Severe Separation Anxiety in Dogs - Help Him Get Over His Fear of Being Left Alone

By Rex Krisinsky

Ever came home to find that your dog has ransacked the living room, barked itself hoarse, or peed on your slippers and shoes? If you answer yes, your dog could be suffering separation anxiety.

Severe separation anxiety in dogs typically occur in the first 20 to 45 minutes after their owners leave. Here's the thing about severe separation anxiety in dogs, though: some dogs have them and some dogs don't. If, however, your dog is one of those who exhibit dramatic anxiety response, know that the noisy barking, the house soiling, and even the wild destruction of property are not attempts to punish you. Rather, they happen because your dog panics each time you leave him. Expect the following behaviors as manifestations of severe separation anxiety in dogs:

- Howling

- Barking

- Crying

- Whimpering

- Digging

- Chewing

- Door scratching

- Urination

- Defecation

The best way to deal with severe separation anxiety in dogs is to get your dog used to your coming and going. Teach your dog to remain calm every time you step out of the door. Here are some techniques.

1. Keep your arrival and departure low-key. When you arrive, for example, ignore your pup for a few minutes then calmly go to him and pet him. This eases severe separation anxiety in dogs by showing them your leave-taking is nothing out of the ordinary.

2. Leave your dog with something that smells like you - an old t-shirt, for one, or a worn-out towel you used recently.

3. Establish safety cues. These are clues that show your dog you won't be staying out long. Dogs associate things with actions. If you're bringing the garbage bag, for example, your dog knows you would come right back. To prevent severe separation anxiety in dogs, associate your short-duration absences with safety cues. A few safety cues to consider are:

- a toy

- a bone

- a playing television

- a playing radio

Dealing with severe separation anxiety in dogs is not easy but with patience, you can help your pup overcome his anxieties. He's your dog, not your wife. He shouldn't act like you're asking for a divorce each time you step out of the house.

Severe separation anxiety in dogs most of the time indicates a greater behavior problem. Perhaps your dog has housebreaking issues, territorial aggression or other general disobedience problems. No matter what your dog behavior problem, you can solve any of them with the step by step program on http://www.Dog-Training-Works.com. Check it out right now and make your dog a happy dog!