Here's a helpful article:

Some interesting reading to help your dog with separation anxiety.



Do you ever feel guilty when you have to leave your dog home alone?  You might feel a little silly but it's OK -many people feel the same way you do.  It's only natural to want man's best friend to be happy. Many of the things that we do in our daily lives - work, school, errands, shopping - happen in places where we are unable to bring our dogs. While it's usually for the best, that doesn't mean that we don't miss them…and that they don't miss us. If you have ever met a dog who won't let you get to the front door before turning on the infamous “puppy dog eyes,” you know just what I mean.

Dogs can only entertain themselves with what we provide for them. Most of the time, interactions with humans or other dogs in the household are enough to keep them occupied. But when we're away, they're pretty limited in what they can do to stave off boredom. Some dogs seem content to nap away their day while you're away.  Other dogs have a much harder time coping with the situation when they're home all alone.  These dogs can suffer from lethargy, stress or separation anxiety.



So how do you know how your dog feels about being left alone?  Some dogs make their displeasure quite obvious by leaving unpleasant “presents” for you to find.  You could return home to find your furniture or personal belongings chewed up, the garbage ransacked, paper or pillows chewed to shreds, or you may find that your dog has vomited, urinated or defecated in the house.



A dog's reaction to stress is as varied as a human's. Bear in mind that all of these inappropriate behaviors don't happen because your dog is “bad,” but rather scared and stressed out. When stressed, some dogs eat everything in sight and others become almost anorexic.  Some dogs groom themselves incessantly to calm their nerves.  Others vocalize their dissatisfaction by howling, whining and barking while you're away.  (And if you have neighbors nearby, you're sure to hear about it!)



If your dog shows any of these behaviors while you're away, "environmental enrichment" can help. This is the process of adding intriguing elements to their surroundings which keep them thinking, playing, and (best of all) avoiding inappropriate behaviors. When you give your dog plenty of fun things to do and see, his unhappy time alone can be transformed into a very satisfying day.



Here are some suggestions for curbing separation anxiety:



Hire a dog walker
Invest in doggy day care
Leave plenty of fun toys for your dog (like puzzle toys that you fill with treats)
Tire him out with some active play before you go (sleeping dogs don't make trouble!)
Try something that will hold his interest while you are gone, like the Dog Sitter DVD
  

You might laugh at the idea of TV for dogs but this might just change your mind. (In fact, some of the world's leading animal behaviorists are starting to recognize the potential benefits of video treatment for separation anxiety.) If you haven't seen the Dog Sitter DVD yet, you really must check it out.  It is amazing!  This DVD was made especially to entertain dogs for hours on end.  It features lots of animals (birds, cats, squirrels, raccoons and more) outdoors in their natural environment.  Your dog will think he's outside with his new friends joining in the fun.



Dogs have uniquely sensitive hearing and one great feature of this video is the audio. The stereo soundtrack includes some sounds that only your dog can hear.  And once you find out which tracks are your dog's favorites, you can even personalize his viewing adventure using the continuous loop scene selection feature.



When your dog is stuck inside all alone, the Dog Sitter DVD can bring the outside world in.  Lots of people swear by it, and I can certainly see why.  My staff and I tried it on our own dogs and they were GLUED to the TV set!



Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S.: This is also a great idea for keeping your dog busy when you need a little time to yourself. One client of mine turns it on while she is working, and her dogs are so entertained that they leave her to work in peace. What a great idea!
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P.P.S.  Right now you can pick up the Dog Sitter DVD Fun Pack at PetProductAdvisor.com.  In addition to the DVD, you also get 3 bags of Bow Wow Microwave Popcorn in 3 tasty flavors - bacon, roast beef and chicken.  (It's human-grade popcorn, so you can have some, too!)  And you get all of this for less than you'd spend on a movie at your local theatre.