Anxiety is one of the most common complaints of dog owners especially when it comes to separation, although some don't even realize it. Dogs don't like to be left alone because they are pack animals. Severely dependant dogs and dogs that have either been passed around, or have been abandoned are more likely to have separation anxiety than others. Most owners unwittingly reinforce this anxiety. Nothing enforces a dog's belief that he has something to worry about more than somebody trying to keep him calm. Like all fears, desensitizing your dog your comings and goings will help him get over his fear of abandonment. Prepare yourself to walk out the door and practice ignoring your dog completely. Follow your "false alarm" routine that you have established. Walk outside, calmly ignoring the alarmed look on your dog's face as you shut the door behind you. Count to fifteen, fairly slowly. Do you hear whining, crying, barking? If you do, prepare yourself for one of the harder moments of dog ownership. Whimper ... Whine ...: Once you've successfully escaped your dog, and you have left the building, listen carefully for any signs of distress. If you hear any kind of whining, or worse, barking, you need to wait it out. Rewarding the fuss makes the fuss longer and louder. Once you've discovered that your dog is a screamer, it is best to stretch the time out as much as you possibly can: between the closing of the door, and her vocal heartbreak. Walk out the door following the false alarm procedure. Before she has a chance to howl her misery, walk right back in. Once you've extended the time between leaving and returning to a fair amount of time lets say about twenty minutes at least, you should start to scatter your return times. Walk out, and walk back in after only five minutes. Always remember to leave without fuss and reward for quiet patience. Apart from all the routines to get your dog used to your arrivals and departures, there is medication that can help your dog. Medications like Healthy Companion Leisure Tabs made of Natural supplement to assist in relaxing dogs is Ideal for traveling, extended kennel stays, visits to the vet, when houseguests arrive, or other times of stress or agitation. It’s both safe and effective. It’s highly palatable, in a semi-moist treat form.
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