Dog Separation Anxiety

Dog separation anxiety is a real problem for many dogs and their owners. Some dogs will bark incessantly when you leave, while others will destroy items in your home as a result of their anxiety. Dog separation anxiety can range from mild to extreme, but there are measures you can take to help alleviate dog separation anxiety. Many holistic remedies can be very effective.

Dogs are considered pack animals, so they prefer to be part of a group, and have a "pack leader" to follow and look up to. The dog's owner becomes the "pack leader" in the eyes of the dog, and when the leader isn't there to follow, the dog feels abandoned. This abandonment leads to anxiety and frustration which the dog has to deal with, the only way he knows how, what we call bad behavior.

Positive indications of separation anxiety are bad behavior primarily when your dog is left alone, he follows you everywhere you go, he becomes overexcited when you return home, he becomes excited or depressed when you prepare to leave home, or if he dislikes being alone out of doors.

Separation anxiety is not due to disobedience or lack of training. It is an instinctive behavior and should not be punished. The key to treating this problem is to gradually train or condition your dog to get used to your absence. When you leave home or return home make it a low key event.

There are many different holistic alternatives for the treatment of dog separation anxiety. They can be found in most health food stores and are widely available on the Internet. If you are interested in finding the best treatment for your dog, you may want to discuss your treatment options with your veterinarian or holistic practitioner.