Separation anxiety in dogs is a disorder characterized by feelings of distress and fright brought about by the absence of the owner. This disorder can either be mild or severe. Any breed or type of dog can develop this yet this disorder tend to be more common in dogs which have been rescued from the streets, adopted from shelters or those that were locked in a kennel/other enclosures for the most part of their life.

A mild case is usually one where the dog's symptoms include over-grooming, panting or pacing. A severe case on the other hand, may be characterized by a noticeable change in behavior which can also be quite a problem for the owner to resolve. In this case, the dog may cry nonstop, destroy furniture and other belongings inside the house, howls and barks for long periods, or soil the house. In some cases of severe separation anxiety, dogs may show signs in as early as ten to fifteen minutes from the time he or she is left alone.

Since this behavior starts to occur when you leave your dog, there is almost nothing you can do to prevent him from destroying your furniture or barking nonstop to your neighbor's irritation. There are however, several things you can do to lessen your dog's anxiety during your absence.

1. Crate Training. There are some dogs that would be comfortable confined to a small area or create when alone rather than be alone in a rather large house. Before you leave, see if your dog would be comfortable in a gated area. This may also prevent your things from being destroyed if he does this specific behavior when you leave. If however, he starts to howl or be agitated, abandon the idea before things gets worse.

2. Allow Viewing. In addition to crate training, you may also allow your dog viewing access to the outside. This may make him feel at ease and perhaps eliminate any anxiety. You can either place the crate near the window or any other home opening.

3. Relieve boredom. One of the causes of anxiety is boredom. So before you leave, find something that your dog can do during your absence. For instance, you may hide a bone or his favorite toys scattered around your house or property for him to find. And to keep him occupied for a long time, you can increase the volume of your hidden treats.

4. Provide Toys. An alternative method to relieve boredom is by providing your dog access to his toys. Before you leave, especially if you are planning for a long time, be sure to leave him plenty of toys. Chewing, playing, chasing and hunting for toys can keep your dog busy and happy for a long time. This will also allow him to utilize and develop natural canine behavior.

5. Music may lessen separation anxiety. Researchers have found that dogs relax to soft classical music. You can either leave the television or play music before you leave. And so he does not associate certain music with your absence, be sure to play something that you both would listen to.