How to Stop Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs are pack animals by nature, and, without their pack, they can suffer from anxiety. When a dog is alone it may scratch carpet, chew linoleum flooring or trim, bark uncontrollably, whine, yelp, and pee on your sofa. A dog can be taught to manage anxiety with a little help from a loving and patient owner.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Treats
  • TV or radio
  • Dog bed
  • A shirt you have slept in
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get your dog some good toys that will keep it busy while you are away. Make sure the toys are high quality and not easily torn or broken. Toys that make noise can keep your dog entertained as well. Buying a dog bed can also help your dog separate from you better. Do everything from feeding to training your dog while he is on the dog bed. This will help him associate the bed as a positive thing, and over time he may lay on the bed when he feels anxious, instead of destroy your house.

    • 2

      Teach the dog some basic manners and commands. When your dog responds well to a command, reward it with a treat. Remember to do this on the dog bed you purchased, and do it a couple times a day for a few minutes.

    • 3

      Take time away from your dog while at home by putting the dog in another room or making yourself unattainable for short periods of time. This will help show the dog that you always come back no matter how long you have been gone.

    • 4

      Start leaving a TV or radio on while you are gone from home. The noise will make the pooch feel more at ease and not feel so lonely. You can even go as far as to make recordings of yourself talking to the dog or reading out loud.

    • 5

      Put a shirt that you have slept in somewhere accessible to the dog so that even when you are not there, your smell is.

    • 6

      Talk to your veterinarian if anxiety persists. He may prescribe medication for the dog. Even the most patient and loving dog owners cannot always cure canine anxiety on their own.