Tips for Treating Dog Separation Anxiety

Does your dog bark incessantly when you leave every day?  Does he destroy things while you are gone? There is hope! Most dogs would love to be with you 24 hours a day if they could. But that does not fit into our everyday lives. We must go to work, to the grocery store and other places where our dogs are just not welcome.

Here are some things you can try to help your dog cope with you leaving:

First, do NOT make a big deal about your departure. Don't start talking to your dog about, mommy's leaving now, you be a good dog while I am away or start trying to reassure your dog that everything will be ok. Instead, change somewhat your normal departure routine. If you normally put on your shoes and then pick up your keys and run out the door, instead, put on your shoes and grab your keys way ahead of time and let your dog see that you did not leave. This will help him relax the next time he sees you pick up your keys - he'll think "Ok, everytime she picks up her keys she does NOT leave."

Secondly, practice leaving and coming home. Yes, I mean go out the door as though you were leaving and then come right back in, BEFORE your dog starts barking or tearing around the house. Every time he sees you come back in the door he realizes that when you leave you ALWAYS come back. Lengthen the time you wait outdoors before you come back in slowly. When you see he can manage 2 minutes, try 3 minutes. The important thing is not to go too fast. If he starts barking then you are moving too quickly. Go back to shorter periods.

Dog training is very important for dogs who suffer from separtion anxiety. Obedience training can help with the problem. Consult a dog trainer for ways to help your dog. There are many more things we can do to help dogs who have separation anxiety. Be sure and consult a proessional dog trainer for these and other behavioal issues. We can provide a lot of relief for you and your beloved dogs.

Deborah Hicks, Behavior Specialist, www.ugoodogu.com  404-713-2795

Serving North Fulton cities of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton and Crabapple