Here is another blog by TNT Dog Training and Pet Health Consulting. Keane had a lot of seperation anxiety when he was little and and i wish i was able to read this blog then.

For more of his blogs go to http://tntdogs.blogspot.com/.

It seems that separation anxiety in dogs is a bigger problem than openly reported by owners. From a position in retail, there are a large number of owners that privately express concern over experiencing problems with their dog's behaviour based around the routines of the day. Many dogs seem to bark incessantly when left alone and only stop upon the return of their owners. This can become a major problem for apartment and condo dwellers. In fact it may be noises of neighbours that the dog picks up and not our ears that creates the anxiety. The foreign "stranger" sounds and smells may ruminate so relentlessly on your dog's mind when you are not there, that the dog cannot help but express concern and stress. One suggestion would be to talk to your neighbours and see if they are on board for having a very positive introduction to your dog. Your dog being comfortable with the neighbours, as well as you the owner promoting the neighbours as part of the pack, may provide the dog less internal unrest. The dog may find the sounds of "familiars" soothing and even in your absence the dog may be more at ease.

Another suggestion I like to make is to play old home videos on a tv at a low volume while you are gone. You could also do tape recordings of you and your family talking. The sounds of "the pack" and the impression that you retain a presence in the home may also soothe the dog and relieve the anxiety. You can try this for plane trips as well. If you can safely install a tape recorder on or in the cargo crate then your dog will be hearing you the whole time. Of course you would want to make sure the dog could not get his jaws on the mechanism.

I believe strongly in the power of naturopathic cures and remedies. I have found a complete success rate with my own puppy and saved thousands of dollars already in his first year from following a more natural path than running to the vet. There are many teas that humans use to alleviate certain ailments. Depending on the ingredients and whether they are safe for dogs and in what quantities...you may do some research and find a tea for people to relieve stress and anxiety, that also works for your dog.

Of course you would brew the tea and then put it in the fridge to cool. You could make ice cubes out of it or try replacing the drinking water with it. There is no guarantee that your dog will choose to drink it, but without any other kind of water...you should have some success. Here are some ingredients that you will find in commercial concocted anxiety sprays for pets. You could go collect ingredients yourself from health stores and make your own teas.

1. Valerian: a herb and sedative used to relieve insomnia, nervous tension, hysteria, excitability, stress and cramps.

2. Skullcap: a herb and sedative and nerve tonic. It has a folklore of being a remedy for rabies.

3. Zizyphus: flowering plant in the buckthorn family. In Chinese natural medicine, zizyphus is used to relieve stress.

4. Wild Lettuce: you can add the leaves to a salad and they are known to have similar effects as opium although they are not an opiate. It is a plant with psychotropic effects (hypnotic, sedative). The effects don't last long but act quickly and are often used as a sleeping aid.

Bach Flower Remedies

5. Aspen: flower used for paranoia relief and helps alleviate feelings of fear (depending on the cause, it may be less effective on dogs as on humans. We suffer paranoia and I'm not sure a dog does, as really they follow their instincts which are connected to a natural evolution).

6. Impatiens: flower used to treat anxiousness, although the flower is known to have a bitter toxic taste that can cause nausea.

7. Mimulus: flower known to have a salty and bitter taste. Calmer for fear.

8. Wild Oat: used to relieve uncertainty (??).

I have to admit that the Bach Flower Remedies ironically disturb my mind somewhat. Dr. Bach lists 38 flower remedies and very specific emotional responses that they address in creating relief. One of the flower essences addresses relieving feelings of "not knowing what direction to go in in life". I do believe in the power of Nature and that natural products are the safest and the best to use wherever possible. I would have to admit that I would make my teas out of the plants and herbs listed above and not the Bach flowers specifically, regardless of their track record. This is why...

I don't believe in masking a problem. It seems the Bach Flowers go deeper into addressing emotional causes instead of what the non-Bach plants and herbs do, which is to treat the physical effect. I personally, would look to train my dog to keep his emotions under control and understand why a stimulus does not have to elicit an extreme reaction from him. In the practical meantime, I would relieve the immediate physical stress with a mild sedative tea concoction.

I have always said that if you suffer depression for real and legitimate reasons, what good does a pill do to extinguish those reasons...it only makes you ignore them and forget about them. Your life will go on unfulfilled in those areas and you will never solve those problems that brought on the depression. I don't believe that humans or dogs suffer depression, fear and anxiety irrationally and without reason. There is a cause and it must be addressed and not moved past. Otherwise you will be carrying that enormous baggage with you everywhere you go regardless if you are aware of it or not. You have to find a way to cope with and negotiate the problem in order to reach some kind of solution that has you move on comfortably under your own Will power and not through the duress of some exterior an inherently foreign adnate.

Sobie does a fair share of wimpering during the day. It is mainly because I am working at the computer and he is looking for something to do that is equally important and significant. I have not done anything more than continuously say ,"Bear, don't cry. I don't like crying." I feel that in time he will feel more ease and become more mature and calm. He is still a puppy. I would not think of sedating him during the day just because I can't be running around outside with him. Verbal reassurances and corrections will have to do, patience on my part, and new toys never hurt either.

You may find that picking up a lot of "good deal" toys and leaving your dog with a new toy works well for relieving stress. Perhaps not. Maybe the anxiety isn't from boredom. If it is, the toys could work. A suggestion would be to keep them at your work place for a few weeks and pick up the smells there. Then when your dog has them while you are gone...there is a continuity. Your dog knows your smell from being gone and the toy has that smell. It is like you are still around or at least that the dog is included in the work day. A connection is maintained to keep the animal calm and satisfied.

This also works well when a new pet joins the home or when a family of pets loses a member. Before a new pet joins a family that already has a pet, it is advised to exchange items. Take a toy of your present pet to the new one's temporary home, and bring something of the new pet to your present pet. Introducing their scents to each other prior to meeting can be very effective in relieving stress and creating amiable relations from the onset. This works well also when a pet passes away or leaves the home. If there are still pets in your home that suffer anxiety from the missing pet...bring in an item of a friend pet from the park or day care. You can do an exchange with the owner of a friend of your pet for mutual positive effects. If anything, this is better than keeping relics of the pet who is gone around as that pet will not be returning whereas the friend pet will be seen again and they will have formed a stronger bond.

I think that this is such an extensive and important topic that it could be discussed at much greater length, but I will leave these ideas as the initial ones for helping with separation anxiety in dogs and pets.

SiberRescueOntario is a dedicated group of volunteers who are devoted to rescuing, providing sanctuary, refuge and ultimately re-homing abandoned, stray and neglected Siberian Huskies, Inuit Sled Dogs and mixes therein. They are a non-profit organization that is based out of York Region, Ontario. We receive dogs in need from all over North America. We take in dogs of all physical conditions and ages from newborns to seniors. All of their rescues are spayed or neutered and brought up-to-date on shots before being placed in their new homes. When time permits, our dogs are also housetrained and taught basic obedience. They are a great rescue and we wish them many years of luck.

SiberRescueOntairo not only rescues dogs but they also socialize some of their dogs with children/individuals with Autism/Aspergers. This is something Keane Collars LOVES and supports very much.

For more of their dog facts or rescue dogs go to http://www.siberrescue.org/ .

Autism and Dog Integration

The impact of using animals in “Animal Assisted Activities” has been evident in both quantitative and qualitative ways. Studies have shown that merely having an animal present or participating in animal visits results in benefits for both adults and children.

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"Many children on the autistic spectrum relate better to animals than to people. Autistic children typically have trouble making verbal exchanges and understanding complex social cues, neither of which is necessary to become a dog's best friend." -Anna Coulton, Columbia News Service

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One of the first reports of the use of dogs in mental health therapy, authored by prominent child psychiatrist Dr. Boris Levinson, was published in Mental Hygiene in 1962. The article, entitled “The dog as a co-therapist” documented Dr. Levinson’s observations of the interaction between his child patients and his pet dog Jingles during therapy sessions. He reported that the dog served as a communication link, providing a sense of security to the child and quickening the therapy process.

Dr. Levinson found that there was a significant benefit to children who were nonverbal, inhibited and autistic. One of the important benefits he discovered was that the presence of the dog helped to strengthen autistic children's contact with reality.

In 1992, at the Sixth International Conference on Human-Animal Interaction, Carol Campbell and Aaron Katcher presented the results of their controlled study “Animal assisted therapy dogs for autistic children: Quantitative and qualitative results.” They reported and a significantly increased social response by children to both animal and therapist with whom they were working.

Interaction with canines aids these children in a wide variety of ways, including:

• increasing a child’s sense of trust through the animal’s love, affection and consistency

• promoting patience and self-control

• a sense of self esteem through providing care for another living being

• improving socialization and communication

• reducing general anxiety (a well documented effect of canine companionship)

• an increase in the ability to play

• learning to receive and give appropriate affection

• learn gentle handling

• learning to following a sequence of instructions

• learning to observe and respond appropriately to behavior

SiberRescueOntario is a dedicated group of volunteers who are devoted to rescuing, providing sanctuary, refuge and ultimately re-homing abandoned, stray and neglected Siberian Huskies, Inuit Sled Dogs and mixes therein. They are a non-profit organization that is based out of York Region, Ontario. We receive dogs in need from all over North America. We take in dogs of all physical conditions and ages from newborns to seniors. All of their rescues are spayed or neutered and brought up-to-date on shots before being placed in their new homes. When time permits, our dogs are also housetrained and taught basic obedience. They are a great rescue and we wish them many years of luck.

SiberRescueOntairo not only rescues dogs but they also socialize some of their dogs with children/individuals with Autism. This is something Keane Collars LOVES and supports very much.

For more of their dog facts go to http://www.siberrescue.org/ .

Solving Common Dog Issues

There are a number of typical dog issues and some which are common with huskies that we are frequently asked. Here we offer solutions to some of the most typical difficulties we are asked about.

A Good Dog Owner Should Know…

Dogs do not come with a built in understanding of the rules of your home or what is expected of them. It is our job, as good dog owners, to provide consistent leadership and guidance. Patience and persistence are essential to solving most doggie problems.

The one thing we cannot stress enough, particularly with Huskies, is the need for exercise. Your dog relies on you to meet his exercise needs and Huskies don’t deal well going days without a good walk, or preferably a run at the leash free park. Many, if not most problems can be solved by ensuring that your dog has had enough exercise.

Do not set your dog up to fail. A dog will never understand the difference between the old socks he doesn’t get in trouble for chewing and your expensive clothing. If you don’t want a certain behavior in one instance, don’t allow that behavior at all.

Doggie Relief - Dealing with House Training

Often when you bring a new dog home his first action as the newest member of your family is to relieve himself on your floor. Generally this will be a one time thing, the result of nervous energy. Try to allow the dog to relieve himself before entering your home, and shortly after entering your home take your new dog to the place he will be expected to relieve himself in the future.

While older dogs can go significanly longer than young pups between bathroom breaks, it's best to err on the side of caution and take your dog out frequently when you first bring him/her home.

Oh How He Howls - Inappropriate Howling and Barking

As with many dog related problems, the first and most important solution to this one is exercise. The most common cause of barking and howling is lack of exercise and boredom. Your dog should be walked prior to leaving him in the morning and should not be left alone to occupy himself for extended periods of time.

When you do have to be away provide your dog with toys that require some work on their part, such as a Kong or similar toy. These items are designed to keep your dog busy working to get their treat. Give your dog praise for using these toys.

The Dog Ate My Prada - Appropriate Doggie Chewing.

When you bring a new dog home you need to remind yourself that she doesn't know the difference between a $300 bag and a dog chew toy automatically. Teaching your dog is your responsibility, but until she has learned what is and isn't hers to chew, just don't leave the bag on the floor.

When your dog attempts to chew an inappropriate item give a verbal correction and redirect your dog to a quality chew toy. When your dog begins to chew the toy give her calm praise. Eventually your dog will come to understand what is and isn’t hers to chew. Do not let your dog chew anything other than her own toys to avoid confusion on her part.

Big Furry Gardeners – Doggie Digging

Some dogs love to dig and will happily turn over your entire garden for their own entertainment. Huskies, in particular, have it in their nature to dig holes big enough for them to lie in. This was a necessary survival instinct when they were working, in the winter to keep them warm and in the summer to allow them a cool spot to sleep.

Provide your dog with appropriate shelter and make it a good experience for her to use it, providing toys or praise. If you are able, provide a corner that can act as a sandbox for your dog. Dig shallow holes and bury her toys and direct her to dig in the location you have chosen.

The best advice we can give to minimize digging is ensure your dog is well exercised and not bored, as these are frequent causes for digging. If all else fails, don’t leave your dog unattended in an area where digging would be particularly upsetting to you.

Thunderstruck – My Dog Is Afraid Of….

Dogs are able to develop fears. Usually these unreasonable fears are the direct result of the reaction of a person to an incident, not the dog’s natural response. It is human nature to try and reassure and comfort a living being that is fearful as we would with our children. However, to a fearful dog, responding to fearful behavior with comforting sounds and petting is seen as rewarding the behavior and dogs tend to repeat behavior that is rewarded. Your fearful dog needs a confident leader whose behavior tells them that there is nothing to fear. If your dog has a problem which results in fear aggression it is time to seek professional help.

The Jail Break – My Dog Is Escaping

Huskies love to run more than almost anything and they have an amazing ability to find creative ways to feed this need. Generally it isn’t a good idea to have a husky off leash in any location that isn’t safely enclosed as their instinct to run usually quickly takes over. Chain link fences have been happily scaled by Huskies and radio fences have been breached by Huskies.

Chaining your Husky in the yard is NOT a good option. Huskies, or any other breed, should not be left chained in a yard, and doing so can lead to a wide variety of problems for your dog. Chaining dogs can result in lack of socialization, territorial behaviors and fear aggression, not to mention the potential physical repercussions.

So, what should you do? The American Kennel Club's Siberian Huskies book states "If you don't have a fenced yard.... Get a fence, a good one!"

Tall wooden fences with a slide lock to keep them closed are a good option for the Husky owner. Be aware that many huskies have learned how to work a standard gate latch. Ensuring that your fence reaches the ground is also important to avoid Huskies sliding under fences through narrow spaces that would seem unbreechable. It is your job to make good decisions to keep your pet safe.

And finally, as always, make sure your dog is exercised well so that his need to run doesn’t become overwhelming.

It’s My Bowl and I’ll Growl if I Want To - Resource Guarding

Many dogs, particularly ones who have had to struggle to find food or items to play with, will guard their possessions. These dogs have no way of knowing that you will faithfully continue to provide meals and toys for them.

Does this mean that it is okay for a dog to guard resources with growls or bites? Absolutely not, but it is your job to teach this lesson, and to teach it before you find yourself in a situation where you need to remove an item quickly.

You can start this process simply. Give your dog an item that will not provide his strongest guarding response (do not use his favorite beef bone, use a basic toy) Allow your dog to play with this toy for a short time. When you want to remove the toy approach your dog calmly and ensure that you have a high impact treat (chicken for example) Call your dog’s name so that he looks at you and isn’t frightened by a hand flying in front of his nose. When you have his attention, give the treat while removing the toy. Praise your dog once you have the toy in your hand safely, and then return the toy to your dog. This way he learns that when he gives up these items good things happen and the item will eventually return.

Do not try to deal with dangerous guarding issues or any guarding issues with a dog that is aggressive. Seek the assistance of a professional.

Final Thoughts

Your desire to make this new relationship work is the single most important factor for success. Remember that your new dog has a unique personality, different from any other dogs you may have or have had in the past and you owe it to both of you to enter this relationship with a clean slate. Generally your dog will want nothing more than to please and follow you and it is your job to be a good leader.

Even if your dog understands basic commands it is a good idea to attend positive reinforcement obedience training with your new pet. This allows you both to spend time bonding with each other in a positive environment. Be sure to continue your training exercises frequently at home, at the park and anywhere else you want your dog to behave. Just because your dog will sit at home when it’s quiet doesn’t mean that he or she has the skill to do the same in a park full of dogs.