Back to School Daze: How To Stop A Dog's Separation Anxiety

Fall means Frankie has to transition from summertime stimulation to a sometimes empty house or one with humans focused on homework or racing to soccer practice. No more gobbling dropped hot dogs and water sprinkler shenanigans. School is back in session, so learn how to stop a dog's separation anxiety with these tips.

Catch a Runner's High

After the craziness of getting back into the school day routine, nothing gets your mind right like hitting the gym. Your dog gets the same endorphin rush when she exercises, so making long jogs and strenuous playtime part of your routine (and doing it safely) can lower stress levels for you and her.

Remove Routine Triggers

The sound of cereal hitting a bowl, the jingle-jangle of keys, to you it's the morning routine, but to Frankie it sounds like a symphony of stress. Dogs are creatures of habit, so observe which motions and sounds trigger your dog's anxiety and adjust your routine.

Choose the Right Toy

Even if Frankie adores her old tennis ball, opt for a different toy to soothe dog separation anxiety when you're out of the house. Avoid playthings emphasizing owner interaction in favor of treat dispensing toys, toys with noise or puzzle-centered toys for testing memory. She'll entertain herself with these and not expect you to be there for playtime when she sees them.

Extra Attention

Make it a point to spend extra quality time with your dog when your schedule starts getting busy. Learning new tricks can increase your pup's stress, but refreshing skills they already know can provide comfort and gives you additional opportunities to reward and praise for good behavior. Dogs appreciate structure and thrive when they have it. Even when your days are jam-packed, take 15 minutes to go through their commands.

Create a Spa Environment

Humans complain less when they're treated to a spay day, and Frankie's no different. Pamper a stressed-out pooch with Through a Dog's Ear (music composed to help your dog chill) and a Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) diffuser.