You love your dog, and your dog loves you. However, when you leave your dog does it display signs of separation anxiety? Does your dog whine a lot, constantly pace, bark continuously, scratch up your walls, fall into a depression, or damage other belongings? If so then your dog is displaying some of the symptoms of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety can be really difficult to handle because you may start to feel guilty every time that you leave.

The truth is that dogs suffering from separation anxiety act very differently from other dogs. Their behavior makes it clear that they do not want you to leave. In fact, they may even aggressively try to leave with you. Once you finally get out of the door you can still hear your dog crying and whining within the house which only makes you feel bad and worry about what type of destruction you will come home to find.

Rather than simply giving into your dogs desire and staying home you need to treat the behavior. If you do this you can help get your dog to a mental place that allows them to handle you coming and going as you need to. So what do you need to do to accomplish this?

1. You must not give into your dog. Remember, you are the pack leader and you need to act like it. Do not cave and give your dog the attention that they are trying to get as you try to come and go. Instead, allow your dog to take a bit of time to settle down before you give them any attention. This helps train your dog that your leaving is not anything to worry about. It is a normal occurrence and therefore it shouldn’t be worried about.

2. Slowly increase the time that you spend away from your dog until he is able to handle that alone time better. One of the best ways to do this is to add small increments of time to the time that you are spending apart. Generally, you want to get your dog to a place that allows him to be on his own for at least 30 minutes without displaying signs of anxiety.

3. It is okay to try to distract your pet as you leave. Generally, giving your dog a toy or treat as you leave will help distract him from your departure. Additionally, when you come home, do not make a big deal of your homecoming. Instead, simply come in and act like nothing has happened.

4. Lastly, try to identify the trigger to your dog’s behavior. If your dog starts to panic every time that you bring out your suitcase or pick up your keys you may want to try to train them not to fear those visual or auditory clues. Instead, you may want to pull your suitcase out every once in a while and not go any where. Or just pick up your keys and walk around the house. If you do this for a few weeks you will condition your dog against freaking out at a particular stimulus.

Author Bio: Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at Oh My Dog Supplies – where you can find small dog collars, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you’ll never find at your local pet store.

Category: Pets
Keywords: dog separation anxiety,dog anxiety,dog health,dogs,dog health