Separation Anxiety Dogs

How often do people come home from work with only the thought of relaxation, but come to find out their night of relaxation was not to be. The dog did it again. “He chewed on the couch”, “he ate my favorite slipper,” “he peed on my evening gown”, and the all time favorite, “the doggie ate my homework.” Are all just some of the things we complain about our dogs.

Rachel Smith, a dog owner her whole life, says “All of my dogs were terrors as puppies, but none of my dogs have been as bad as my Nicki,” a 2 year old Yorkie Schnauzer mix, “She constantly is getting into things, whether its the toilet paper or used tampons. Especially when I am away.” Most People can relate to Smith. A lot of dogs are obsessed with things that are specifically related to you. Such as your favorite stuff animal, or little things like tampons. Dogs descended from wolves who were pack animals. They were never left alone. This is a theory as to the reason dogs have such a hard time to being left behind.

Riley Johnson, a dog trainer, gives some pointers on how to help your dog over come separation anxiety. “you can leave the TV on when you leave, having voices in the background for your dog can help put them at ease. Don't let them have the entire house to room around, especially when they are puppies, limit them to a room or even their crate. Also realize that these animals are pack animals, if you are able to then get another dog to help the other one realize that its not being left.”

In the article titled “Separation Anxiety Dogs” it talks about how keeping the dog calm when you are about to leave is a major key in keeping things from being destroyed.

With training and help from you, coming home from work can once again be time for relaxation with mans best friend.


Separation Anxiety Dogs. Petmd. Web. 11 Nov. 2009. .

Smith, Rachel. Personal interview. 10 Nov. 2009.

Johnson, Riley. Personal interview. 10 Nov. 2009.