| Dogs tend to be anxious when their owners leave | | | | dogs are most restless just after you have left the |
| them at home. But there are effective ways to handle | | | | house. |
| their anxiety. Some of the tried and tested ways are | | | | - Train your dog to a routine. The hardest time for |
| the following: | | | | dogs is immediately after being left by their owners. |
| - Have your exit planned. Just leave when it is time for | | | | The anxious behavior, which can be destructive |
| you to leave the house. Avoid saying goodbye with | | | | sometimes, happens in the first hour after your |
| kisses and hugs because it will just make your dog | | | | absence. Conditioning your dog's behavior can be done |
| more restless when you leave. The best approach is | | | | by reinforcement training. You can train your dog by |
| to ignore your dog at least 5 minutes before leaving. | | | | leaving him out of the crate, wearing your coat, walking |
| Giving too much attention and immediately withdrawing | | | | to the door and leaving without saying a thing. Then |
| the attention will just make your dog feel more | | | | come back right away, calmly greet your dog and tell |
| apprehensive. | | | | him to sit. When he follows your command, highlight this |
| - When you are away from home, confine your dog. | | | | good behavior by giving a food treat that he likes best. |
| There are two benefits to confining your dog during | | | | Just let a few minutes pass and do the exercise again. |
| your absence. First is to prevent any damage to your | | | | Stay outside a few seconds longer this time. Go on |
| home. Second is that the dog can relax especially if | | | | with the routine for a few weeks until your dog |
| the crate is introduced as a comfortable den when | | | | becomes used to your leaving and returning. |
| properly introduced while he was still a little pup. | | | | - Be a strong leader. Having a strong leader will have a |
| - You can leave the radio on. Choose a talk station | | | | calming effect on your dog. Showing your dog that |
| and place the radio in your room then close the door. | | | | you are a strong leader will make him feel protected |
| The dog may not feel so alone if he hears human | | | | and safe. The best structured way of making yourself |
| voices from your bedroom. You can also record your | | | | a strong leader is through obedience training. |
| own voice and play your own recording while you are | | | | - Let your dog exercise. Dog stress can be reduced |
| away. Hearing your familiar voice for about an hour will | | | | by tiring a dog with play, run or a long walk. |
| be an effective pacifier for your anxious dog since | | | | |