Dogs can sometimes act a certain way because of a particular situation. But if the same behavior keeps happening for a long time, it might be a disorder.

To help your pet, try providing them with toys and other activities when you are not home, and talk to your vet if you think your pet may have a behavioral disorder.

Dogs can sometimes get anxious. This can be caused by things like scary experiences. To help them, it is important to try to find out what is making them anxious so that we can help them feel better.

Separation anxiety is a disorder when people or animals feel very worried when they are away from the people or animals they love. It is something that experts have studied for a long time and know how to recognize.

More severe cases may include destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture, urinating or defecating in the house, or excessive barking or howling.

Separation anxiety is a disorder where a dog gets stressed or upset when their human family leaves them alone. They might bark, whine, or do other things like chew furniture or pee inside the house. It can be mild or very severe.

Dogs sometimes get very anxious when their owners are away, and this can cause them to bark and howl a lot, chew things, and even have accidents in the house.

Dogs can feel really scared when their owners leave them alone. They might have so much fear that they try to escape and hurt themselves, which can lead to more medical problems.

Separation anxiety is when a pet gets upset when their owner is not around. It is more common in dogs, who need more time with their owners than cats.

Having a dog can be fun, but it's important to give it enough attention and love. If you don't, it can get anxious and stressed.

Separation anxiety is a behavior disorder that affects some dogs. It can happen when a dog has not been around other people and animals, or when it comes from a situation of being neglected or abandoned. It is important to recognize the signs of separation anxiety so that it can be treated.

Some dogs may be scared or worried when they are away from their owners. This is because they have a special connection with their owners, and when they are away, it can feel scary for them.

Separation behaviors happen when dogs don't get enough social interaction or are bored. It can be hard to tell if it's a real disorder or not, but it is still important to try to help.

Other times, it's more difficult because the fear is spread out over many situations. It’s important to figure out what the pup is scared of so that you can work on helping them feel more comfortable.

Fear can be something that makes dogs scared. It can be of strangers, other animals, or places that are different from home. It can even be of objects.

A dog was scared of water. It was scared of faucets, hoses, rain, and streams. It teaches us that fear can be about anything.

Fear can be caused by many things, not just abuse. Sometimes animals can be scared of loud noises, running water, or even things they haven't seen before. It's important to be understanding of these fears and help animals learn to feel safe.

However, I find that abuse generally is less common compared to a dog having a lack of familiarity and exposure to that which she is afraid of.

If you move a dog from a place where it has always been to somewhere new, it might be afraid of things it has never seen before. It could also be scared of people or other dogs if it wasn't taught how to behave when it was a puppy.

Early training and prevention is the best way to help puppies not be scared. If a puppy is already scared, there are some tips to help them feel better.

Noise anxiety is when a dog is scared of loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks. It's like a fear, but it is its own thing. Dogs with this can get scared and hide under the bed.

So now that we know a little more about types of anxiety, what can we do to help?

It is important to prevent bad behavior in young dogs. Have rules and stick to them so that the dog knows what is expected. Give the dog lots of love and attention, and train them with positive reinforcement.

Separation anxiety can happen to dogs even when they are loved and have a good home, so it's important to make sure they are properly socialized and comfortable being alone for a little while.

It's important to teach puppies to be comfortable around different people, animals, and places. Doing this before they are six months old is best, because after that it's harder for them to learn.

It is important to balance social development with good health. To do this, it is important to make sure your pet has the right shots. You should also plan social dates with friends and family whose dogs have had the right shots.

It's important to let your puppy play with other dogs so they can learn how to act around them. Pick dogs that are older and calm to be friends with your puppy so they can learn the right way to behave.

Make sure to take turns playing and walking your dog so it doesn't get too attached to one person. That way it won't get too sad when someone leaves.

It's true that punishment-based training methods can have negative consequences for dogs. Punishment can suppress behavior in the short term, but it doesn't address the underlying cause of the behavior and can actually make the problem worse in the long term by increasing fear and anxiety. 

Additionally, punishment-based training can damage the bond between a dog and their owner, as the dog may come to associate their owner with fear and discomfort.

Positive reinforcement-based training, on the other hand, focuses on reinforcing desirable behaviors with rewards like treats, toys, and praise. This type of training can be more effective in the long term because it helps to build a positive relationship between the dog and their owner and encourages the dog to repeat desirable behaviors in the future.

It's important for dog owners to be aware of the potential risks and drawbacks of punishment-based training methods, and to consider using positive reinforcement-based training instead. 

If you are having difficulty training your dog, it can be helpful to seek the advice of a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can help you understand your dog's needs and develop a training plan that is right for your dog.

It's true that separation anxiety in dogs is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to be addressed effectively. Here are some strategies that may be helpful in addressing separation anxiety in dogs:

- Gradual desensitization: This involves gradually increasing the amount of time the dog spends alone in a controlled and positive manner, using positive reinforcement to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

- Environmental enrichment: Providing the dog with toys, puzzles, and other interactive resources can help reduce boredom and anxiety while they are alone.

Training and behavior modification: Teaching the dog new skills and behaviors through positive reinforcement can help to reduce their anxiety and improve their overall behavior.

- Use of supplements: Certain supplements, such as those that contain calming herbs like chamomile or valerian root, may be helpful in reducing anxiety in some dogs. It's important to speak with a veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer before starting any supplement regimen.

- Medications: In some cases, medications may be necessary to help manage separation anxiety in dogs. It's important to work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your dog.

It's also important to note that it's not uncommon for separation anxiety to be part of a larger behavioral issue in dogs. It's always a good idea to work with a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your dog.

Crate training can be a useful tool for teaching puppies good behavior, as well as for helping to manage separation anxiety and other behavioral issues. 

When done properly, crate training can provide dogs with a sense of security and a place to call their own.

It's important to introduce the crate gradually and to make it a positive experience for the dog. This may involve starting with short periods of time in the crate and gradually increasing the duration, as well as using treats and other rewards to reinforce good behavior in the crate.

It's also important to remember that the crate should not be used as a punishment, and that dogs should not be left in the crate for extended periods of time. 

It's important to provide the dog with regular breaks, as well as access to food, water, and opportunities to go outside to relieve themselves.

Overall, crate training can be a useful tool for helping to manage separation anxiety and other behavioral issues in dogs, as long as it is done in a positive and humane manner. It's always a good idea to work with a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a training plan that is right for your dog.

t's true that providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation for your dog can help to reduce separation anxiety and other behavioral issues. Regular physical activity can help to burn off excess energy and reduce stress, while interactive toys and puzzles can provide mental stimulation and help to keep your dog's mind engaged.

If you are unable to provide your dog with regular breaks during the day, hiring a dog walker or using a doggy daycare can be a good solution. This can help to ensure that your dog gets the exercise and social interaction they need while you are away.

It's important to find a reputable and reliable dog walker or doggy daycare provider, and to make sure that your dog is comfortable and happy in their new environment. It may also be helpful to try out a few different options to find the one that works best for your dog.

Providing sources of entertainment and mental stimulation can be a helpful strategy for managing separation anxiety in dogs. Some options to consider include:

- Interactive toys: Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and other interactive toys can provide mental stimulation for dogs while they are home alone.

- Background noise: Leaving the radio or television on can provide some familiar sounds for dogs while they are home alone, which can help to reduce anxiety.

- Chew toys: Providing durable chew toys can help to keep dogs occupied and can also help to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

It's important to remember that every dog is different and what works for one dog may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for your dog.

There are two primary products your dog can ingest for separation anxiety. One is supplements and the other is anti anxiety medication.

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. The gland stimulates its production based on night/day cycles to help prepare the body for rest and sleep. Supplementing it can help promote a sense of calm.

Lower dose supplements like Calm Down with Ginger and Melatonin can be a good place to start. Higher doses purchased from the drug store should be first discussed with your veterinarian for proper dosing.

Thiamine is sometimes called the “anti-stress” vitamin. Also called Vitamin B1, thiamine is one of the essential vitamins the body needs. When supplemented, some studies in people have demonstrated thiamine’s ability to help the body fight stress and develop a positive mental attitude. As a water-soluble vitamin, any excesses are peed out, which makes it pretty safe. It can often be found in combination stress-relief products like Quiet Moments or Calm Down.

L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in green tea that can create a non-drowsy state of relaxation. There are a couple of commercial supplements available for pets specifically that are developed around l-theanine as a main ingredient.

Casein is a protein found naturally in human and cow’s milk. A more specific derivative of casein, called alpha-casozepine, has shown to promote relaxation in human babies and it has also been used for several years as an anxiety supplement for pets. Like l-theanine, it provides a non-drowsy state of relaxation.

When folks think of tryptophan, many think about eating a lot of Thanksgiving turkey and then passing out shortly thereafter. While it doesn’t truly have this degree of effect (passing out after eating is more likely from the hefty blood sugar spike from all of the other food you eat), there is some truth in its ability to promote rest.

L-tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes a sense of wellbeing and happiness. Serotonin, as it happens, is also a precursor for melatonin.

There are numerous plants that are purported to promote rest and relaxation. Some of these include magnolia, phellodendron, ginger, chamomile, passion flower, and hemp seed. Like many supplement ingredients, some studies in people are promising, while others are conflicting.

While I can’t attest to the full efficacy of each one, there is likely some truth that they can have some beneficial effects, and even some synergistic effects when used together. While I wouldn’t go out and buy each one from the drug store and start adding them all to your pup’s food, smaller doses are fairly safe when found in combination products approved for pets.

In situations where separation anxiety is severe or if milder cases haven’t responded well to supplement therapy, your veterinarian may wish to discuss prescription medication options with you.

The two most common classes of long-term medications used are tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine.

When initially started, the effects of these types of medications are typically monitored for a few weeks. The thing to remember with these is that they can take some time to reach effective levels and they cannot simply be stopped and started again.

Because they do take time to be effective, it’s common to incorporate shorter-acting medications to help in the short-term during times of extra stress or anxiety. These can include medications like trazodone, alprazolam, and acepromazine.

We won’t go into much further detail with drug classes and the like, since it’s most important for your vet to decide what is best for your pup and to share in that decision process with you. In the same vein, it’s extremely important to never share any medications with your dog that you may have at home.

But we will talk about what our general goals are in prescribing these medications for pets. It’s most important to utilize the lowest effective dosage that makes a difference while balancing this with the most effective behavioral modification program.

For example, we may find for a particular pup, that separation anxiety is the only type he experiences and that a short-term medication during times of planned separation is all we need to use in conjunction with diligent training.

But in another pup’s case, she may have multiple situations that trigger fear or anxiety, making a short-term medication impractical. A long-term medication may be more beneficial, since behavioral training and reconditioning is going to take quite a while, even months.

Lastly, it’s crucial to understand that medication should never be done in place of training. In fact, medication can actually improve the success rate with behavioral training, so it can be important to use them together.

If a pup’s fear or anxiety level is reduced below a certain threshold with medication, he may be far more open to attempts at reconditioning him to being less fearful and reactive to situational triggers.

And if we can use medication to help training and reconditioning to be more effective, the long-term goal may be to eventually rely solely on the positive training experiences alone and get a pup off meds altogether.

In some cases with pups that have multiple fear triggers or just very severe separation anxiety, this process can take months or even years. The best outcomes will develop from a good working relationship with a professional. This professional may be your own vet, or could be a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist that your vet has referred you to.

In general, if you have a pup showing signs of separation, give some of the basic tips a try first for a couple of weeks. This is especially true with a puppy. 

Separation anxiety can be simply a phase like many others that puppies go through. They just need some consistent training to rely on and they’ll overcome their anxieties with your help.

But if you’re looking at 4 weeks or more with no improvement, get in touch with your veterinarian. Your vet may want to see your pup for an exam, or may be willing to discuss options over the phone if he’s been seen recently.

Your vet can often be the best judge of whether or not it’s time to get a behaviorist or certified separation anxiety trainer involved.

Trainer’s cannot prescribe medications, but a good trainer will know if adding one may help make training sessions more successful. Because of how interactive trainers are in coming to the home and helping you set up the most successful environment possible, they are usually my first go-to, especially for more difficult cases of separation anxiety.

A veterinary behaviorist on the other hand, is a veterinarian who has completed advanced residency training in animal behavior and is board-certified as a specialist in the field. Veterinary behaviorists are invaluable for advanced cases of fear and separation anxiety, especially when a balance of behavior modification techniques and medication are needed.

In most cases, appointments with behaviorists will be at their office, the same as with most doctor visits. Behaviorists will collect a very thorough history of what’s been happening and what techniques have been tried so far. They will then perform an exam and discuss a plan of techniques to work on at home, along with any medication recommendations if needed.

Some benefits to behaviorists include being able to diagnose specific behavioral disorders and grading their severity. As doctors, it is also their role to provide a second opinion about whether something is truly behavioral or if another underlying medical cause may be related.

It’s not uncommon to have both a trainer and a behaviorist involved with some cases. In addition to their own approach, a good trainer will also incorporate a behaviorist’s recommendations and help you to implement those techniques at home.

1.) Crate Training

Crate-training is a very important part of an upbringing for any pup and this is a fairly wide-spread opinion among veterinarians and trainers alike.

Some folks may be opposed to the idea of locking their pup up in a cage, especially when they’re not home.

But if we do the training properly and effectively, a crate is not a cage but a safe space your pup can feel comfortable in and call his own dog home.

Crate-training has come about over the last quarter century or so as dog owners have transitioned into pup parents, treating their furry friends more as family members. I think it’s always interesting that if you read older children’s books from the mid to late 20th century that involve dogs, like Clifford or the

Berenstain Bears, you’ll notice that outdoor dog houses are featured prominently. Even our friend Snoopy from Peanuts fame lived outdoors in a dog house.

But over the years, the outdoor dog house has largely fallen out of favor as folks want their pup to live more closely with them and to be more connected as family members. You don’t keep your kids outside, so why would you keep your dog outside? Older minds would say “because he’s a dog, not a kid”, current perspectives would now say “she’s not just a dog, she’s my furry kid”.

But humans kids generally have their own room, even if they’re sharing one with siblings, that they can call their own. That’s their space.

The crate has evolved to take over this role as the safe, personal indoor space for a pup. And training him to utilize this space from a young age is extremely important. This is not just for our current topic of separation anxiety, but also for potty-training and for helping with some other unwanted behaviors like trying to escape confinement.

Calming aids like Calming Chews For Dogs are vet-formulated with Melatonin, Chamomile, Passion Flower, Thiamine, L-Tryptophan, and Ginger to help soothe sensitive stomachs. Now pet parents can rest easy knowing their pup is resting easy. Recommended to help with crate training, loud noises, thunderstorms, fireworks, grooming, travel, motion sickness. Especially useful to aid in separation anxiety and with newly adopted shelter dogs and puppies.

There’s nothing like good exercise to get out some excess energy. If your pup seems stir-crazy because she’s being crated for several hours during the day, make sure to include time for longer walks, jogs, or outdoor playtime as much as possible.

Also be sure to include interactive toys in your dog’s life like a puzzle toy stuffed with treats.

If you can’t be home to let your pup out regularly, there are many options now for dog walkers to come to your house and do this for you. Some folks have a family member or neighbor who are willing to do this. There are also now many businesses you can find online that specialize in dog-walking and pet-sitting.

Another great option to consider is a dog sitter or doggy daycare. Having your pup go to daycare even just a couple of times a week can provide social interaction with other people and dogs and provides some great opportunities for play and exercise.

Providing sources of amusement or mental stimulation for dogs while in the home alone can also help with dogs suffering from separation anxiety.

Some pup parents find that leaving some kind of background noise on while they’re gone can help. This might be music, the radio, or even the television. The sound of people’s voices, even if not your own, might help many dogs relax.

These familiar sounds can also drown out some of the scarier ones outdoors like sirens, car horns, landscaping equipment, and construction.

And as already mentioned, make sure to provide a couple of toys for your pup. Make sure they’re durable and not easily destroyed or ingested.