Here are two examples of true separation anxiety:
If you have a dog who behaves like this, you need to engage a positive reinforcement trainer without delay. This person will undoubtedly refer you to a veterinary behaviourist and together these two professionals will work with you and your dog.
There are other behaviours that can indicate that your dog worries about being without you. Digging holes in the garden, chewing the furniture, barking, and frantic greeting behaviours (or attempts to stop us from leaving without them) can fit into this category. Often though, being alone is simply a life-skill that we haven’t taught.
So, how can I train my dog to be happy when alone?
Like all animals, dogs learn by association. For this reason, you need to change the association between your absence and your dog’s worry.
If none of these things work, or your dog is clearly distressed when you’re not at home, contact a professional by visiting our member directory to find one nearest you.