Does your dog miss you too much when you’re away at work, shopping, visiting or whatever? It’s normal for them to miss you some, and it’s not uncommon for them to have some serious problems with being left alone. This can cause you both some distress.

This issue is known as separation anxiety and there are ways to effectively cope with it and make it easier for your dog to deal with those times when you must be away.

Signs of Separation Anxiety

If your dog is chewing, digging and scratching they are showing signs that they are trying to escape. While barking, pooping and peeing and excessive salivating are signs of fear and anxiety. These are the classic signs.

Causes of Separation Anxiety

Often this behavior started early and is often the result of improper training. Or it could be due to former mistreatment by another owner or even too much socializing and bonding. The good news is that you should be able to control it.

Treatment of Separation Anxiety

There are things that you can do to prevent separation anxiety. When you put your dog in his crate, don’t have a long, emotional good-bye. Simply, walk away. It is even a good idea to ignore your dog 5 minutes before you leave. If you draw attention to your departure, your dog will worry when the love and emotion is suddenly stopped.

Try and change your leaving routines somewhat. My dogs have caught on to the fact that when I put makeup on, it means I’m probably going somewhere so they hang around and keep an eye on me.

A few things that I’ve tried have been putting my makeup on earlier and hanging around them for a little while before I leave. Another going outside with my keys but not really going anywhere. Maybe take the garbage out or something. Because they always associate my keys with the car, they get excited because they think they’re going somewhere (which they usually are) and if they are left behind they get very upset. By getting them conditioned to my leaving with they keys and coming right back, they don’t become so anxious. You can even give them a small treat when you return so they associate your coming and going with good stuff.

Make sure they have lots to do when you’re gone. Leave his favorite toys and treats. The interactive dog treat dispensers are great for this as you can regulate how many he has and it keeps him busy trying to get at them. When your dog knows that he has access to treats, he won’t care so much that you’re gone. Also leave on the TV or radio when you’re gone. There are even special CDs you can get made especially for dogs, or you could record your own voice.

When you return home, don’t give your dog any emotion or attention when you let him out of his crate. This will reinforce that being outside of the crate is better than being inside the crate. Let him outside to eliminate immediately.

Like all forms of dog training, you have to have time and patience. In time the Separation Anxiety should lessen. If it doesn’t or if he becomes aggressive you should consult your vet who may prescribe a light mellowing out pill. I prefer a small dose of Melatonin which is a natural calming/sleeping aid for humans (check with your yet or pharmacist on the amount that should be given).

Just remember that your dog wants your love and attention, so pay attention to his behavior and use the above training methods to help overcome his problems.

Alex is an avid pet lover who has had many pets throughout her life. She has taken her experience with pets and her love of writing and published Henri’s Online Dog Obedience School where you can sign-up for her pet tips and tricks e-newsletter or visit Henri the Hound, the place to go when you’re looking for awesome gifts for your furry friends.

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