Section B: Prevalence and diagnosis

What are the ages of dogs you regularly work with? (you may choose more than one): <6 months, 6 months to <1 year, 1 year to <3 years, 3+ years How old are the dogs you see with separation anxiety? (you may choose more than one): <6 months, 6 months to <1 year, 1 year to <3 years, 3+ years In the last month how many cases of separation anxiety have you worked with: 1–2, 3–4, 5+ What percentage of the dogs you see with separation anxiety struggle to cope when: left alone (no human/dog company); away from owner but people/dog present; prevented access but can see owner; owner prepares to leave; away from home or a place; in the presence of owner but always tries to be in touching distance of owner (never, occasionally, sometimes, frequently, always) Rate the extent to which you encounter the following symptoms in dogs who show signs of separation anxiety (never, occasionally, sometimes, frequently, always): destructive behaviour; inappropriate urination/defecation; excessive vocalisation; excessive salivation; excessive panting/other respiratory signs; trembling/shaking; immobility/freezing or decreased activity; escaping or escape attempts; hypervigilance or hyper-alertness; evidence of gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting/diarrhoea); changes in eating/drinking habits; increased grooming, possible self-mutilation; ritualised/repetitive behaviours (pacing, circling); excessive departure behaviours; excessive greeting behaviours; attempts to maintain close proximity to owner at all times; increased reactivity in other situations (exposure to new situations, social encounters); increased aggression behaviours (toward other dogs, humans) What methods do you use to confirm suspected signs of separation anxiety: owner self-reports; behavioural observations of dogs and owners at class; behavioural observations of dogs and owners on home visits; functional assessment (leading to a contingency statement and behavioural modification program); video footage of dog’s behaviour during owner absence; activity monitor sensors; other (please specify) What may prevent you from referring to a veterinarian or veterinary behaviourist for treatment: limited access (not one available in your area); owner reluctance to involve medications; limited finances of owner; rarely necessary for medication in the cases I see; lack of cooperation from veterinarian; lack of cooperation from veterinary behaviourist; always refer when required; other (please specify) From your experience how important are the following factors in influencing the success of managing separation anxiety cases (extremely not important, not important, neutral, important, extremely important): breed; age; temperament; access to inside house when left; crate training; stimulation when left; owner’s time availability for owner–dog interactions; owner’s willingness to try medication; owner’s attitude to discipline; owner’s compliance; owner’s level of stress; owner’s level of social support (friends/family willing to help with intervention); owner’s financial situation; owner’s view of mental health; assistance from veterinarian; assistance from veterinary behaviourist.