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Separation anxiety is a fairly-common problem. Many dog trainers have
tips that they have found to help a lot of dogs. Some cases are really
bad, but some are fairly easily helped with a few weeks of work.
How do you fix separation anxiety? Can you train a dog to not bark or
be worried when you leave home? Yes, it can be done with many/most dogs,
though training or even with some helpful medicines if those become
necessary (see your veterinarian about that latter option).
Since I am not an expert on this topic, and am just collecting some
information that seems quite helpful, I will refer you to some promising
links rather than typing a lot of possibly-incorrect information here.
This one has lots of tips:
http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/separation-anxiety-in-dogs.html
Caesar usually has some very tried-and-true tips:
https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/anxiety/leaving-your-dog-home-alone
Kind of similar:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/separation-anxiety
This one centers on a theory that it is worse if the dog doesn't see YOU
as the alpha dog, which is interesting:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/separationanxiety.htm
I don't know if you have tried one of these, but several people have
told me they are wonderful! Thunder Shirts:
http://www.thundershirt.com/
Tips in general:
https://woofwhiskers.com/best-anxiety-reducers-dogs/
What about getting a second dog?
It seems the easiest solution. If separation anxiety is caused
partially by a pack/leadership issue, a second dog seems like it would
solve the problem.
True...it may seem the easiest solution "for your dog." But
will it work for your family to have a second dog? Will two
dogs simply learn poor behavior from each other, rather than settling
each other and creating a happier environment when you are away from
home? That's a guess, and a risk, of getting a second dog.
If it may be a bit of a stretch spending time with two dogs instead
of one, please try other ideas for a workable solution before jumping
after a second dog. :-)
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