Intelligent Ways to Deal With Your Dog's Separation Anxiety

Dogs are not very different from their owners. They feel hungry, they need to be protected, and they also like affection and attention. So, if you're a gregarious person who always leaves their dog alone when you go out of the house, your dog might show separation anxiety symptoms.

Here are some tips that will help you deal with your German shepherd puppy's separation anxiety. (Credit Information: SmithFarms German Shepherds)

1) Make sure that your dog has enough toys to keep him occupied while you are gone. He can't possibly stay alone for hours without chewing something, so make sure to leave him with only "chewable" things.

2) You should also exercise your GSD before leaving the house. He will sleep better after a nice walk or a run.

3) You can also try leaving the radio on when you leave your German shepherd with his favorite blanket and some toys he likes; it is said that dogs feel less lonely if they hear sounds around them.

4) If you plan on going out again soon, make sure to leave your German shepherd with some dog treats, so he starts expecting you to come back soon.

5) Try not to be too gregarious. Your German shepherd quickly picks up on your emotions, and if you're sad, he'll get sad too - even if you're only saying goodbye to him while you go out the door for a little while.

7) If possible, bring your German shepherd with you. You will both feel less lonely if you're spending time together - even if it's just a car ride to your friend's house.

8) Always leave some water and food for German shepherds before going out, but make sure that German shepherds won't be able to get into them while you are gone. Make sure they can't reach the food by using a baby gate or a pen to keep them confined.

9) Make your German shepherd puppy feel as if he's part of your family. Don't force anything on your German shepherd, and don't ignore him d when you're eating dinner at the table.

14) If you have a doggy door, make sure to let your neighbor know so they can watch out for minor accidents while you're gone.

16) If your dog is extremely playful, he might forget about his problems when you get home if you've left out some toys for him to play with.

18) Always take your dog for a walk before you go out, let him do his business, and make sure he's ready to be confined during the day. You don't want to come home to an accident!

20) Always leave a radio on when you're gone and turn it off just before you come back home!

21) Leave out only the toys that your dog can not eat, especially if there are young children in your house.

22) Make sure that your dog's playtime is not overwhelming, and teach him how to be gentle when you are home too.

23) You can try leaving out some potpourri; it'll make the place smell nice when you get back.

25) If your dog is destructive when you get home, put him in his kennel for a few minutes before you let him out - make sure he's comfortable with it, though!

27) Always provide your dog with toys and positive attention when you get back, as long as he doesn't feel lonely before that!

29) You can take your dog to a particular doggy daycare for a few hours every day if you don't have the time to take care of him at home!

31) Take your dog for a walk before you get out of the house to tire him out!

32) Make sure that there are no dangerous objects around in case your dog gets curious.

33) If your German shepherd is very young, you can give him a little dose of dog separation anxiety medication before you leave. This will help him feel more relaxed while you are gone.

If you notice any problems, ask your vet for advice or go to a professional trainer! Remember, your dog is counting on you every time you leave the house. It's not fair to him if you don't take his feelings into account. But most importantly, make sure you are patient when your dog is learning. Never take out your stress on him! It will only make it harder for both of you in the long run if he feels that he's done something wrong.