Separation Anxiety in Dogs

What is Separation Anxiety?

When you leave the house, it is nice to know that your dog goes to his favorite spot and sleeps peacefully until you return. However dogs suffering from separation anxiety are not so lucky. Separation anxiety can appear in dogs that have not been properly socialized, dogs that have been moved from one home to another and dogs that are naturally nervous.

Your dog is a social, pack animal who relies on the others (you) for individual protection and security. Dogs that lack confidence, due to socialization issues, understanding of expected behavior, or possible maltreatment in the past (adopted dogs), are more likely to exhibit behaviors related to separation anxiety

Essentially, when you leave to go to work, or even just to the corner store for five minutes, you dog becomes upset, stressed and confused. Dogs with separation anxiety can do everything from whining and barking, to ripping apart your couch and eating your duck feathered pillow.

How do I know if my dog has Separation Anxiety?

There is much debate over the cause of separation anxiety. some believe it is a lack of confidence that causes the dog to rely to much on their humans. In this case, you have to teach your dog to accept the fact that you are leaving, and it's going to be ok.

If you have a dog with separation anxiety, you will know. Dogs will usually exhibit a combination of the following:

- The behavior often occurs when the dog is left alone.

- The dog makes a Abig deal@ when his owner leaves, or comes home.

- Well left alone the dog will exhibit behavior which is not common to his normal behavior.

- The dog may not eat if the owner is not in the room

- The dog will follow his owner around constantly

What ever the cause is, here are some techniques for solving the problem.

What can be done?

Make your Departure and Arrival Routine

Make your dog realize that your departures and arrivals are nothing to get excited over. Usually the dog feels the greatest amount of anxiety shortly after you leave. Therefore you need to practice with your dog the "routine" of coming and going.

Lots of Exercise!

Exercise is believed to relieve stress in both humans and dogs alike. A long walk, run, or play session prior to leaving can go a long way in helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of your dog.

Give Your Dog Something to Do While You Are gone.

If your dog has something entertaining to do while you are away, he will be less likely to become stressed and anxious. A stuffed Kong filled with a tasty treat is an excellent example.

Confine Your Dog While You Are Away

Some dogs are more comfortable being confined to their own Aden.@ A crate is an ideal space for your dog. A dog who is properly crate trained is less susceptible to get in to trouble while you are gone. If a crate is not an option, confine him to one room or limit access to the whole house.

Introduce Another Dog

If your dog has another companion to keep him company while you=re gone, it may help alleviate the boredom and tension caused while you are away. Of course this is only "one" option. There are many other factors to take into consideration before adding another dog to your home.

Set Aside Time For Four Dog

Make time during your day to give undivided attention to your dog. This time can be spent playing, teaching, or even just taking a nap together. If possible, try to make this one-on-one time prior to departures.

Leave the Radio or TV On

Leave a radio on in a separate room. The dog will hear the voice and will feel less alone. Some people even leave voice recordings of themselves in hopes to calm the dog.

Depending on the severity of anxiety, you may need to contact a behavior specialist through your vet.

Ths website only provides BASIC information about Seperation Anxiety. your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Seperation Anxiety and its prevention.

If you have a dog with separation anxiety, you will know. Dogs will usually exhibit a combination of the following:

- The behavior often occurs when the dog is left alone.

- The dog makes a Abig deal@ when his owner leaves, or comes home.

- Well left alone the dog will exhibit behavior which is not common to his normal behavior.

- The dog may not eat if the owner is not in the room

- The dog will follow it=s owner around constantly

What ever the cause is, here are some techniques for solving the problem.

What can be done?

Make your Departure and Arrival Routine

Make your dog realize that your departures and arrivals are nothing to get excited over. Usually the dog feels the greatest amount of anxiety shortly after you leave. Therefore you need to practice with your dog the "routine" of coming and going.

Lots of Exercise!

Exercise is believed to relieve stress in both humans and dogs alike. A long walk, run, or play session prior to leaving can go a long way in helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of your dog.

Give Your Dog Something to Do While You Are gone.

If your dog has something entertaining to do while you are away, he will be less likely to become stressed and anxious. A stuffed Kong filled with a tasty treat is an excellent example.

Confine Your Dog While You Are Away

Some dogs are more comfortable being confined to their own Aden.@ A crate is an ideal space for your dog. A dog who is properly crate trained is less susceptible to get in to trouble while you are gone. If a crate is not an option, confine him to one room or limit access to the whole house.

Introduce Another Dog

If your dog has another companion to keep him company while you=re gone, it may help alleviate the boredom and tension caused while you are away. Of course this is only "one" option. There are many other factors to take into consideration before adding another dog to your home.

Set Aside Time For Four Dog

Make time during your day to give undivided attention to your dog. This time can be spent playing, teaching, or even just taking a nap together. If possible, try to make this one-on-one time prior to departures.

Leave the Radio or TV On

Leave a radio on in a separate room. The dog will hear the voice and will feel less alone. Some people even leave voice recordings of themselves in hopes to calm the dog.

Depending on the severity of anxiety, you may need to contact a behavior specialist through your vet.

Ths website only provides BASIC information about Seperation Anxiety. your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Seperation Anxiety and its prevention.

For more great articles and tons of other great info visit our Dog Forum, visit Ron's blog or visit our Pet blog

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots

You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More

Canine Bloat

What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More

Treat Fleas Naturally and Avoid Vaccinations, for a Truly Healthy Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More

How to Care for Your Kitten

Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With... Read More

Barking Problems: Train Your Dog To Stop Barking!

All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More

Ears Stand Corrected: Cosmetic Surgery and Pets

Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your... Read More

Canine Diabetes - Does Your Dog Have it?

Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More

Is A Boxer Dog The Right Pet For You?

Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require... Read More

Dogs, Cats, Horses?We Love Them All!

We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More

Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More

A Healthy Cat Knows What Tastes Good...

As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More

Agility Training For Dogs

Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More

Protect Your Pets From The Pound

Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More

Training Your Dog

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More

How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life

"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More

7 Puppy Naming Tips

You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More

Disaster Preparedness for Pets - A Guide for Pet-Care Business Professionals

June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More

West Highland White Terrier - Westies - Training Success Tips

The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More

Pilling a Cat

Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More

Training Your Dog To Save a Life In Water

Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can... Read More

Do They Really Need a Dog Bed?

When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

Facts About Rottweilers

Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More

How To Save Money By Testing For Feline UTI Yourself

Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More

Setting Up A New Aquarium

Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More

Dog Trick To Cure A Nuisance Barker: Training Buddy to ?Speak? on Command

All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More

Here?s How To Find The Right Pet Meds For Your Favorite Pet

Our pets depend on us for their every need, including... Read More

What About a Newfoundland Dog

Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More

Beds for Smaller Dogs

All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be... Read More

Your First Cichlid Aquarium

So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In... Read More

Your Dog is a Social Animal - and Needs You!

Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More

Quickstart Guide to Making Your Own Pet Food at Home

As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More

How Do Your Customer View Your Pet Business?

There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More