Separation anxiety in dogs is a result of the way some dogs react to being left alone. Most dogs are more than happy being left alone but some react badly and can whine, howl, chew, mess and generally be very annoying and destructive.  Rescue dogs have already been abandoned once so its important you work on issues like SA from the minute you get your new dog home and build up to the time when you will have to leave him, even if that’s just to go for the shopping.

If you dog has SA, then in the short term you could use a crate.  This would allow you to be more relaxed when you walk into the house because you know he can’t have caused any damage.  Using DAP diffusers and collars often work as they release pheromones which help your dog relax.

In the long term, they are 3 rules you need to apply if you wish to control the SA.

* Cool Off Your Relationship With Your Dog
* Establish Yourself As Pack Leader
* Make Sure He Is Getting Enough Exercise

Cool off your relationship with him

When you bring your new dog home don’t give him too much attention or he may become overly dependant on you.

From the start make sure you have short but frequent times when you are apart from your dog, or where you are in the same room but you ignore him.  Even if he is beside you desperate for attention, you must not talk to him, look at him or touch him.

Then when you decide, give him attention and a treat.  If you are firm with him and don’t break the no attention rules, you should get to the point where he does not follow you around or demand attention.  If he is still following you around try fitting a baby gate.

You will need to gradually build up the time you leave him (but whilst you are still in the house).  When you leave him do so very calmly, without looking at him or talking to him.  When you return ignore him for a few minutes and then give him some quiet praise.

Once you have built up to around 30 minutes of being able to leave him in another room in the house, you need to start the process again but this time you can leave the house, starting again with very short periods.  Don’t be tempted to keep peeping in the window, as he will know you are there and won’t settle.

You need to be both patient and consistent with your new dog.  The aim is to get him to understand that his world is not going to end if you leave him for a hour to do the shopping – eventually he will understand and will be happy being left.

Establish Yourself As Pack Leader

It’s not difficult to establish yourself as pack leader, you will need to make some small changes to your daily routine to show the dog you are in charge.

Don’t feed your dog until all of the family has eaten

Always make him do something for a treat or attention – even just a simple sit.

Always walk through doors first

Don’t let him on your bed or furniture

Have space that is just yours – using a baby gate helps

Do daily training with him

Make Sure He Is Getting Enough Exercise

Lots of behavioral issues are born out of lack of exercise and once the dog is getting more mental and physical stimulation, the dog becomes better behaved and is happier.  The same goes for SA.  If you dog is tired he is less likely to misbehave!