If you thought that separation anxiety only happens in humans, you are incorrect. Separation anxiety can also affect your dog. Fortunately, you can train your dog to get over it.

it is vital for your dog to assert his dominance as the pack leader in any type of dog training. Establishing yourself as the alpha will get rid of most of your dog’s behavioral problems. Dogs who suffer separation anxiety get upset when you leave them alone, mostly because they feel they are the alpha and need to take care of you while you are gone.

Dealing wih dog anxiety.

You also do not want your dog to be very attached to you. The more independent your dog is, the less issues he will have when you leave him alone for a long stretch of time. Have others in the home take on caring and feeding tasks for the dog, so he doesn’t only see you as his sole source of love and attention. In addition, do not make it a big deal every time you leave the house or arrive home.

It is important to utilize positive reinforcement methods so your dog can learn that it is not bad when he is alone. You need to reward good behavior and ignore his bad behavior. A good example would be for you to make your dog stay in the room, while you walk out of the room. If he stays sitting there when you leave and come back into the room, give him a treat and healthy rub on the head. He will learn that it is okay for him to be in one place and you in another.

Consistency is important, so practice this technique regularly during the day, going further and further away from your dog each time and taking longer and longer to return to your dog. Make sure to always reward him upon your return if he has stayed in place and waited patiently for you to come back.

if your dog gets up to follow you, take him back and remind him to stay there until you return. Under no circumstances should you punish your dog for not staying and following you as this will impact your training efforts in a negative way.

Whatever training you use, make sure to always utilize positive reinforcement methods.

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Lyme disease is a condition which can cause a broad range of problems in your dog.   If left untreated, lyme disease in dogs can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, or joints.  Most cases of lyme disease occur in the Northeast.   However, it can occur in practically any part of the United States.  It was first diagnosed in dogs in 1975 in parts of Connecticut but there is now evidence that lyme disease existed for many years in wildlife.   Lyme disease can occur in cats but is very rare.

What causes Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is transmitted to a dog via the bite of a tick which is carrying the bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is not transferred immediately, since the tick has to stay attached for one or two days to your dog.

What are the symptoms?

There is a range of symptoms your dog can develop, once infected with this disease.  Most dogs develop a barely noticeable limp in one of the forelegs.  As the disease progresses, this limp becomes more and more noticeable.  Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fever higher than 103 degrees and swollen lymph nodes.

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosing your dog with lyme disease is done through a blood test to detect the presence of the bacterium, borrelia burgdorferi.

What treatments are available?

Since lyme disease can cause permanent damage to your dog’s nerves and joints, it is imperative to seek treatment as soon as possible.  Depending on the level and severity of the condition, your dog will be treated with the use of antibiotics for at least a few weeks.  Aspirin may be administered to dogs who have a lot of joint pain.

What is the Prognosis?

After treatment is administered, most dogs will start feeling much better after a few days.  However, lyme disease can re-occur within weeks or months so it’s important to watch your dog closely.