Dog separation anxiety is one of the most common problems dog owners face.  Dogs come down with separation anxiety for several reasons.  Among the typical reasons are changes in schedule, traumatic events, and lack of exercise.  Canines show a number of  separation anxiety symptoms.  Mild symptoms include changes in body language and whining.  Severe dog separation anxiety can serious injuries and expensive vet bills.  Fortunately, separation anxiety can be solved using behavior modification drills.

What is Behavior Modification Training

Behavior Modification is a type of dog training that is used to replace on type of behavior with another.  one example, Pretend your dog pulls at the end of the rope when you take him for a walk, you can teach him to heel using obedience (the heel command), or you can teach him to walk by your side by acknowledging good behavior (walking next to you), and correcting or ignoring bad behavior (the pulling).  The best thing about behavior modification training is that it shows dogs to act a specific way when you aren’t present to say the command.

There are quite a few great exercises for dogs that have separation anxiety.  I highly recommend desensitization exercises. When you are about to leave your house, you probably notice that your dog is already anxious.  Your dog has figured out that you are going to leave by the things you do, and the way you act before you go.  If your dog knows you are going to leave when you pick up your keys, grab your keys more often.  Throughout the day, you can put on your coat, and pick up your keys, then walk to the door.  Once you get there, turn around and resume what you were doing before. Ignore your dog.  This confuses the dog and teaches them not to associate you leaving with you getting ready to go. It takes a little while, but the effort is worth it.  Once you have finished a bunch of desensitization exercises, your dog will be relaxed and content when you are gone.

Canine separation anxiety won’t get resolved on it’s own and can develop into a stressful problem.  In fact , it frequently gets far worse.  Don’t put this off until your dog wrecks your house!

Learn the secrets of behavior modification training, and how to cure dog separation anxiety.