Training dogs is very important. Not only will your dog become more friendly and relaxed, but he'll be happier, too! It also helps strengthen the relationship you two have.

Appropriately crate training your dog can prevent puppy separation anxiety. Start by allowing the dog to move freely in and out of the kennel. "Bait" the kennel with special treats or toys. When the dog is familiar with the kennel, try closing the crate. Allow the dog longer periods of time in the crate with the door closed. As the dog begins to associate the crate with pleasant experiences, and the assurance that you'll return, he'll be happy and comfortable waiting in his "den," while you are away.

Dogs with puppy separation anxiety should not sleep in their human's bed. Fido may be warm, but unfortunately, sleeping in bed often causes dogs to build unhealthy, obsessive fixations on their owners. By giving your dog a crate or bed of his own, he will have his own space and learn a little independence.

If your dog suffers from puppy separation anxiety, an easy way to train them out of it is to avoid giving them attention immediately before and after you leave. It may seem mean to the dog if you don't say goodbye before you leave, but those long goodbye cuddles just give the dog a chance to get worked up.

Crate-training is excellent for dogs with puppy separation anxiety. Crates effectively become safe spaces for nervous dogs. Blankets or dirty laundry that smells like their favorite people can be helpful during the crate-training process. Anxious dogs are also likely to be destructive when their owners are not home. A crate keeps anxious dogs out of harm's way.

If your dog suffers from puppy separation anxiety every time you leave, try getting an additional dog. Sometimes, having someone else to play with while you are away, is all that is needed to keep your furry friend happy until you return.

Most people find that, with a little bit of dog training, their relationship with their dog improves tremendously. And as you can see, training your dog, while not an intuitive process, IS a much easier process than most people think. So put some of our suggestions into practice, and you'll see for yourself!