Most canines hate to see their owners leave them. They would rather know their owners are nearby and able to address their needs (i.e. for food, attention, etc.) whenever necessary. In some cases, dogs will become extremely anxious when left alone or separated from their owners. This is called separation anxiety (SA).

The behavior can manifest in various ways, which often makes it difficult to recognize. If this behavior is not clearly identified, it can be difficult to shape or modify. Sadly, separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons people abandon their canines.

In this article, we’ll describe several signs that suggest your pooch is having trouble coping with being left alone. We’ll also explore the reasons behind the behavior and provide a few tips for modifying it.

Identifying The Signs

Every dog is unique and the extent to which they suffer from SA will vary. Your pooch might become increasingly agitated the longer he is left alone. Once you leave him, he may begin pacing back and forth, drooling, barking, and even howling. If he grows more anxious, he might start chewing your furniture, or destroying things around your house. In severe cases, your dog might begin to urinate or defecate in your home.

There are some give-aways that can alert you that your canine is becoming anxious when the two of you are apart. For example, you might notice him following you around the house. That’s his way of making sure you’re still nearby. He may periodically check whether you’re home before returning to his toys or food. Another indication is that your pooch becomes frantic when you prepare to leave him.

What Triggers Separation Anxiety?

There are several possible reasons why a dog may become especially anxious when his owner leaves him. For example, if he has been abused by his previous owner, or has been adopted by a series of different people, he may feel insecure with his position. That is, because he has been abandoned in the past, a canine might fear his owner will fail to return for him.

Separation anxiety can also manifest itself if your pup has never been exposed to other people. Left alone, he may become worried that he has lost your companionship.

Tips For Modifying The Behavior

It’s important to emphasize that what your pooch does as the result fo his anxiety is not meant to “get even” with your for leaving him. Don’t punish him. Instead, take positive steps to gradually shape his behavior.

For example, reward him with a treat when he is calm. If he shows too much excitement when you return home, say “relax” and provide a treat when he calms himself. You can also desensitize your canine to the routine you normally go through before leaving your house. For instance, put on your shoes a half hour before departing. You should also downplay your leaving; ignore your dog 10 to 20 minutes before departing.

The key thing to remember is that the signs associated with separation anxiety (i.e. barking, urinating, etc.) are not done in anger or aggression. Take a supportive, positive approach to slowly eliminate your canine’s concern.

There are many types of dog chews on the market today, so you are sure to find some kinds that your dog will find irresistible. Rawhide dog bones are quite popular treats for dogs, but if you give your dog rawhide, be sure to supervise his snack, so that he doesn’t swallow parts of the bone. Rawhide bones are helpful dog treats, as they improve your dog’s dental health. It appears that dogs really enjoy rawhide bones, and are kept occupied during boring times.

However, rawhide dog bones can cause a reaction in dogs who are allergic to any of the ingredients. Chewing rolled rawhide dog chews, instead of flat, can cause your dog’s teeth to crack. Also, bone chunks can cause a choking hazard if they happen to break off. Sometimes part of the rawhide can be swallowed by your dog, and it can cause an obstruction in your dog’s intestines.

Many other kinds of chews don’t carry the risks of rawhide dog chews. Nutri-Dog chews will keep your dog busily chewing, and they are good for him, too. And they come in several varieties that can help your dog stay healthy. One kind can help support your dogs joints with added glucosamine and vitamins. Their dental chews are made from all natural ingredients, to keep your dog’s teeth free of tartar and plaque. The fatty acids in skin and coat chews can help your dog look and feel his best.

Now, let’s examine Greenies dog treats. Greenies dog chews are nutritious, and are made of all natural ingredients that help keep your dog’s teeth clean. They also freshen your dogs breath by killing the bacteria that live there. Greenies strengthen the gums, which can help to extend the life of your dog, since gum diseases often lead to more serious bacterial health issues. Greenies don’t have any preservatives, or artificial colors or flavors.

Bully Sticks are made with all natural ingredients that your dogs will love. They have a great beefy taste that encourages healthy chewing. They are also known as Bullies dog chews, Bull Sticks and beef dog chews. You can select either smoked or natural flavor, depending on what your dog likes the best.

Dog chews are just that, and they encourage dog to chew. When pet owners in the know talk about dog bones, they don’t mean real bones, they mean all-natural nylon or rawhide bones. Real bones can splinter in your dog’s mouth, or be swallowed, and can wear his teeth down.

Dogs have an innate urge and desire to chew. Puppies, while teething, seem particularly inclined to chew. Dog chews give your dog something that satisfies that urge without costing you your shoes, or pieces of furniture. When you give puppies healthy dog treats, they will help in their teething process, and the growing in of their adult teeth. Chewing helps to relieve puppies’ pain when they are teething, too.

Different dogs will prefer larger or smaller bones to chew on, usually depending on the size of the pet. Dogs may ignore bones that are too big for them, even when they love to chomp on smaller bones. Be careful, also in choosing the hardness of the dog chews you buy your dog. If your dog chews aggressively, he can make a smaller dog bone disappear, so select the size and hardness that keeps your dog happy and chewing for the longest time.