Canine separation anxiety refers to your puppy or dog’s fear as a result of being separated from you — the pack leader.  This specific nervous condition becomes worse and worse, without training or behavioral intervention, and will begin to happen every time you leave the house.  It may even begin to happen every time you leave the room.

Since dogs are pack animals, by nature, your dog feels most secure and comfortable when he is part of the pack.  His pack may be headed by a human, but it’s all the same to him.

“So my dog is anxious.  Why is this such a problem?”

The resulting behaviors, caused by separation anxiety, will be things like excessive barking, whining, chewing up everything in sight and going potty (on purpose) in the house.  Your dog may exhibit just one of these symptoms, or maybe all of the symptoms. Excessive barking is very likely to be one of the main manifestations. Not sure if your dog is barking and whining while you are out?  Your neighbors may be able to fill you in!

“What can I do about Separation Anxiety?”

One of the recommended methods for alleviating the problem is to crate-train your best friend.  You will most likely have to help your pooch overcome his apprehension about his new ‘house’, so plan on spending some time on this in  the beginning. Place the crate somewhere where he will feel safe and comfortable to enter and also exit.  Leave the door open at first, and let him get used to coming and going as he pleases.  Never, ever drag him or force  him into the crate.  It may take a few days for him to feel okay about his new digs.  Over time, he should actually begin to prefer the crate as a place to sleep, relax or get away from things that make him nervous or uncomfortable.

Once he is comfortable with coming and going, begin to shut the door for 5-10 minutes at a time, while you remain in the room.  Praise him, but don’t coddle him and feed his insecurities.  Gradually increase the time spent in the crate, with the door latch closed.  Leave the room for awhile and then return.

Always praise him for good behavior.  Don’t reward whining or panicked behavior.  Act calmly yourself, as if nothing should be bothering him. Reward his calm, quiet behavior with a treat or positive words.

Plan to work with him over a period of several days, before just locking him in and leaving for work.  Practice asking him to get into his crate and then getting your keys and leaving the room.  Eventually, leave the house for a couple of hours, while you go to the store.  Soon, he will be ready to accept his crate for an entire day while you are gone to work.  Always, always make sure that he has had the opportunity to relieve himself prior to locking him into the crate for an extended amount of time.  If you have worked up gradually to this point, your dog should no longer be barking excessively, whining and acting out when you leave. He will feel safe, secure and calm inside his crate.

If all goes well, the barking problem that is a result of separation anxiety will be resolved.  And won’t your neighbors be happy?!