Separation Anxiety is a problem many dogs suffer from. Separation Anxiety is when a dog’s owner leaves home, perhaps to go to work or some other appointment, and the dogs thinks that their owner will not return.

Dogs are usually a part of a pack; they are used to being in a group of others by nature. When you bring them home they tend to make you and your family a part of their pack. However, the behavior can be one of a positive nature, when they are sure you are the leader of the pack, and one of a negative nature when they are trying to assert themselves as the leader.

Like us, they will worry that they have the love and the respect of those around them. They will wonder if when you leave you will return to them. During times like these your dog will become frantic and will be come angry and extremely destructive.

There are a number of reasons that separation anxiety can come about. Common reasons often include moving houses, the loss of a family member, or a change in your schedule. Dogs that have lived tough on the streets or have been through shelters are most likely to suffer separation anxiety – they constantly fear a return to the street. Dogs with separation anxiety are more likely to be unpredictable, and may even be aggressive at times.

The dog that is having this type of anxiety will destroy your home, chew on your furniture and use the toilet all over your house, in addition to barking and biting episodes. All of these behaviors become progressively worse if the situation is not treated immediately.

There are several forms of treatment available for dogs with separation anxiety. One of the most important things that that you give your dog during this tough time is patience and understanding. Also, never punish your dog if it has a “separation anxiety attack” and destroys your furniture and clothes – unfortunately this will only make the condition worse.

Try to learn some new commands that you can use to calm your dog. For example, before you leave your house to go out, jingle your keys, tell your dog “Calm”, and then return in 5 minutes to your house. By changing your routine and introducing some new commands you should be able to get past your dogs condition rather quickly. Always remember to have plenty of patience and consistency when training your dog.

This will show him that even though you left you came right back. You may also try to crate your dog as this will give him a safe place where he feels comforted. Lastly reward your dog when he exhibits good behaviors. With all of these things you will ease the effects of separation anxiety.