Many dogs can be left alone and will exhibit no problems with separation anxiety. On the other hand, there are dogs that if left alone for long periods of time, will either become depressed or will cause a variety of problems. This can include chewing on furniture, or even tearing up carpeting. For that matter, I once owned a Samoyed, which when left alone would actually chew on plasterboard corners in our house.

If you find that your dog demonstrates any of these behaviors, do not make the mistake of repeatedly reprimanding the dog. It's important to realize that the dog will not understand what it has done that's wrong. If you have had any experience in dog training, you will have learned that the only time you can successfully reprimand dog is at the exact time it does something bad.

Say no to "no, bad dog!"

In the case of separation anxiety, you need to take action or become a very unhappy dog owner. The good news is that while reprimanding the dog accomplishes nothing, there are things you can do to help your dog handle separation in a more constructive manner.

One of the best things you can do is provide your dog with a comfort zone so that he or she will be as comfortable as possible when the two of you cannot be together.

Note that a comfort zone will be different for different dogs. In some cases you may need to confine your dog in a kennel or dog crate in order to provide him or her with a comfort zone.

Be sure to make the area as comfortable as you can, even if you are gating or crating the dog. You can add old pillows, a dog bed, his or her favorite toy or even something that smells of your scent such as a T-shirt. All of these items can help your dog feel a bit more at ease and make the hours until you return much more bearable.

A bored dog is usually a bad dog.

One of the underlying reasons for separation anxiety in a dog is boredom. A bored dog is likely to be a bad dog. This means you need to give them things to keep them busy. Again, make sure the dog has plenty of its own toys and items to entertain it while you are gone. However, don't make the mistake of using old shoes or other things you do not wish to have chewed as this can just confuse the difference between what is okay for the dog to chew on and those things which are not.

Get your dog a pet?

Finally, consider getting your dog a pet, in other words some kind of companion. If your household cannot handle a second dog then do not make the mistake of adding something to your family that will only make matters worse. On the other hand, if you have a small- or medium-sized dog and can handle a second dog, this could well be the ultimate answer to separation anxiety.

It may require some time and extra effort on your part to cure your dog's separation anxiety but it will make the both of you much happier in the long run.