Instructions
Visit the veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying health problems that may be causing the behavior. Digestive or urinary issues should be ruled out if these problems seem to surface when the dog is left alone.
Give the dog a housebreaking refresher. Make sure the dog knows where it is appropriate to relieve itself and let him know when he does it correctly by showing positive reinforcement. Pet the dog and tell them they were good in a calm and positive tone.
Check to see if the dog is teething. In younger dogs teething could be the reason they are destroying furniture or other things in the home when left alone. If this is the issue, leave the dog with chew toys or a Kong to keep them occupied while they are alone. A Kong is a dog toy that can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter. Give the dog this special toy or treat only when they are being left alone. This way it will associate being left alone with a treat instead of fear or anxiety.
Desensitize the dog to being alone. Make sure the dog has a comfortable environment. It should have its own bed or blanket. Also, giving the dog an article of your clothing such as an old t-shirt that has your scent on it may offer some comfort when it's alone. Make sure this is something you no longer care about in case the dog destroys it. Leave for short periods of time so the dog can understand you're coming back. Gradually increase the time so it can slowly get used to being alone.
Vary your routine when getting ready to leave the house. If the dog sees you getting your coat and keys and starts to get agitated because it knows that you are leaving, change your routine. Put your coat or briefcase in a different place or leave by a different door.
Leave a radio on so the dog is less likely to hear outside noises that may stress or frighten them. Be sure to tune it to a station that has soothing music to help the dog relax.
Exercise your dog. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. This can go a long way in calming separation anxiety. A dog that is well exercised is more likely to rest or sleep when left alone. Taking the dog for a walk or jog or just throwing a ball around can use up some of its energy before you leave the house.
Adopt a friend. Some dogs do better if they have another dog companion. This is a big decision and one that you should consider carefully before deciding to bring another dog into your household.
How to Break a Dog of Separation Anxiety
A dog with separation anxiety can act out in many ways. Some dogs will urinate or defecate while others chew on furniture or other things around the house. Excessive barking or howling and trying to escape are also signs of separation anxiety. Aside from the destruction this causes to the home, it can also result in injury to the dog. Separation anxiety sometimes starts as soon as the dog picks up the clues that it's owner is getting ready to leave and accelerates once it's alone.