[Puzzle No More] [Non-Competitive Obedience Training for Your Dog. Veterinarian Approved. Veterinarian Recommended.] [Presented by Lauren Faggard, PhD, CBC, IACP]
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[ Home > Dog Training, Dog Obedience and Dog Care "Quick Tips" > Separations Anxiety or Barrier Frustration in Dogs ]

Separations Anxiety or Barrier Frustration in Dogs

We use these terms to describe a condition that causes panic and anxiety in dogs. This is usually in response to an owner leaving a dog at home alone. In simpler terms a separation in the pack. Some will display nuisance barking and perhaps eliminate on the floor, try to escape or bite their owner. While others are prone to chew up furniture, carpets and doors. With today's lifestyle we create a dog that is smothered with affection and then left completely alone. This extreme in our lives creates emotional upheaval within the dog.

Giving a dog too much, or in some cases, the wrong type of attention such as:

Petting and holding the dog too much.
Giving the dog attention when he wants it.
Petting or stroking the dog to reassure him or calm him down.

This type of attention creates need in the canine. So when the dog is left alone, there is no one to fulfill these needs. You want to give your dog positive and quality attention. Play is the perfect example. As the owner you should decide when and how the game should be played. You also decide when the game is over. So if the dog will only bring the ball back eight times, stop at six and put the ball away. Gradually build on this. During play you should practice your obedience commands, such as sit and come. You want to also have a special toy that is only used for this exercise. When the game is over, put it up. If your dog will not fetch, try a walk. Thirty minutes twice a day is a great start.

Contact your veterinarian. Ask him if your canine has separations anxiety or if he does these destructive acts out of sheer boredom.

Leave the dog with some type of entertainment such as toys that provide mentally and physically stimulating activities. Just leaving the TV on or playing a movie helps in most cases. You can even try the radio. This makes the house seem less empty and muffles outside sounds. It's also ok to leave a light on. Set boundaries that have been dog proofed in you home or crate your canine. Continually change your routine for getting dressed and leaving. You also want to do several false leaves. Don't say lengthy good byes … just leave. Be real low-key when you come home.