Preventing Separation Anxiety

So how do we help to preventing separation anxiety?

Some dogs are more susceptible to separation anxiety than others. Puppies weaned incorrectly or adopted dogs run a higher risk if they are given too much attention their first few days home. It is best to practice leaving the dog alone for short periods very often. This way your dog learns that departures are insignificant because you will be back soon.

I can't stress enough the effect both physical and mental exercises will have. Mental exercise give dogs confidence and increases independence while also fatiguing your dog assuring a more calm and generally relaxed dog both with you and without you. I often teach dogs to play hide and seek with toys, teach tricks, learn to "free shape" with a clicker (enroll in private classes to learn how!!!), get involved in a sport like obedience, and let your dog free-play with other dogs... the more activities and toys you incorporate into your dogs life, the less he will need to depend on humans as the main source of stimulation.