Dog Training – Dealing With Separation Anxiety
By: Waylon Harvey

Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying the owner’s property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation.

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time their family members are away. Well meaning owners often unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by rushing home to reassure the dog, but it is important for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn to deal with extended periods of separation.

Dog Training by Cindy Frendo

It is important for you to train your dog to perform correct behaviours so that both of you can maintain a happy relationship. It is important for you as an owner to be the boss. If the dog thinks he is higher than you, he will not obey you and may perhaps even perform aggressive behaviours. The more that your dog respects you the more likely he will pursue your wishes.

During your dog's first weeks, how you treat him will impact on where he sees his place in the family hierarchy. Where your dog sleeps it must be at equal footing to you. They have trouble accepting a sleeping area that is not near you. Feeding time should be after the family as the dog must realize its place in the family hierarchy. Dogs should be kept out of children's bedrooms and should not be allowed to take their food.

There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems - dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.

And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.