Dog Separation Anxiety 101

Dog separation anxiety can make your pet completely miserable - and make life very difficult for everyone else too. Get all the info. you need to tackle this common behavior problem right here.

A dog who is suffering from this type of anxiety can get very upset, fearful and anxious when you're not home.

Sometimes his fear can border on terror and hysterical behavior is not that unusual.

The signs of canine separation anxiety can range from annoying the neighbors with barking/howling while you're out, to completely destroying your home and possessions - even end up with your pet injuring himself in his panic.

But of course it's a fact of life that there are lots of times when you won't be with your puppy or dog and depending on your work, family and leisure schedule, he may be alone for several hours most days.

This is okay for an older puppy or dog (but young puppies need a lot of time and potty breaks!), as long as he gets lots of one-on-one time, plenty of exercise and enough mental stimulation, socialization and training to keep him happy and healthy.

BUT some dogs simply panic when you leave their sight! This is especially common in young puppies, adolescent or older dogs who have been abandoned or neglected, and dogs who have  naturally nervous, highly-strung personalities.

This is called dog separation anxiety and it's a behavior problem that up to 15% of dogs suffer from at one time or another.

If your puppy or dog seems to have 'velcro-dog' syndrome (ie he's stuck to your leg at all times), gets hysterical when you're out of his sight, or is just generally anxious much of the time, these pages have the information you need to help him overcome his fears.....

What IS Canine Separation Anxiety

If you're wondering why on earth your dog gets himself into such a state, this page has the answer...... Separation Anxiety In Your Dog

It covers the reasons your pet is so distraught, what the symptoms of extreme anxiety look like, and guides you towards the things you can do to help him feel less afraid.

There's also very valuable advice on what NOT to do if you have an anxious pup who just won't let you leave.

Anxiety In Puppies

It's totally natural for a new puppy to be a bit worried, homesick or lonely during his first few days with you. He's been through a lot of changes and it will take him a while to settle down.

Some naturally anxious puppies scare easily and seem to be afraid of their own shadow. If you want to find out how to build up your pup's self-confidence and encourage him to grow up to be a self-assured and friendly adult, this page will help... Helping A Scared Puppy

True separation anxiety is fairly unusual in young puppies, but it can happen. But luckily, again, there are lots of things you can do to get him through this stage and feeling happier again.

For signs & symptoms of this type of problem in puppies and tips on treating it, my Puppy Separation Anxiety page has the answers you need.

You'll also find out how not to make the simple mistakes some new owners make, the ones that can actually cause the problems in the first place. Definitely worth reading.

Training Techniques To Reduce Anxiety

It IS possible to help a nervous, worried (or even panicky) dog get over his fears and learn to be calm - or at least to dial down the hysteria to a manageable level :)

The term 'behavioral modification techniques' might sound complicated, but actually they're just straightforward ways of re-shaping your dog's anxious behavior - which has often become a knee-jerk habit.

Canine separation anxiety can range from very mild, to extremely severe, and depending on where your pet falls on that scale, there are different options for you to try.

Check out this page to find out how to see where your pet falls on the 'emotional scale' and get the tips and advice you need to help him overcome his issues.

Medications & Products That Can Help

Stress Gold

Behavior modification works for lots of dogs, but for those who are naturally fearful, suffer from generalized anxiety, or have severe separation issues, then natural products or treatments or even prescription medications can make all the difference.

Many pups and dogs respond incredibly well to all-natural, over-the-counter products that are designed to reduce stress levels. Once this happens their anxious behaviors and fears are reduced and they feel so much better.

For extreme cases, your veterinarian can prescribe medications that will calm and relax your pet, although these do have the down-side of being sedating and having some side effects.

Whether your pet needs OTC or prescription products, for maximum results you need to combine them with the behavior modification and training I talked about above.

This webpage discusses your options in much more detail and has links to the very best products and medications available.... Dog Separation Anxiety Medication.