Many people who have pets are quite often away from home during the day due to appointments and work. In these situations, our pets tend to get the idea that when we leave we may not come back, and some will suffer from a condition called separation anxiety. This problem is very common among many pets but particularly so among dogs.

For thousands of years dogs have lived in packs, it’s become one of their embedded natures. Dogs that live with humans treat humans as part of their pack. This can have positive outcomes when you are seen by your dog as the leader of your pack, and negative side effects when your dog believe he is leader and tries to assert themselves as the Alpha Dog.

Dog’s like to know they have the love and affection of people around them. When left at home alone, dogs often begin to consider that you may never come back. This type of thinking leads to dogs getting frantic, at times destructive, and at times loud.

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.

A dog that suffers from separation anxiety may at times become very destructive, angry and even aggressive. Dog owners can sometimes return home to find here furniture and possession have been ripped to shreds. It’s also very common for dogs to use the entire house as a bathroom. These behaviors usually only get worse if nothing is done to fix the problem.

One of the most important things you can do for you dog when it is suffering from separation anxiety is to be patient and understanding of the condition. Never punish a dog if it has destroyed your belongings as this will only make the situation worse. Your dog will start to believe even more deeply that you don’t love him and that next time you leave you’ll be gone for good.

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.