can cause a physiologic response and trigger pure panic in some dogs. Your pet will expect to join you for a walk and could become frustrated if you leave alone.

High Energy

Icelandics make excellent running and hiking buddies because they are so energetic and adventurous.

These dogs could struggle if they have to stay alone at home for long hours regularly. Unspent energy and boredom often lead to behavioral problems, including destructive behaviors at home.

Owner-Oriented

They are pack animals and form a strong bond with you as the owner and the entire family, including kids and other household pets.

Border collies are also highly protective of their homes. This trait does not necessarily make them more likely to be anxious directly. But a dog who is feeling protective of its home could practice behaviors that are considered a nuisance. Some dogs view outside noises as a threat and start barking, for example.

How To Tell If Your Pet Has Separation Anxiety

Consider these behaviors that are typical for dogs that are anxious when left alone:

• Your pet becomes visibly uncomfortable when cued to your imminent departure. Pacing, vocalizing, panting, shaking, and following you around more than normally are among the common behaviors.
• The dog greets you extremely emotionally when you return home.
• You can tell that your dog engages in some destructive behaviors when you are away.
• The dog follows you around everywhere you go when you are home.

If those behaviors are typical for your pup, it points to the possibility that your furry friend has separation anxiety.

Common Behaviors Associated With Separation Anxiety

Dogs who have separation anxiety often engage in the following behaviors when their owner is not home:

• They bark, howl, or vocalize in other ways to release their energy and tension.
• They pace around the house.
• An anxious dog could void inappropriately even if soiling is not normally a problem.
• Anxious dogs chew random items, scratch furniture, and doors, and engage in other destructive behaviors.

The door is especially likely to become a target of destructive behaviors because that is where you disappear when you leave and your pup probably wants to follow you.

Help Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

There are several methods you could try to prepare your pet for the hours of separation.

Be patient, methodical and consistent when teaching new skills and behaviors. Icelandic sheepdogs are very bright but, like most herding animals, they have strong instincts, which is why some behaviors could be hard to unlearn.

Prepare Your Dog Ahead Of Time

Teach your pet that you sometimes leave alone and that there are some positives about your leaving the house.

• Take breaks from your pet. That way he knows that you leave but you also come back. Go for a walk without the dog once in a while to promote independence.
• Your dog is probably quick to pick up that when you take the house keys or put on your jacket, it means you are about to step out. Your pet could grow tense and start pacing. Try to desensitize your dog by leaving and coming back multiple times a day.
• Sometimes you could put on your jacket or take the keys but stay home. That could reduce its physiological response to those cues. For example, the heart rate may not increase as much and the dog might not shake as much upon recognizing those cues.
• To counteract anxiety, offer a treat or pet your dog when you are leaving. This way your pup will have positive associations with the cues.
• Your dog should learn to separate from you with less anxiety. If your pet follows you around the house like a velcro pet, encourage him to learn independence. Patiently keep asking your furry friend to stay when you are heading to another room, an example. You could offer a toy for distraction and either pet or treat the dog when you return to reward patience.

When You Leave And The Dog Stays Home

• Provide an opportunity for your dog to exercise shortly before you leave. Exhausted and happy, your pet is more likely to rest and have little unspent energy to compound anxiety.
• You might be able to address specific behaviors. For example, if you know that your dog is reactive to activity outside, you could close the blinds to prevent overstimulation.
• Leave your pet with things to do. Toys, bones, puzzles – rotate the options to prevent habituation and boredom. Your pet may be indifferent to a toy one day but find it fascinating a few weeks later.
• Consider leaving some background noise, such as the TV, on to distract from the noises outside.
• Some dogs respond very well to being in a crate for a couple of hours. It would not work if you have to leave your dog all day but a shorter period might be just fine. Some dogs feel more secure when they are in their crates.
• Having a pet community at home is a great option for friendly animals, such as Icelandic sheepdogs.
• If an option, dog walkers or doggy daycare are great but they come with added expenses, of course.