We teach you how your dog’s mind works, so that you can solve the root cause of your dog’s problems, rather than constantly treating the symptoms

Most experienced dog owners are familiar with common dog behaviour problems, but some may wonder why dogs exhibit these behaviours. Barking, biting, chewing and many other common dog behaviours are often misunderstood and mishandled by dog owners. Perhaps you are new to Dog Ownership, considering getting a dog, or just wish to better manage your dog’s behaviour problems. Thoroughly understanding the most common dog behaviour is the first step to solving and preventing them.

Separation anxiety is probably one of the most commonly discussed dog behaviour problem. Manifestations include vocalisation, chewing, inappropriate urination and defecation, and other forms of destruction that occur when a dog is separated from his owner. Not all of these actions are the result of separation anxiety. Signs of true separation anxiety include:

• Dog becomes anxious when owner prepares to leave
• Misbehaviour occurs in the first 15-45 minutes after owner leaves
• Dog wants to follow owner around constantly
• Dog tries to be touching owner whenever possible

True separation anxiety requires dedicated training, behaviour modification and desensitisation exercises. Medication may be recommended in extreme cases, but this should be a last resort.

Separation anxiety is a disorder that causes dogs to panic at the idea of being left home alone. The panic is so overwhelming that when you leave, dogs tend to become destructive, bark like crazy, and have housebreaking accidents. When you return home, their greetings are often frantic. This condition is stressful for both dogs and owners, especially because regular obedience training does little to ease it.