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Table of Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 3

Chapter 1 – Feeling Guilty about Leaving the Dog Home Alone ....................................... 5

Causes of Separation Anxiety in Dogs ............................................................................. 5

Diagnosis of Separation Anxiety ...................................................................................... 6

Boredom ......................................................................................................................... 7

Lack of house training ................................................................................................... 7

Medical conditions ........................................................................................................ 8

Environmental stimulation ............................................................................................ 8

Breed Characteristics .................................................................................................... 8

Diagnostic Tree for Separation Anxiety in Dogs.............................................................. 9

Chapter 2 - Short and Long Term Strategies to Manage Separation Anxiety in Dogs ..... 11

Short Term Solutions to Separation Anxiety ................................................................. 12

Ten Steps for Long Term Management of Separation Anxiety ..................................... 13

Planned Departure Training ........................................................................................ 15

Prognosis for Separation Anxiety Treatment ................................................................. 16

Chapter 3 – Leaving Home for Work .................................................................................. 18

Chapter 4 - Is Your Dog Hyper-Attached to you? .............................................................. 20

Crate Training .................................................................................................................. 20

Physical Barriers ............................................................................................................. 21

Pheromones ..................................................................................................................... 21

Share the Responsibility ................................................................................................. 21

Controlled Departure and Return ................................................................................... 22

Training to Relax .............................................................................................................. 22

Night Time Anxiety .......................................................................................................... 22

Chapter 5 - Other Useful Tools that can Help with Separation Anxiety ........................... 24

Chew Toys ........................................................................................................................ 24

Interactive Toys ............................................................................................................... 24

Music ................................................................................................................................ 25

Natural Remedies ............................................................................................................ 25

Pheromones ..................................................................................................................... 26

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 27

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Introduction

Some dogs cry, whine and destroy their home while their owners are out and they are left alone. Up to 10% of dogs are thought to suffer from separation anxiety, so it is a problem that many dog owners have to contend with. Unfortunately, many people think their four-legged family member is being naughty or deliberately spiteful, instead of suffering from a serious behavioral problem. This can lead them to punish their dogs, which will only increase their dog's stress and anxiety.

A dog with normal behavior will snooze, chew a toy or even bark every now and again when they are left alone. They are relaxed and don't worry about being on their own. On the other hand, a dog that suffers from separation anxiety becomes extremely stressed when their owner leaves them. They bark constantly, chew up soft furnishings, and urinate and defecate in the house. Some dogs are so anxious they will injure themselves by biting and scratching at doors, and even by going through plate glass windows. Their owners are often afraid to go anywhere because of the distress caused to their beloved dog.

Separation anxiety doesn't discriminate – it affects dogs of all breeds and all ages. It is distressing for everyone involved, both human and animal, and can lead to an owner giving up their dog.

There are several degrees of anxiety exhibited by dogs. Some dogs are fine for a while, then become distressed when their owner doesn't return within a short time. At the other extreme is the dog that can't let their owner out of their sight.

Keep in mind that some dogs will chew, dig and bark because they are bored. These dogs don't have a behavioral problem, but need more physical and mental exercise. Make sure your dog really does have separation anxiety before you start on any treatment program.

If your dog is suffering from this debilitating behavioral problem, don't despair. There are several things you can do to not only help them cope with your absence, but to encourage them to relax while you are away. It will take some effort on your part, but with time and pa-tience, you'll be able to head out the door without any signs of anxiety from your dog. Below is the link to a Dog Separation Anxiety Journal that you can print and fill up to identify whether or not your dog actually has separation anxiety: http://www.trainpetdog.com/Journals/DogSeparationAnxiety_Journal.pdf

A journal like this will help you understand your dog's separation anxiety issues better and focus your efforts in the right direction to combat this disorder.

Case Study Donna owns a 4 ½ year old Miniature Schnauzer, who has been a part of her family for the past 3 ½ years. She also shares her home with a Dachshund. The Schnauzer is shy and timid, and doesn't like anyone but Donna. It will hide when visitors call in, and is fussy with its food.

When she is away from home, her Schnauzer will walk around the house looking for her, even when her husband and her other dog are home.

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The Schnauzer's separation anxiety is mild, because it doesn't destroy the home or bark constantly. There's no way of knowing for certain what caused it, however the fact that Donna adopted the dog as a young adult suggests that it may have felt anxiety about being given up by its previous owner. Perhaps it spent some time in a shelter which it found frightening. However, because its behavior is a problem to Donna, treatment is necessary.

On the other hand, Nicole's Lhasa Apso has a severe case of separation anxiety. This little dog has been a part of Nicole's family for around ten months now, and hates being alone. He cries and barks, and scratches the door when Nicole leaves him. He even becomes distressed when Nicole is still at home but in another room.

This is an example of severe separation anxiety and hyper-attachment to its owner. This dog is emotionally distressed when Nicole leaves him, and it will be affecting his quality of life. It is also harrowing for Nicole. He needs to be taught to relax and settle on his own, and because the anxiety is so severe he would benefit from working one-on-one with a specialist veterinary behaviorist.

Note: Although this case study is talking about Miniature Schnauzer and Lhasa Apso, the techniques applied here will be applicable to all breeds.

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Chapter 1 – Feeling Guilty about Leaving the Dog Home Alone

Causes of Separation Anxiety in Dogs As a caring dog owner, it is upsetting to leave your dog at home, knowing they will be anxious and distressed. Nobody really knows why some dogs develop separation anxiety and others don't, but there are some circumstances under which it is more likely to occur.

Let's look at some of the risk factors for a dog developing this problem.

Ø Genetics. Dogs, like people, have different personalities which are partly determined by the genes they inherit from their sire and dam. Some dogs are confident and outgoing, and take anything in their stride. Others are shy, and become nervous when in an unfamiliar situation. Dogs that are less confident are less likely to adapt well to changes in circumstance, and less likely to cope with being on their own.

Ø Poor examples of good behavior. Behavior is related to both nature (genetics) and nurture (how a dog is raised). If a pup's dam is anxious and stressed when its owner leaves, then the pup will learn this behavior and is more likely to be unsettled when alone.

Ø Poor socialization when young. The ideal age for puppies to leave their canine family is 8 weeks of age. Between 8 and 14 weeks, they need to be exposed to different people and different environments. At this age, puppy pre-school is extremely beneficial. Pups that are re-homed too early, or that stay with their mom until they are older may develop behavioral problems because of a lack of proper interaction with other people and dogs. A dog owner's living arrangements can also play a role, with dogs owned by single people being 2.5 times more likely to develop separation issues than dogs with more than one person in the household.

Ø Young dogs also go through several fear periods when they are around 8-14 weeks, and again as a young adult. They are easily spooked and need careful handling to help them through them. It's very important that their owner treats fearful behavior in a matter-of-fact manner. Any soothing cuddles will only reinforce undesirable behavior and make them more likely to act nervously.

Ø Very little time spent alone. Some owners love to take their dogs everywhere with them, and avoid leaving them on their own. This sounds good in theory, but in fact can cause difficulties when their dog absolutely has to be left alone. It is much better to teach your dog from a young age to be relaxed when they are on their own.

Ø Extreme attachment to one person. Some dogs form a very close bond with one person and this is likely to lead to difficulties when that person has to go out. It's a good idea to encourage your dog to become comfortable in the company of other people – a friendly doggie day care center can be very helpful.

Ø Traumatic events. Any event that frightens your dog can make them clingy and anxious about being alone. Abandonment is a common cause of separation anxiety. Even being left in a boarding kennel or at the veterinary hospital can be stressful enough to make your dog nervous the next time you want to leave them at home.

Ø Dogs that are given up to shelters and then re-homed are at increased risk of developing separation anxiety. Because they have been abandoned by their family, they cling even more closely to their new owners. A change in owner and home can have a huge emotional impact on a dog. This is one reason why people should give

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a great deal of thought before welcoming a dog into their family. Dogs should never be an impulse purchase because if they have to be given up in the future, it can cause them great distress.

Ø A change in work or school schedule. Many people buy a puppy during their vacation, so they can spend time with their new pet. While this has benefits, such as plenty of time to potty train their dog and build a relationship with them, it can cause problems when vacation time is over. A pup that has had company for weeks and is suddenly left alone will often find it difficult to cope. To avoid this, new puppy owners should teach their pet to be comfortable on their own, even while they are off work or school. Pups can be left for short periods while their owners do the grocery shopping, or see a movie. This will make it easier on them when it's time to go back to school or work.

Ø A change in environment. If a member of the family moves out, or a companion dog dies, this can be enough to trigger anxiety in a sensitive dog. Similarly, if their owners move house, the unfamiliar sights, smells and sounds of their new home may lead to problems.

Ø Age related cognitive dysfunction. As dogs get older, they can develop symptoms of dementia. They can forget their training, wander aimlessly through the house at night, and bark for no obvious reason. They may also start soiling inside. One feature of canine cognitive dysfunction is the development of separation anxiety in dogs that have previously had no problems being alone. This may also occur as a dog loses its sight and hearing. It can be scary for them to be unable to see or hear the things around them, and it can make them very clingy.

Case Study Judith owns an adult German Shepherd Dog. They were on vacation and walking along a street near their vacation house. Suddenly, a dog rushed out from a neighboring property and attacked Judith's dog.

It took several people to remove the attacking dog from Judith's German Shepherd. Fortunately her dog wasn't hurt, probably because of its thick coat. However, it is now very wary when approached by unfamiliar dogs, and is very stressed when Judith has to leave it at home. This separation anxiety was triggered by the trauma of being attacked by the loose dog.

Note: Although this case study is talking about German Shepherd, the techniques applied here will be applicable to all breeds.

Diagnosis of Separation Anxiety In some cases, dogs are destructive and noisy when alone, and they don't have separation anxiety. So, how do you know if your dog really has this behavioral problem?

There are several specific indicators of separation anxiety:

• Your dog's behaviors include barking, soiling and destruction. Destructive behavior is often directed at barriers such as the front door where you go out of the house.

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Some dogs scratch at windows as they see you leave. Mild cases can be characterized by panting, salivating and pacing around the room.

• The behaviors often start when your dog anticipates you leaving. They may become nervous when you put your coat on or pick up your car keys. However, the main characteristic is that the behaviors occur as soon as you leave, and are most severe in the first half hour that your dog is alone. They are also worse if your departure is unexpected.

• The barking associated with separation anxiety is often high pitched yaps. This is similar to the sound a distressed puppy makes to attract the attention of their mother.

• Your dog is hyper-attached to you. They don't like you being out of their sight, and they follow you from room to room. It can be quite flattering to have your dog love you this much, but it's not an ideal situation.

• If your dog has separation anxiety, they are unlikely to eat while you are out. You can leave them with a treat or a bowl of kibble, and come back to find it untouched.

In most cases, dogs with separation anxiety don't show these behaviors when someone is at home, because their issue is that they don't like being alone. However, some dogs are hyper-attached to one person so that they become distressed when that person leaves, even if they have plenty of company. Similarly, they may still be unhappy even if they have a canine playmate when their owner is away.

There are several other reasons your dog may eliminate, bark or chew your shoes while you are out, that aren't related to stress or anxiety.

Boredom Dogs are pack animals and haven't developed an innate ability to spend long periods of time alone with nothing to do. Under these circumstances, they are very likely to create their own entertainment. This is particularly the case with young dogs that have lots of energy, and they may also chew things when they are teething. Active breeds such as herding or working dogs are more likely to suffer from boredom, and they are usually clever enough to work out how to keep themselves amused. Excessive barking can be an attempt to try and get some attention from you, and this can also be a problem when you are home but doing other things.

If your dog is just bored, they shouldn't show any signs of anxiety when you are leaving. There are solutions to this problem including obedience training and dog sports to give them something to do with their mind, and interactive dog toys to keep them busy while you're out.

Lack of house training If your dog isn't reliably house trained, then it is possible that they may have a toileting accident while you aren't there to let them outside. Most dogs are fully toilet trained by the time they are about 4 months old, but some take longer, depending on how much time and effort their owner can put into potty training them.

This isn't a behavioral problem and should resolve as the dog learns where and when to eliminate, and develops the physical ability to hold on for longer.

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Medical conditions Dogs with a bladder infection or colitis aren't able to control their elimination. They may soil the floor purely because their medical condition means they can't hold on for very long. If your dog has this type of problem and don't actually have separation anxiety, they won't be stressed when you leave. You can also expect this behavior to occur when you are home. There may also be other symptoms such as tummy pain, or excessive licking of their genitals or under their tail. Dogs with colitis often have mucus in their stools, and possibly even a trace of bright red blood. Bladder infections cause extremely painful and frequent urination, and there is also often blood in the puddles left behind by your dog. If you suspect a medical condition is behind your dog's abnormal elimination, then your first stop should be your veterinarian's office.

Environmental stimulation If your dog can look out the window when they're at home, then they may bark frequently in response to what's happening in their yard. It's not unexpected that a dog will bark if a cat strolls across the front lawn! This can be considered normal behavior and isn't necessarily associated with anxiety, especially if there is no destruction of property and it also happens when you are home. One solution to this problem is to prevent them seeing passing animals, trucks or people. Use blinds or curtains on the windows, or if your dog is outside, build a fence that they can't see through.

An important part of diagnosing separation anxiety in dogs is to observe what a dog is doing when alone. This can be done by setting up a video camera in the room where the dog spends their time when you are out. This footage is extremely important in reaching the right diagnosis, so the appropriate treatment can be started.

Breed Characteristics You will need to take into account your breed's characteristics and temperament when evaluating their behavior. For example, a Jack Russell Terrier may dig excessively when they are unattended. This may not be separation anxiety or even boredom. It may just be that, being a terrier, they are hard wired to dig for vermin, and they are expressing a normal behavior for that breed. That's not to say it isn't annoying, but the inconvenience can be reduced by giving your terrier dog somewhere that they are allowed to dig such as a little portable sand pit.

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Diagnostic Tree for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

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Case Study Miranda has a twelve month old rescue Samoyed, as well as an older dog of the same breed. She works two days a week for eight hours, and while she is away, her young dog chews the lounge cushions and raids the trash can. It had always been a bit destructive, but its behavior has escalated. There has been no barking or howling.

This dog certainly could be bored. Twelve month old dogs needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation and eight hours is a long time to expect them to wait patiently for their owner's return. Miranda did comment that her dog was very people focused, so it may actually be missing her, as well as bored.

Miranda's first step is to set up a video camera while she is at work, to see exactly how her youngster behaves when she isn't home. If the dog shows signs of anxiety such as panting or pacing, then she will need to take steps to manage this anxiety before it becomes more severe. However, if the dog seems quite happy and relaxed while it is shredding the furniture, then boredom is more likely to be the cause of its behavior.

Note: Although this case study is talking about Samoyed, the techniques applied here will be applicable to all breeds.

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Chapter 2 - Short and Long Term Strategies to Manage Separation Anxiety in Dogs

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you'll be glad to know there are things you can do to alleviate their distress when you go out.

It is very important that you prevent your dog from becoming hyper-attached to you. This may be difficult if they are already closely bonded with you, but it's the first step in helping them to be more confident and self reliant. Here are some ways of doing that:

• Your dog must not be the one to demand attention from you. If they approach you for a cuddle, don't give in. Ask them to earn their cuddle by sitting or dropping on your command. Remove all rewards such as toys and treats and pats, and only let your dog have access to them when they are relaxed. This will initially be difficult, because they are likely to become more demanding and insistent before they stop asking for attention. You need to resist this and not give in; it will get easier.

• Encourage your dog to relax at least a yard away from you when you are sitting on the couch or at the dinner table. Start by putting the mat on the floor next to you, and rewarding them for walking onto it. Progress to telling them to lie down on the mat, with treats for staying down and being calm.

The next step is to stand with them a short distance from the mat, then send them onto it and ask them to lie down. When they achieve this, give them lots of praise and treats.

When you are sitting on the couch, send them to their mat to lie down. By this stage, they should be quite happy and relaxed about doing that. Over the next few weeks, slowly move the mat away from you, until your dog will settle on their mat at a distance, and not be stressed by the slight separation from you.

When you are training your dog to do this, always progress in small increments to avoid them becoming anxious.

• If your dog sleeps with you, start to work towards them having their own sleeping area, even if it is initially at the side of your own bed. The steps are similar to those you use in step 2, however you may find that you'll have a few disturbed nights as your dog learns to sleep on their own. You may be happy enough with your dog sleeping on the floor beside you, or you can again slowly move their bed further away and even into another room.

• If you live with family or have housemates, ask them to become more involved in your dog's care. They can do the feeding, walking and grooming so your dog isn't so dependent on you for their care. It's important that you don't feel envious about your dog's blossoming relationship with others; this is good for them, and ultimately for you.

• Buy some interactive toys that your dog can play with by themselves, without you being involved. This teaches them to amuse themselves on their own.

• Crate train your dog. They will see their crate as a safe den for them to rest in when they are on their own or feeling stressed. The process of crate training is discussed elsewhere in this book. There are several types of crate available for

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purchase; the most popular ones are the hard plastic portable crates and the wire mesh crates with the removable tray. These are easy to keep clean. Shop around for a good price: they're not cheap but they are a good investment in your dog's well being. The crate you choose needs to be big enough for your dog to lie down and stretch out, as well as stand up and turn around.

Alternatively, establish a special area where they can be safely confined behind a baby gate. This area should be very attractive to your dog, and you can train them to settle in this area just as you would a crate.

• Take your dog to obedience or agility classes. You may think these won't do much to foster independence in your dog, but they will build their confidence in themselves. There is also the opportunity for them to be handled by different people, which also lets them learn to be a little separate from you.

Short Term Solutions to Separation Anxiety These are some “quick fixes” that can help with your dog's separation anxiety. They are not ideal because many of them involve you being with your dog. This has two problems: Firstly, they don't teach your dog the skills to become independent and relaxed on their own, so they don't actually resolve the problem. Secondly, they restrict your activities which can be very frustrating. You may find one or two of these solutions will work for you, at least in the short term.

• Medication such as diazepam (Valium) and acepromazine will sedate your dog so they just snooze while you are away. Their effects last a few hours so they're good for when you need to go shopping or visiting friends.

If you are going to use these drugs, have a trial run before you need to rely on them. Give your dog the medication at the prescribed dose, and watch the effects. You need to make sure that they will be sedated enough so they aren't stressed when you go. Your veterinarian will help you adjust the dose if needed.

• Take your dog with you when you run your errands. This isn't always possible because you may have to tie them up outside the store, or leave them in the car. There may not be many opportunities for them to come along, but it's worth considering. That way they won't be at home fretting until you return.

• Trade dog sitting with other dog owners. You look after both dogs on some occasions, and they look after them at other times. This gives you the freedom to go places where you can't take your dog, and relax knowing they aren't stressed and alone.

• Hire a pet sitter when you go out. This only works if your dog isn't excessively attached to you, as they will still be distressed even with the company of a sitter. This can also be expensive, so isn't an option if you are on a tight budget.

• Only go out to dog friendly places. If you're meeting friends for lunch, choose a cafe that allows your dog to sit at your feet while you eat. Some cities have outdoor theaters where you can sit on the grass and watch a movie; they may allow your dog to accompany you there.

• Make a recording of the normal sounds of your household – conversations, television noise, footsteps – and play it while you sneak out. This might get you out the door without your dog being frantic, but they will soon notice your absence and become stressed and anxious.

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These solutions aren't ideal, so if you are going to try them, look on them as a very short term solution and start working on the long term solutions listed below. The results will be better for your dog.

Ten Steps for Long Term Management of Separation Anxiety These steps are all important in helping your dog get over their behavior problem. Some, such as a change in nutrition, may not be effective in all dogs, but they shouldn't be ruled out without giving them a try.

1. The first step is a visit to your veterinarian to discuss your dog's behavior, and to develop an individual treatment plan. Many veterinarians are quite comfortable with managing behavioral problems, and can prescribe any necessary medication for your dog. You may prefer to visit a specialist in animal behavior as they deal with these problems every day and will have the most up to date information on treatment options.

Your vet should be able to refer you to an expert in your area. Alternatively, if you live in the United States, look on the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website (http://www.dacvb.org/). There will be similar specialist groups in other countries.

2. Start anti-anxiety medication as soon as possible. These drugs can take 4 to 6 weeks to have their full effect, so the sooner you start, the quicker your dog will feel better. Many people are reluctant to use medication like this, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. They are not addictive, and have very few side effects. They reduce anxiety which makes it easier for your dog to learn new behaviors. This means that the retraining program you follow with your dog will have better results.

There are two main drugs used to treat anxiety in dogs. The first is fluoxetine, and the brand name is Reconcile. You may be more familiar with the human brand name, Prozac. It is given to dogs once or twice a day and in many cases, some response is seen within a week or two. This drug increases the serotonin levels in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for happy and relaxed feelings, such as those we feel when we fall in love. Low levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety and mood disorders in people, and it appears to be the same in our canine companions.

The other drug commonly used for separation anxiety is clomipramine, brand name Clomicalm. It has a similar effect to Reconcile, and is also given once or twice a day.

In the early stages of treatment for separation anxiety, you may need to use diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax) every now and again if your dog is actually panicking when you leave.

Never be tempted to use your own medication to calm your dog, or to give more of their medication than has been prescribed. Also, don't assume that medication alone will solve their problem. It is purely to be used to help with retraining them and giving them the confidence to stay calm on their own.

3. Increase your dog's exercise. In people, exercise has been associated with the release of endorphins, a brain chemical that causes a feeling of relaxation and well-being. It can be assumed that the same occurs in dogs.

A slow stroll around the neighborhood isn't enough to get those endorphins circulating. You need to take your dog for a run, or at the very least, a fast walk.

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Get their heart pumping and make sure they are nicely tired. Always stay within your dog's limits and build up slowly – don't take them out for a three mile run if they've never done more than a slow jog around one lap of the sports oval.

A good exercise session for an hour or so before you leave your dog will help them to relax while you're out.

4. Look at your dog's diet. Although there have been no formal studies on nutrition and separation anxiety, there are suggestions that a lower protein diet has a positive effect on anxiety related aggressive behaviors in dogs. You may want to switch to a diet with a protein level of 17-19% and see if it helps. Also, some people have found that a hypoallergenic diet makes a difference to their dog's anxiety levels.

B vitamins are recognized to have calming effects on people and also dogs, so it might be worth supplementing your dog's diet with B vitamins tablets. Again, be guided by your veterinarian's recommendations when it comes to how much to give them.

5. Use a body wrap or Thundershirt on your dog when you are training them to stay at home by themselves. These are thought to reduce anxiety in dogs, just as swaddling relaxes newborn babies. Many people have found the Thundershirt to be very effective but if you're on a budget, you can make a wrap out of a tee shirt.

These wraps aren't to be left on your dog when you aren't home; instead they are a training aid. Put the wrap on them 5 minutes before you start any training session, and remove it 5 minutes after your session is complete.

6. Keep a few of your old clothes aside to put with your dog when you go out. They will have your scent on them, and can be used as a comfortable resting material in your dog's confinement area. The familiar and welcoming scent will help your dog feel less stressed when you aren't with them.

7. Invest in some durable chew toys or interactive toys and keep them just for when they are calm. These special toys can be filled with treats and snacks, and will occupy your dog for up to an hour. The act of licking and chewing, as well as the effort of figuring out how to get the treats out of the toy, will make your dog mentally weary and relaxed. Your dog should only ever get these special toys when they are relaxed and calm. Ultimately they will be used when you leave your dog alone but make sure you use them at other times too. Otherwise, the toy itself will become an indicator that you are going out, just like the act of picking up the keys or going to the door. The toy will then become a source of stress.

8. Purchase some Dog Appeasing Pheromone products, and use them according to directions. Use the spray around your dog's confinement area to give them a sense of calm and well-being. The spray doesn't last too long so if you're going to be going out regularly, or for longer than a few hours at a time, purchase the diffuser or the pheromone infused collar.

These products aren't cheap but if you look around and shop online, you can often get them at a lower price. They're safe and effective, and an important part of treating any anxiety disorder in dogs.

9. Develop a safety cue. This is a specific action that indicates to your dog that you are going out, but you will be back soon and they shouldn't be anxious about it. Just like dogs with separation anxiety learn to recognize your departure cues and start to worry, they can be taught to identify a safety cue. It can be a word, specific music or even something simple like a cloth hung over a door knob. Some dog owners keep a specific air freshener spray just for this purpose.

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The safety cue is used when you are conditioning your dog to short departures, and they soon learn what it means. Never ever use the safety cue for regular departures, especially when you don't know how long you will be away. This will reduce the effectiveness of the safety cue for short departures that your dog should manage.

10. Desensitize your dog to departure cues. Dogs with separation anxiety become distressed when they see their owner prepare to leave. They have learned to recognize that putting on shoes, picking up keys and walking towards the front door means they're going to be left alone.

You need to teach your dog that these cues aren't a cause for distress. You do this by picking up the keys, for example, when you aren't going anywhere. Your dog will become anxious, but you don't pay him any attention. Just put down the keys again, and continue to do what you were doing. Similarly, pick up your bag, then put it down. You can also approach the front door, open it and close it, then walk away. The idea behind doing this is that your dog learns that there's no need to be upset when you do these things, because they really don't mean anything.

You will need to do these things several times a day over the course of a few weeks, to give your dog time to become complacent about these cues, then you can start departure training.

Planned Departure Training This is the most important part of treating your dog's separation anxiety. It is teaching them to have different emotional reactions to being on their own. Since their behavior is driven by these reactions, the result should be a lessening of the signs of anxiety – destructiveness, panic, barking and soiling.

You must have set the groundwork for this training by following the steps already mentioned for long term management of separation anxiety. Your dog should be relaxed about your departure cues, and be comfortable enough being away from you in their confinement area. Have some special toys and pheromone products ready to use, and decide on your safety cue. They should also have been taking their anti-anxiety medication for a few weeks.

If you have been able to videotape your dog when you are out, you'll know how long it takes before they show anxiety related behaviors. Your initial training departures need to be shorter than this, so they don't feel any anxiety while they are learning to be on their own. As the training progresses and they become less stressed about you leaving, you can slowly increase the duration of your absence.

These steps need to be followed closely, and it's a good idea to have advice and support from your veterinarian as you go through this process. This will make sure you are doing it right, and help you achieve the best possible result.

Planned departures are designed to help your dog get used to you being away so they don't become anxious. Initially, your departures should only be a few seconds. That is often a short enough time such that your dog won't get anxious.

These are the steps that should be followed in your planned departure training:

1. Put your dog in their confinement area, with their special toy and an item of your clothing.

2. Give the safety signal – put on the music or spray the air freshener.

3. Leave your dog. Follow the same steps as you would if you were really leaving. Be very matter-of-fact about your departure. You should know from the video tape how long it takes your dog to become anxious, and only stay away for less than that. At

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first, you may just be able to walk to the door and if that's the case, that's okay. It's a start.

4. Come back to your dog. Take them straight outside to go to the toilet, and don't pat or make a fuss of them. Your return should be quite routine. After five or ten minutes, call them to you, then give them cuddles and affection. All attention should be given when you choose, and not when your dog demands it.

5. Some dogs aren't bothered by this short departure, but others find it stressful. When your dog is calm again, repeat this process. Ideally, arrange to do up to three planned departures each 24 hours.

6. Gradually, increase the amount of time you leave your dog. As they learn to cope, you can start to go through the front door. These departures must be like real ones. If you live in an apartment and go down the elevator, build up to actually leaving in the elevator for short periods of time so your dog becomes relaxed about the sounds associated with it. Similarly, if you leave by car, aim to be able to start the car then come inside, then move on to starting the car and driving out of your driveway.

Prognosis for Separation Anxiety Treatment Most dogs with separation anxiety will respond to treatment, but there may not be 100% resolution of symptoms. Behavior modification combined with drug and pheromone treatment has resulted in an improvement in almost three quarters of affected dogs within eight weeks.

Some dogs need ongoing medication to keep their anxiety under control and prevent the reappearance of symptoms.

The real challenge in the management of separation anxiety in dogs is that their owners must be committed to the training program, and have the time and patience to follow it exactly. A tailored program that has been designed specifically for each individual dog is also associated with a better outcome.

Case Studies

Jake

Jake was an eight year old male Cocker Spaniel. He was taken to his veterinarian because he panicked and destroyed the furniture when he was left alone. He was also afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks: this is a common characteristic of dogs with separation anxiety.

He had always been strongly attached to his human family, but it was worsened when they moved to a new home. He became particularly bonded to his female owner.

His owners have tried Valium, crating him when they had to go out, and sneaking out when Jake was distracted. Nothing helped. A videotape of Jake taken after his owners left showed him start to panic immediately, with panting, crying and scratching at the door his owners departed through.

A full health checkup and blood tests showed that Jake was physically in good health, with no other obvious cause of anxiety.

Treatment was commenced with Reconcile once daily, and Valium given 1 hour before Jake's owners left. A behavior modification program was started. This involved teaching Jake to relax, time spent at doggie daycare, food toys when alone and counter-conditioning to his owners departure cues.

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After one week, the Valium was stopped due to side effects and the anti-anxiety drug Trazodone was prescribed to be given before departure.

By the four week mark, Jake's owner could leave him alone for half an hour without using the sedative. For departures longer than that, he still needed Trazodone. He was also still very aware of his owner's departure cues, so there was still work to be done there.

At twelve weeks, with ongoing medication and behavior modification, Jake was able to comfortably stay on his own without Trazodone for up to two hours. His Reconcile dose was reduced slightly.

By eight months after the start of treatment, Jake was still taking a low dose of Reconcile. His owners still used Trazodone for departures lasting longer than two hours. This is as much of an improvement as his owners could achieve. He wasn't 100% cured, but his owners were very happy with his response, and were more relaxed about leaving him at home.

Merry

Merry was a one year old German Shepherd Dog who had a sad and depressed demeanor and cried when left in her crate. This behavior started when she was just a puppy and her dam died. She's been so anxious in the crate that she has broken a tooth trying to escape. Merry is stressed in the crate even when her owner is home, but is worse when left alone.

Blood tests and a full check up revealed Merry was otherwise in excellent health. She was diagnosed with separation anxiety and also generalized anxiety.

Treatment was started with Reconcile once a day, and Xanax twice daily. A behavior modification program was developed. Merry was asked to sit for everything, including food, toys and cuddles. She was taught to relax, and was conditioned to be comfortable in the crate. Food toys and familiar smelling cloths in the crate were also used. She was also taught to be unconcerned about departure cues.

After five weeks, Merry would settle in her crate with some chew toys and a bone. She was happy in the crate when her owner was away, but found the actual departure stressful. The dose of Reconcile was slightly reduced.

Twelve weeks after the start of treatment, Merry was doing very well in her crate when her owner left. She also seemed happier and more affectionate. She had stopped following her owner around the house and would cheerfully lie down and relax away from her owner.

At Merry's one year checkup, her behavior was stable. Her owners decided to wean her off the Reconcile, but two months later, Merry again appeared depressed and was becoming stressed in her crate when her owner left. The Reconcile was started again at a lower dose, and the Xanax was continued twice daily.

Two years after the start of treatment, Merry was doing very well on Reconcile once daily and Xanax twice daily.

Note: Although this case study is talking about Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd, the techniques applied here will be applicable to all breeds.

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Chapter 3 – Leaving Home for Work

Sometimes you just don't have time to go through a long drawn out training program to help your dog manage their separation anxiety. You have to go to work, and your finances don't always allow for a dog walker or doggie day care to keep your dog company.

While there is no magic solution that provides a fast resolution of separation anxiety, there are things that can be done to make the daily departure easier on both dog and owner:

• Choose a confinement space for your dog, and put a baby gate across it. They'll be able to see through the gate, and that will give them the impression that they have more space than they really do. Put their bed in this area, a large bowl of water, and a piece of your clothing so they have your scent to comfort them. Remove any hazards or fragile items that could become damaged, as well as items that may hurt your dog if they are broken.

If your dog hates being restricted in their movements but they are too destructive to leave loose indoors, then they may be more comfortable staying outside when you are at work. It is vital that your yard is secure, with a sturdy fence that's high enough to keep your dog safely inside. Also, you must make sure that they won't be able to dig out underneath the fence. A good compromise is a dog run with a secure roof and a floor that is dig-proof.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if they bark, you may not be popular with your neighbors.

• Make sure the temperature is comfortable for your dog. Dogs can't sweat to cool themselves down so can easily become heat stressed. Similarly, if the environment is too cool for them, they find it hard to settle down and relax. An ideal temperature for your dog is between 64 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Get up an hour earlier, and exercise your dog hard before going to work. A casual stroll isn't enough; they need to walk fast or run to get their heart rate up. They will then be tired and more likely to rest while you are out. Also, the endorphins that come from exercise will calm them down. It's a good idea to take a different route each time you walk, because it will add extra mental stimulation for your dog. Add in a few obedience exercises such as sit, drop and heel to keep their mind active.

• Feed your dog before leaving, as they are more likely to nap with a full tummy. After they have eaten, give them the opportunity to go outside and relieve themselves. They'll then be much more comfortable.

• Your veterinarian can prescribe a short acting sedative such as diazepam or acepromazine. These drugs only last for a few hours, and will make your dog feel calm and relaxed. It is important that you try them out on your dog when you are not going anywhere. This will allow you to work out how long they take to work and how long the effects last. These drugs are generally very safe if used as directed by a veterinarian. It may take a bit of trial and error to work out which drug and which dose rate works best for your dog.

• Alternatively, there are natural treatments for anxiety in dogs, such as the Bach Flower Remedies. Don't forget that just because a product is natural, it may still have side effects or interactions with other drugs. Always tell your veterinarian if you are using any natural remedies on your dog, so they can take their effects into account if they want to use prescription medication as well.

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• Use Dog Appeasing Pheromone. Plug in the diffuser, or use the spray and squirt it around your dog's confinement space. Alternatively, put the DAP collar on them. This will help to ease their anxiety.

• Ten minutes before you plan on leaving, put your dog in their confinement space. Don't make a fuss of them. Then, just before you leave, give them a stuffed Kong to keep them occupied for a few hours. Another good option is to hide long lasting treats around their confinement area, so they can have their own little treasure hunt while you are out. Consider investing in an interactive dog toy such as a Buster Cube. These can be filled with kibble, and as your dog plays with it and rolls it around, it tosses out the kibble one piece at a time. Your dog may spend hours playing with it and snacking.

• Play some relaxing music on a continuous loop while you are out. Alternatively, leave the television on so your dog can watch the screen and hear the sounds of the television shows. If you have the facilities, you may want to record your own voice and play that tape when your dog is alone. Try each of these because some dogs will respond better to one type of sound than the others.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for separation anxiety, and these steps aren't likely to completely resolve your dog's problem. It's still worth trying them all. You'll find that some will help your dog, and some won't have any effect at all. Often, the best you can hope for is that they will be less anxious when you are leaving for work.

You will still need to train your dog to relax on its own, and this will take some time.

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Chapter 4 - Is Your Dog Hyper-Attached to you?

One of the risk factors for a dog developing separation anxiety is that they are extremely attached to their owner. They want to be with them all the time, and haven't learned to be relaxed when they are on their own.

There are several reasons for a dog becoming hyper-attached to a person.

Some people have a dog as a substitute for another person. They may be unable to have children and their dog becomes a child replacement. They may have an emotionally unavailable spouse, and they rely on their canine family member for affection and attention. In these circumstances, their dog also becomes abnormally dependent on them and can't cope when their beloved owner is away.

Even if the dog isn't a substitute, an owner may lavish excessive amounts of attention and affection on their dog, with frequent cuddling and stroking. They may often carry their dog, so their pet is held close to their body for long periods of time. This too often results in an extremely needy dog that can't do without that constant affection.

How do people prevent problems with separation anxiety if their dog constantly follows them around the house? The most important thing is to increase their pet's confidence and gently get them used to being on their own. This can take some time, but the benefits will be huge. A dog owner will be able to pop down to the shopping mall, go out to work and even go to the toilet without their dog becoming anxious and fearful.

Crate Training One of the best things a dog owner can do is to crate train their dog from a young age.

Although a crate may appear to be just a cage, dogs soon learn to see it as a den or retreat, and a safe place to rest when their environment becomes hectic. If they have been taught to relax in a crate, they'll be more likely to feel comfortable in there when their owner leaves for a while.

It's important to understand that crate training should never be used to treat a dog with separation anxiety, because it increases the amount of stress they are under. However, it is an excellent tool to help prevent this problem occurring in the first place.

This type of training can start from the time a puppy is taken to their new home when they are eight weeks old. However, dogs of any age can learn to settle in a comfortable crate if they don't have any anxiety issues.

Crate training should be done in steps. Firstly, the crate is left in the lounge room with the door open. The dog should wander up and have a sniff at the strange object that is taking up space in their living environment. When that happens, they should be given a treat to reward them for approaching the crate.

The next step is to gently lure them into the crate with a treat, and reward them even if they just put one foot inside. Start to give the reward for putting more and more of their body into the crate. Don't force them; let them do it of their own accord.

When they are comfortable with that, it's time to start feeding them in the crate. Put their dinner bowl inside and they should be quite happy to go in and eat their meal.

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When you have done this for several days and they are still relaxed about the crate, it's time to start shutting the door. At first, close the door for a second or two, reward your dog and let them out. Very slowly, over a period of several days, increase the time they are closed in, until you can leave them in there for several minutes without them becoming stressed.

Next, put them in the crate with a chew toy or stuffed Kong, close the door and walk away for a second, then return. This is teaching them that they are safe and comfortable in the crate when you are out of sight.

Over the next few weeks, increase the amount of time your dog is in the crate while they can't see you. If at any time they become nervous or anxious, go back a step. This process can't be rushed, and at no time should your dog be upset about being crated. It does take time, but it is very useful.

Physical Barriers If you feel a crate isn't suitable for your home, then consider using a physical barrier to allow your dog to become familiar with being apart from you. A baby gate is perfect for this purpose. Use it to barrier off a comfortable area where your dog can see you, but can't get to you. Put their favorite treats behind the barrier, and give them some comfortable bedding. The advantage of using a baby gate is that it gives your dog more space to wander around, while still being reasonably well confined.

Another option is a collapsible wire dog pen. These are usually round, and are available in a range of sizes. They're great for little dogs, but larger breeds may be able to jump over the side.

These types of barriers still gives you the opportunity to teach your dog to relax on their own, just like a crate does. You can walk around a corner, then straight back near your dog to help them to understand that while they can't always go with you, you'll always come back to them. As with crate training, do this regularly, and vary the amount of time you are out of sight.

Pheromones Pheromones can also help dogs to relax, and reduce anxiety when there are changes to their environment.

Dog Appeasing Pheromone is available in an aerosol which can be sprayed around a room, or on a bandanna that is tied around your dog's neck. It can also be purchased as a diffuser that plugs into a power socket and spreads the pheromones around the room. Another option is a pheromone infused collar which can be put on your dog when a stressful event is expected. Use it when you bring your new pup home, when noisy visitors are coming for dinner, or at any time you think your dog may become nervous. While it has been proven to be effective, there are some dogs that just don't respond. It is safe with no side effects so it's worth a try.

Share the Responsibility If you feel that your dog is becoming extremely attached to you, it's a good idea to encourage it to develop relationships with other people in the home. Other family members can feed them, exercise them and play with them. This will help reduce the risk of the dog becoming distressed when you leave, but it may still develop a generalized separation anxiety if it gets a fright or feels abandoned.

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Another alternative that can help prevent anxiety in a dog when alone is to give them a canine playmate. They will become good friends and companions, and keep each other company while their owner is away. Dog owners must make sure their budget can accommodate a second dog – they'll be buying twice as much food, and twice as much worming, heartworm and flea control products.

People who chose this method must have a strategy in place for the second dog in case things don't work out as planned. There's no guarantee a second dog will help to manage separation anxiety, and the two dogs may not even get along well.

Controlled Departure and Return When you are leaving home, don't make a big fuss of your dog because this only makes it more likely that the dog will miss you. Certainly give the dog a pat goodbye, but lots of affection will only make the departure worse.

Similarly, when you return home, don't get all excited at seeing your dog again. You should just say hello, and give them a quick pat. Don't pay your dog a lot of attention for five or ten minutes. After this time, you can then play and cuddle and make a fuss. This helps the dog to learn that departures are a normal part of their life and not something to get excited or anxious about.

Training to Relax Reward based training is particularly useful for teaching a dog to settle down on their own in their crate or confinement area. When the dog is sitting quietly, they are given a treat. They are continually rewarded for being relaxed, and will then learn that staying calm is a positive thing.

Dogs can also be taught to relax on a mat. They can be trained to lie down and stay there without anxiety. If they have been quiet and calm, they are rewarded. This sort of training doesn't specifically address separation anxiety, but it does encourage a general calmness in your dog, which can help them relax when alone. The mat can become a familiar spot that is associated with being calm, and this can also be beneficial for your dog when you aren't home.

Night Time Anxiety Even if an owner can spend virtually all of their time with their dog, they may not want them to sleep in their bed or even their bedroom. Young puppies are renowned for being unsettled at night when they first move into a new home. Most of them learn to settle down, but some take longer. The result is sleep deprived owners and a stressed dog.

Older dogs that have developed separation anxiety due to unfortunate events such as being in a shelter can be even noisier than puppies at night.

Many of the previously discussed methods of controlling anxiety will reduce night crying and anxiety. Pheromones, crate training and music can help make night time easier on a dog. Another alternative is to crate train the dog, and have the crate next to their owner's bed. As the dog becomes more settled in the crate, then it can be gradually moved further and further from the bed and eventually to its permanent position in the home.

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Case Study Katherine brought home her new puppy and expected a few unsettled nights. However, things weren't getting any better, and the pup was getting extremely anxious. Part of the problem was that her pup was only six weeks old, and should really have spent another few weeks with their dam and littermates.

This pup was rehomed too early, which is a known risk factor for separation anxiety. Katherine needed to do something before this behavior became entrenched in her pup. She chose to move its crate into her room, and put an item of her clothing in with the pup. If they woke during the night, Katherine could easily reach down and soothe them.

As the pup grew more settled, it started to happily sleep through the night in its crate. At this point, Katherine started to move the crate little by little towards her lounge room, and her pup continued to sleep well at night.

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Chapter 5 - Other Useful Tools that can Help with Separation Anxiety

When your dog is distressed about being left alone, you should try everything you can to reduce their nervousness. Some things won't help, but others will, and you can add them to your armory of tools against separation anxiety. Here are some suggestions that may make life easier for your dog.

Chew Toys The act of chewing can be calming to dogs, so giving your canine family member a satisfying toy they can gnaw on can help ease their anxiety at being left alone. One popular toy is a Kong; this is a hollow rubber toy shaped like a bee hive that can be filled with treats such as peanut butter and liver chews. You can find plenty of Kong stuffing recipes on the internet that will keep your dog happily licking for an hour or two. By the time they are finished, they'll be nice and relaxed and ready for a nap. In warmer weather, you can freeze the Kong which gives them a cooling icy pole treat.

Bones are a contentious issue, with the Food and Drug Administration and veterinary dentists recommending that dogs not be given any bones. This is because they can cause fractured teeth, intestinal obstructions and other serious medical issues. Veterinarians also recommend that your dog not be left unattended while gnawing on a bone, so you are there to help them if they have difficulties.

If you do want to leave a bone with your dog, then a softer bone such as a brisket bone is preferable. Avoid the hard marrow bones; although they are very durable, they can certainly break a molar tooth in half.

Rawhide is another popular chew treat for dogs. As the name suggests, it is the hide of an animal such as a cow, dried and treated so it doesn't spoil. Dogs love to chew on it, but they can swallow small pieces of it whole and become unwell.

Some treats are made of small pieces of rawhide, held together by a gelatine mixture. These are safer to leave with your dog because the small pieces are less likely to cause blockages or stomach irritation. Make sure you buy rawhide made in the United States so you know it hasn't been contaminated with anything harmful.

You can also purchase meat flavored “bones” made from potato starch and these are durable and tasty, and quite safe to leave with your dog.

Interactive Toys These toys are designed to make a dog work hard to get their treats or their meal. One of the simplest types is the Buster Cube or the Treat Ball. These can be filled with dry dog food, and as they are rolled along the ground, the kibble falls out piece by piece. Your dog can spend hours and hours rolling these treat dispensers around, and eating up the spilled kibble.

Other interactive toys are more challenging. Nina Ottoson is a dog owner who has

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developed a range of dog toys and games that encourage dogs to think about how they will get the treat hidden inside. Dogs may need to push a button, slide a lever or turn part of the toy to get to their reward. You will need to teach your dog how to use these toys properly because it can take a bit of practice to get it right.

If you plan on leaving a toy with your dog when you are out, make sure it is durable and doesn't have any small parts that can be broken off. The best toys may cost you a few dollars, but they're a good investment in your dog's well-being, and they should last you many years.

Music Research has shown that music has a profound effect on the nervous system, and can help to calm an anxious dog. Psychoacoustically designed music specifically uses only a few instruments to prevent a dog being overwhelmed by the sound of a full orchestra. It also uses very specific tempo to calm and relax them.

A pilot study conducted by the company Through a Dog's Ear showed that 70% of anxiety related behaviors were reduced when their psychoacoustically designed music was played to stressed dogs. They have developed a range of audio CD's that can be purchased by dog owners to play when they are going to leave their dogs at home alone.

Your dog needs to associate the music with feeling calm, so first play the music while they are not anxious. Do this on several occasions, and then start to use it when they are showing some signs of anxiety. If it doesn't help, then go back a step and play it again when they are not stressed.

You can then start to use the music to ease your dog's separation anxiety when you are going out. It can become their safety cue to let them know you're going out but you will be back. Put the CD on about 20 minutes before you are due to leave, and keep your departure low key. As with any desensitization program, only leave for a few seconds at first, and then build up the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable with being alone.

All dogs can benefit from music therapy, and it can be used in conjunction with all other treatments for separation anxiety.

Natural Remedies Many people prefer to try natural therapies to treat their dog. If you fall into this group of dog owners, then there are products available specifically designed to treat anxiety in your dog. It's important that you let your veterinarian know if you are using any of these products, because they may interact with the prescription medication they have recommended.

• L-Theanine. This amino acid acts on the chemicals in the brain that transmit impulses from cell to cell. It increases the amount of GABA (gamma amino-butyric acid) in the brain, which reduces impulse transmission. The result is less brain excitement, and thus less anxiety.

It also increases the amount of serotonin in the brain. This is also a neurotransmitter, and is involved in increasing feelings of well-being.

Fluoxetine and some other prescription anti-anxiety drugs also increase serotonin in the brain. If L-Theanine is used in combination with them, your dog can develop serotonin syndrome. This is a medical condition caused by too much serotonin, and is characterized by rapid heart rate, twitching, increased body temperature and

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agitation. That's exactly the opposite to the effect you are trying to achieve for your dog, and won't do anything to relieve their anxiety!

• Alpha-cazopeine is a chemical that is derived from a protein that occurs naturally in cow's milk. It has a natural anti-anxiety effect and in some dogs, can be as effective as Valium, but without the side effects.

These natural treatments are available as Anxitane tablets which contain L-Theanine, and Composure Liquid which contains L-Theanine and alpha-cazpeine. Make sure you try them on your dog before you need to rely on them, so you know exactly how effective they will be.

• Flower Essences These remedies are thought to work by making the body vibrate at the same frequency as the flower that is in the remedy. The result is physical and emotional healing. The best known remedy is Rescue Remedy which contains a combination of flower essences which all relieve stress and panic. You may prefer to create your own blend of essences that are specifically targeted to your dog's needs. For example, Aspen essence helps with vague fears, and Heather supports those who don't like to be alone.

Flower essences can be given straight into your dog's mouth. Alternatively, add them to their drinking water. They are safe, and there is no risk of overdose.

Although there have not been many scientific studies that indicate that Flower Essences are effective, many people report that they have seen good results from them. Because they are safe and inexpensive, they are worth trying.

Pheromones Pheromones are chemicals that are released from an animal, and have an effect on the behavior of another animal of the same species. The dog appeasing pheromone is one that has been extensively studied. It is produced by the skin around the mammary glands in female dogs, three to five days after giving birth to puppies, and encourages the pups to bond with their dam. The pups feel more calm and relaxed as they get used to their new world.

Dog appeasing pheromone also works in adult dogs. It has been shown to be up to 70% effective in easing anxiety related behavioral problems in dogs with no side effects. It is available as a collar, a spray and a diffuser, and each have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you have an outdoor dog, the only pheromone product that will be of any benefit to them is the collar. The spray and diffuser will spread through the open air and are unlikely to reach a high enough concentration to be effective.

The spray only lasts for up to two hours, and has to be sprayed fifteen minutes before you need it to work. It can be sprayed inside a crate, on a dog mat, or on a bandanna that is put around your dog's neck. Unless you are only going to be gone for a few minutes, the effect won't last long enough for your dog.

The best product for indoor use is the diffuser, which plugs into a power point and releases pheromone constantly throughout the day. It has to be plugged in for 24 hours before you need to rely on it.

The main disadvantage of the dog appeasing pheromone products are the cost. They are quite expensive and need to be replaced as they are used up. However, if the budget allows, they are an excellent product for calming your dog under any stressful situation, including being left alone.

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Conclusion

Separation anxiety is the source of a great deal of stress for dog owners. Their beloved companion's anxiety upsets them too, and they feel like a bad dog parent. They also feel restricted in that they can't always go where they want to, because it will upset their dog. This can cause resentment towards their dog, which adds to their guilt.

When you are working with your dog to relieve separation anxiety, always remember the four basic steps in managing their behavioral problem:

• Stay positive. Never punish your dog for their anxiety, as this won't teach them anything and will only make them feel more stressed and confused.

• Reward calm behavior. Give your dog treats and cuddles when they are relaxed. Don't reward them for being clingy or seeking attention. This can be difficult because your first instinct is to pat and soothe your dog when they are stressed. However, this actually rewards them for this behavior and they are then more likely to repeat it.

• No fuss departures and arrivals. When you leave your dog behind, keep your interactions with them to a minimum for the twenty minutes before you go. Similarly, when you come home, ignore any over-enthusiastic jumping or yelping from your dog. Give them cuddles when they are calm, and keep your attention low key and quiet.

• Develop independence. Spend time teaching your dog to settle down and stay on a mat while you are at home. Gradually increase the amount of distance between you and your dog, and also the time you can be apart.

There is no quick solution to the problem of separation anxiety in dogs. Treatment takes time, patience and consistency, and often some expense. Most dogs do improve significantly with the right management, and it is well worth the effort because your dog will be happier in the long term.