If Fido or Fifi is suffering from dog separation anxiety, they can become very upset, fearful and anxious when you're not home.
Separation anxiety in dogs causes symptoms which can range from annoying the neighbors with barking/howling while you're out, to destroying your home and possessions - even self-inflicted injuries.
There are also different interactive toys and special DVDs and CDs that are especially designed to keep your pup amused, entertained and distracted while you're gone. You can find a selection of the best of these on my Dog Relaxation CD page.
Coupled with the measures mentioned in the other pages, these can be a very valuable way of keeping Fidos' mind off his loneliness (and consequently, keep his teeth off your furniture!).
Here are some of the best that we could find. Try them yourself and see which ones work for you.
Another excellent product to help reduce dog separation anxiety. These Dog Sitter Videos are specially designed to stimulate and entertain your dog while you are not home. Plays in a continuous loop to keep your dog entertained all day!.
Volume I and Volume II (bonus dog training tracks with Vol II) can also be bought separately.
This fun DVD (designed just for dogs) is divided into different sections - water play, fly ball and agility competition, dog park play and much more. Soundtrack has different audio cues to keep your dogs interest. Programed to repeat as long as the player is on.
Note!The soundtrack contains barking and doorbells ringing, which is designed to keep your pups' attention. But, if your dog is inclined to get overexcited/worried when he hears the doorbell or other dogs barking I'd suggest running this DVD with the sound turned down. Your dog will still enjoy the video action, but without the noise stimulation!
The music on this best-selling dog relaxation cd consists of 9 solo piano pieces are arranged in an order that will gradually relax and calm your anxious puppy.
As well as being very effective in reducing dog separation anxiety, it's also recommended for those times when you want your pup to rest calmly or when he's likely to feel anxiety or fear due triggers such thunderstorms, fireworks, visitors etc. It can also reduce anxiety after surgery, in pups who are crying and distressed in their new home, and other similar situations.
And it's not just your pup who will benefit from this music, you'll find it just as calming and relaxing as he does!
An original music series created especially to help alleviate pet stress and dog separation anxiety. Available in 3, 2-disc sets versions - Soul Mates, Creature Comforts and Just Chillin', each CD contains over an hour of soothing original music.
KongTime automatically dispenses food-filled Kong toys while you are away! Keeps Fido entertained and your dog and gives him something to look forward to. Includes 4 Kong Toys which are given over a 4 or 8 hour period. Doggie Day Care in a Box.
Also available in Large for the same price. Medium dispenser contains medium sized Kongs, Large dispenser contains large sized Kongs!
Interactive toys that talk or make animal sounds when touched. When play is finished, the Babble Ball turns off automatically and waits to be touched again. Durable high impact ABS construction and replaceable batteries.
Available in the wisecracking "Talking" series, and the "Animal Sounds" series. Comes in Small, Medium and Large sizes.
This is a wonderful, natural supplement that is very effective at relieving anxiety in dogs (whatever the reason behind it).
You can use this all-natural herbal formula to reduce your pups' anxiety levels - whether they're due to separation anxiety, travel, thunderstorms or other 'triggers'.
Also reduces hyperactivity and destructive behavior, while boosting immune function, without undesirable side effects.
It's gentle, safe and effective, and will make both you and your pup feel so much better!
Although dog separation anxiety can be difficult for both you and your furbaby, using one (or more) of the above distractions/toys will help your pup feel less lonely and bored. Especially if you make sure he's had some exercise/a walk before you leave home.
Know someone else who's puppy or dog suffers from dog separation anxiety? Share this page with them, they'll really appreciate it!