Why dogs hate to be alone

by DAN NEWLING, Daily Mail

Dogs left at home on their own can suffer extreme stress and fear even if the owner is away for only a short time, it was claimed yesterday.

Zoologist Dr John Bradshaw said it does not matter for how long the dog is left: it is the owner's departure which breaks its heart.

'It is not the amount of time that causes the problem because the dog has a different concept of time to humans.'

He told an RSPCA conference that roughly one dog in six suffers from such stress, for various reasons including the breed. Pedigree dogs suffer more, and labradors and retrievers are particularly susceptible.

Dr Bradshaw, who recently became director of the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Bristol, has spent ten years examining dog behaviour and has developed a range of psychological techniques to cure dogs of their loneliness.

He said: 'You have to acclimatise the dog to the owner's return. Owners need to go out then come straight back in again.

'If the dog is calm they should reward it - therefore the dog can associate the owner's going out with his return and a good time rather than panic.

'I have also told people to put on their coat, pick up their car keys and go out of the door, then come straight back in.

'This breaks the predictability of going out, which can wind the dog up even more.

'Owners need to realise just how crucial is their role in creating animals that are emotionally robust and can cope with modern life.'

Dr Bradshaw predicted that, with dogs being left alone more than ever, there will be an increasing need for animal behaviour therapists.

'I imagine every vet in the country will either have a behavioural therapist on site or will be able to refer the dog's owner to one.'

Unsurprisingly, the cat is far less emotionally dependent on its owner, Dr Bradshaw said.

Cats also suffer from anxiety, but this was more likely to result from the loss of a favourite piece of furniture than the departure of the owner.

Most watched News videos