As much as we would like to be home all the time, there are simply times that we couldn’t help but be away. It could be for a vacation, an emergency, for work, or for studies. But no matter what our reason, dogs would find it difficult to understand. And if you find them exhibiting odd behavior like the following listed, then you know your dog has separation anxiety:

• Gets worried every time you go out
• Becomes destructive when you’re away
• Follows you around everywhere when you’re home
• Is suspicious of you
• Goes crazy when you come back

Separation anxiety could be detrimental to both their mental and physical health. That’s why it’s our responsibility to help them cope better with separation. There are many ways and techniques to do it, but here are six of them:

Counterconditioning

If your furry pal only shows mild separation anxiety, then counterconditioning might help. You can do it by associating something that a dog likes to something it does not. In this instance, you can show them a person they dislike, expose them to loud sounds, or subject them to being alone. You can associate those things to some things your pet likes such as doggy treats and pats. As time goes by, your dog would learn that facing whatever it dislikes leads to a good thing.

Low-key Departure and Arrival

If you plan to go somewhere, avoid creating a flurry of departure-related activity. Because chances are your dog would notice. That would only lead them to become more stressed every time you head out. To prevent that from happening, don’t get too excited around your pet.

As for when you arrive home, don’t show excessive affection. Ignore your dog for a few minutes upon arrival. Then pet him in a cool manner. Over time, that would teach your dog not to make a big deal about you leaving. If you have kids, tell them not to immediately hug your canine family member. They may get over-enthusiastic upon seeing your dog again. If they do, what training you’ve done may unravel.

Separation Training

To accustom your dog to separation, you can also train them. Begin by leaving quietly and not giving your dog any clue. Do your departure routine. Pretend you’re going to work. Then go back inside and don’t talk to your dog. If he is quiet, then reward him with a pat. If not, don’t pay him attention.

And if you do something like tying your shoelaces and your dog reacts negatively, do it but do not leave. Do the same action repeatedly but without leaving to familiarize your dog with it.

This kind of training would take a while, but it will show results in the long term. You just have to keep in mind that you are the one in charge, and your dog has to know it.

Create a Safe Haven for Them

When you do tip #3, you can also innovate and place them inside a kennel or a crate. Their enclosure must be big enough for them to sit up and move around in. Leave a chewy toy or a bone for them to gnaw on inside the dog kennel.

But do not give them an interactive toy; reserve that only for when you play with your furry friend. You could also lend them an item from your dirty laundry. The familiarity of the smell would be a comfort to them.

Leave Them with a Caretaker

You don’t have to leave them at a pet boarding kennel. Asking someone to watch over them while you are gone would be a huge help. They may still be confused, but at least there would be someone to tend to them. If house and pet sitting are not possible, you could ask a friend or a family member the dog is familiar with. A familiar presence, even in a different place, would be a comfort for them while you are gone.

Exercise Your Pet Before Leaving

Before you leave the house, and your dog, on a long trip, take them out for a walk or engage them in exercise. Separation anxiety is not associated with exercise problems, but a brisk walk and some exercise would do a lot of good. You would be giving them more time in your presence, and the exercise would tire them out. And a tired dog would have less energy to create destruction in the house.

If you think the above methods are having little or no effect on your dog at all, then you should try other things. If those still don’t work, then it would be time to look for professional assistance.

Author Bio: Jordan Walker is the lead content curator for Coops and Cages as well as a couple of other pet-related blogs. His passion for animals is only paired with his love for “attempting” to play the guitar.

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