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Most pet owners at some stage need to leave home (for example to go to work). In this situation, its not uncommon for dogs to believe that their owners are gone for good, this fear comes from a condition known as Separation Anxiety. Separation anxiety is very common among animals, and in particular among dogs.

Dogs are usually a part of a pack; they are used to being in a group of others by nature. When you bring them home they tend to make you and your family a part of their pack. However, the behavior can be one of a positive nature, when they are sure you are the leader of the pack, and one of a negative nature when they are trying to assert themselves as the leader.

Dogs are very affectionate animals and in many cases they tend to worry when you are not around. They very commonly question if you will return at all when you leave - when they start to think in this way they get frantic, they might get angry and sometimes start getting destructive.

Separation anxiety can come about for a number of different reasons. Perhaps you have recently changed your schedule, or a family member has passed away. It can also happen when you shift houses. Dogs that have at some stage lived in shelters or on the streets are most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. These types of dogs have lived tough which has made them quite highly strung, and at times this can make them unpredictable and even dangerous.

Dogs with separation anxiety tend to cause massive destruction. They will chew through furniture, destroy books and bite through cables. Sometimes they use your entire house as a toilet and other times they bark non stop. These behaviors usually only worsen as the condition drags on.

There are several forms of treatment available for dogs with separation anxiety. One of the most important things that that you give your dog during this tough time is patience and understanding. Also, never punish your dog if it has a "separation anxiety attack" and destroys your furniture and clothes - unfortunately this will only make the condition worse.

Patience and consistency are a couple of the most important ways to behave when teaching your dog to overcome separation anxiety. Try to learn new ways to calm your dog. One way you can do this is by just leaving the house for 2 minutes and then returning. Doing this several times will calm your dog as it will start to believe that you will in fact be returning.

This will show him that even though you left you came right back. You may also try to crate your dog as this will give him a safe place where he feels comforted. Lastly reward your dog when he exhibits good behaviors. With all of these things you will ease the effects of separation anxiety.