Five Proven Ways to Remedy Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Your Dog

Addressing early signs of separation anxiety in your dog can prevent a small problem from exploding into a major health issue.

These early symptoms can be misread as signs of affection or even as indications that the dog is bored or angry at being left behind.

If you’re confused about whether your dog is suffering separation anxiety or simple boredom, keep in mind that the behaviors that result from separation anxiety occur only when you’re not around and every time you’re not around.

Find out more about early warning signs here.

Here are five scientifically tested and proven steps used by expert behaviorists and trainers, that you can also use to reduce your dog’s dependence on you so he can be calm when left alone:

1. Do not reward attention seeking behaviors with attention.  Don’t respond.  If your dog is used to getting attention for these behaviors, the behaviors will get worse at first, but eventually they will stop if you are consistent.

2. Make departures from home and returns a “non event” by ignoring your dog for several minutes each time. Wait until he is calm before greeting or interacting with him when you come home.

Number 3 will shock you – but ignoring this advice is the cruelest mistake you can make with your dog!