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http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/overcoming-separation-anxiety.html
Top Tips for Overcoming Separation Anxiety
For many dogs, even the slightest change in daily routines can be
upsetting. In response, poor Fido may start acting disruptive or
destructive, especially when left home alone. He may resort to
urinating and defecating indoors, howling, chewing, pacing or
trying to escape from the house or yard. When these issues are
accompanied by signs of panic, distress or depression, they may
indicate your pooch suffers from separation anxiety.
But don’t fear—we’re here to help! When treating a dog with
separation anxiety, the goal is to resolve the underlying issue by
teaching him to enjoy—or at least tolerate—being left alone. Our
experts have put together a list of top tips for helping your pooch
overcome separation anxiety.
Doctor Knows Best: The first step in tackling behavior issues is to
rule out any underlying medical problems that might be causing
your pet’s behavior. For example, if your pet is urinating in the
house, he might be suffering from a urinary tract infection, bladder
stones, diabetes or kidney disease—all of which can cause urinary
incontinence in dogs.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-urinary-incontinence.html
Conquer Fear: If your pooch suffers mild separation anxiety, counter
conditioning—or helping your dog associate being alone with
something good, like a tasty treat—might reduce or resolve the
problem. To develop this kind of association, offer your dog a food-
dispensing toy every time you leave the house.
http://www.aspcaonlinestore.com/index.php?productID=1637
Dogs Need Jobs: Providing lots of physical and mental stimulation
is a vital part of treating many behavior problems, especially those
involving anxiety. Exercise can enrich your dog’s life, decrease
stress and provide appropriate outlets for normal behavior. Plus,
a tired dog doesn’t have much excess energy to burn when he’s
left alone!
Prepare for Departure: Many dogs know when you’re about to leave
the house and will get anxious or prevent your departure altogether.
One way to tackle “predeparture anxiety” is to teach your dog that
when you pick up your keys or put on your coat, it doesn’t always
mean you’re leaving. For example, put on your boots and coat, and
then just sit down and watch TV instead of leaving.
Take Baby Steps: If your dog’s anxiety falls more on the severe side
of things, try getting your pooch used to being alone by starting
small or “desensitizing” him to the cause of his fear. Begin by
introducing several short periods of separation that don’t produce
anxiety, and then gradually increase time spent apart over the
course of a few weeks.
Together We Stand: Any treatment for separation anxiety requires
that your dog never experiences the full-blown version of whatever
provokes his anxiety or fear. Avoid leaving your dog alone except
during desensitization sessions. If possible, take your dog to work
or arrange for a family member or dog sitter to come to your home
during the day.
Keep it Mellow: All greetings—hellos and goodbyes—should be
conducted in a very calm manner. When saying goodbye, just give
your dog a pat on the head, say goodbye and leave. Similarly,
when arriving home, say hello to your dog and then don’t pay any
more attention to him until he’s calm and relaxed.
Say No to Tough Love: Anxious behaviors are not the result of
disobedience or spite, so please don’t scold or punish your dog
if he doesn’t overcome his fear quickly. If you punish him, he may
become even more upset and the problem could get worse. Be
patient, and work with your pet until he feels comfortable and
enjoys spending time alone.
For more information about helping your pooch overcome separation
anxiety, please visit our virtual behaviorist.
http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/40/Separation-Anxiety.aspx
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - 9/25/09