Separation anxiety is a reasonably common problem and if you can see it from your dog’s point of view you’ll begin to understand it.

Dogs may show different degrees of this from looking a little put-out when the owner is leaving and not taking him, to scratching the door to get out of the house to follow his owner.

There are many reasons why a dog can have separation anxiety. Dogs from shelters have been abandoned once and may feel that they’re being abandoned again. Dogs from pet stores can have anxiety because they’ve been taken away from their mothers too early.

Some dogs become anxious about being separated after changes occur in their lives. There may be a change in the family dynamics with a new baby, a divorce, loss of a roommate, or the death of another pet. Frequent moves or a change in the owner’s work schedule can also bring on anxiety.

To help the pet, owners should take the time to ease them into any new changes. If they’ve moved cross country, added a new spouse, or started working nights, they should take some time to give their dog extra attention. Play with them and walk them. Exercise helps relieve stress in dogs too.

If the pet owner has to work long hours, they should consider hiring a pet sitter to come in during the day for a half hour to walk and play with the dog. If this becomes the new routine for the dog he doesn’t feel so isolated; he now has a friend to play with. Plus he’s more likely to take a nap afterward than scratch at the door.

Sometimes it helps to leave talk radio on or some low, soothing music. The radio can also cover up the sounds of people walking by outside, which can cause some dogs to go into a barking frenzy and become distressed.

It is helpful for the owner to say goodbye matter-of-factly. This is better than long, guilt-ridden, apologetic goodbyes because the pet will sense the owner’s guilt and it will make the pet feel even worse.

Another thing the owner can do is give the dog a job when he leaves. There are safe chew toys that can hold a treat that take some time for the dog to get out, which will give them a job to do while the owner is gone.

Separation anxiety and boredom will be the cause of many behavioral problems. Try to see it from your dog’s point of view and make changes.

Rebecca Prince is author of “Canine-911! – How To Save Your Dog’s Life” which gives First Aid and Healthcare for your dog and is essential reading for all dog lovers