Dogs are social animals, pack animals, so being alone is unnatural for them. While there are exceptions, dogs want to be with their pack which includes not only you and your family but also perhaps another dog or a cat. They feel insecure and vulnerable alone, even abandoned which will lead some to panic.

Marking behavior, or urinating on objects or walls, is a common symptom of separation anxiety. The dog is assuring that the territory is his. Destructive behavior is also a way of reducing boredom when he's alone. He's not a problem dog. He's just being a dog.

There are ways to reduce your dog's anxiety when you have to leave him alone. The first thing you want to do to prevent destruction to your property and potential harm to your pet is to dog-proof the area. Remove anything that could be a danger to him such as electrical cords that he could chew with potentially fatal results and any chemicals, such as household cleaners. Also remove anything he could chew or choke on. When a dog is bored or feeling anxious, there's little he won't get into.

Provide your dog with a comfortable bed, a few toys and durable chew items, water and a couple of treats. You might enclose the treats in one of the toys available that make a dog work to get them out providing another activity and mental stimulation to help prevent boredom. Rotate the toys you leave for him to keep him more interested and looking forward to something new.

Putting your dog in a room and closing the door isn't advised and can increase anxiety. Instead, use a doggie gate that he can see through so he won't feel entirely cut of from his environment and comfort zone. He won't have the run of the house to get into trouble but still is less likely to feel rejected.

Some dogs feel an increased sense of security in a wire crate. While to us that may seem like "jailing" them, to many dogs it's a secure and sheltered den where they enjoy napping. Often dogs will deliberately stash their toys there for safe keeping and protect their den from intruders. A crate is not something you want to force or overuse so that it feels like a punishment. A dog should never be locked into a crate for more than 3 hours.

Sound can be very comforting. A radio or TV set at a low volume can offer your dog a feeling of human companionship while you're away and go far to ease anxiety. It also helps to mask outside noises that could increase excitability.

Building a dog's self-confidence with obedience training can go far to reduce a dog's anxiety. Spending that focused time every day working on simple skills with a positive, punishment-free method will result in a better behaved dog whether you're there or not. They enjoy and appreciate your attention, giving them something to look forward to.

Exercise is the absolute best thing you can do. Before you leave for the day, go on a vigorous 20-30 minute walk, or play a game of fetch the frisbee or ball to tire your dog out so he'll be more likely to want to nap than get into trouble. It will take the edge off of both anxiety and boredom when you have to leave him.

Don't make a big deal out of leaving. No long good-byes or big production. That only increases your dog's anxiety. Instead, make it routine, ignore him and just leave. For a dog with a bad case of separation anxiety, work with him with short separation exercises. Step outside for a few minutes and return. Increase the time you stay outside a bit each time before you come back in. This will help to reassure your dog that you are coming back every time.

Varying your routine can be helpful. Dogs are very in tune with our routines, recognizing our habits. You can change your routine so that your dog is less likely to feel anxious sensing your departure. Instead of getting dressed, getting your keys and leaving. Get dressed and then sit down to read the paper or something. Then get up and leave without any good-bye. This will give your dog less opportunity to get "worked up" and anxious about anticipating the separation.

If you work long hours and can afford it, a dog walking service is a great option. A doggie daycare a couple of days a week is also wonderful for your dog. Both give him some appreciated social interaction, exercise and playtime to help break the monotony of their day. They also help to tire him out so he's more likely to nap than get into trouble.

Punishing your dog for misbehaving, especially when it's the result of anxiety is only going to increase that anxiety and result in a neurotic dog And it's mean. Keeping it positive always, is the only way to real success for both of you.