How to Handle Your Dog's Separation Anxiety

Dogs tend to be anxious when their owners leave them at home. But there are effective ways to handle their anxiety. Some of the tried and tested ways are the following:

* Have your exit planned. Just leave when it is time for you to leave the house. Avoid saying goodbye with kisses and hugs because it will just make your dog more restless when you leave. The best approach is to ignore your dog at least 5 minutes before leaving. Giving too much attention and immediately withdrawing the attention will just make your dog feel more apprehensive.
* When you are away from home, confine your dog. There are two benefits to confining your dog during your absence. First is to prevent any damage to your home. Second is that the dog can relax especially if the crate is introduced as a comfortable den when properly introduced while he was still a little pup.
* You can leave the radio on. Choose a talk station and place the radio in your room then close the door. The dog may not feel so alone if he hears human voices from your bedroom. You can also record your own voice and play your own recording while you are away. Hearing your familiar voice for about an hour will be an effective pacifier for your anxious dog since dogs are most restless just after you have left the house.
* Train your dog to a routine. The hardest time for dogs is immediately after being left by their owners. The anxious behavior, which can be destructive sometimes, happens in the first hour after your absence. Conditioning your dog's behavior can be done by reinforcement training. You can train your dog by leaving him out of the crate, wearing your coat, walking to the door and leaving without saying a thing. Then come back right away, calmly greet your dog and tell him to sit. When he follows your command, highlight this good behavior by giving a food treat that he likes best. Just let a few minutes pass and do the exercise again. Stay outside a few seconds longer this time. Go on with the routine for a few weeks until your dog becomes used to your leaving and returning.
* Be a strong leader. Having a strong leader will have a calming effect on your dog. Showing your dog that you are a strong leader will make him feel protected and safe. The best structured way of making yourself a strong leader is through obedience training.
* Let your dog exercise. Dog stress can be reduced by tiring a dog with play, run or a long walk.