What to Do When Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety

By Rex Krisinsky

Does your normally well-behaved pooch turn into a little monster the moment you leave the house to go to work? Do you often find your house in disarray when you get home? Do the neighbors complain of the ruckus Fido is creating while you're off slaving away in the office? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you may have to start wondering what to do when your dog has separation anxiety because, chances are, he has it.

Like in humans, separation anxiety in dogs is characterized by the constant need to latch on to a person. Most of the time, this is caused by boredom and loneliness. If you want to know what to do when your dog has separation anxiety, here are some things that could help:

• It's tempting, yes, but don't make a big song-and-dance about departures and arrivals. Be casual and act like you're not going anywhere, or weren't gone at all. This helps when you're asking yourself what to do when your dog has separation anxiety because your dog picks up on subtle behavior signals such as these.
  



• If you want to know what to do when your dog has separation anxiety, you have to learn to interact with your dog under your own terms, not his. Play with him, or pet him when you want to, not when he demands it. Otherwise, he'll assume that he can demand anything from you.
  



• Your dog knows when you're about to leave because of subtle cues like picking up your keys, or putting on your jacket. You have to desensitize him from these actions by repeating them constantly without leaving the house. This helps when you are figuring out what to do when your dog has separation anxiety because eventually he won't be able to tell the difference when you're leaving or not.
  



• When considering what to do when your dog has separation anxiety, you must understand that your dog probably gets bored being cooped up alone in the house; hence, why he's so needy. Give him something to do while you're out. Rotate his toys every so often for variety, and let him find treats around the house. He'll realize that life can be fun without you around all the time soon enough, and you'll no longer have to wonder what to do when your dog has separation anxiety.
  

Indeed, if you think he has it, then you'll have to know what to do when your dog has separation anxiety. If you're not sure, or if you're dog's case is quite serious, it's always best to contact professionals to see you both through the ordeal of separation. They will know what to do when your dog has separation anxiety.

If you're ready to put an end to your dog's separation anxiety immediately, you're best bet is starting the step-by-step program at http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com. The site has techniques and tactics that will get your dog behavior problems under control fast and effectively. Check it out now!