Product Description

This booklet explains the difference between dogs who truly have separation anxiety and those that merely misbehave and the describes a behavior modification program for the prevention and treatment of both problems. A treasure chest of ideas for keeping your dog happy in your absence, this booklet can help prevent and treat both minor and severe behavioral problems related to dogs being "home alone." Clear and understandable, this easy to read booklet is written for anyone who wants to leave the house knowing that their dog is happy and their house is safe.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16016 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-01
• Binding: Paperback
• 36 pages

About the Author
Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D. received her doctorate in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin researching communication between people and dogs. She is the owner of Dog's Best Friend, Ltd., which offers family dog training classes and treatment for serious behavioral problems, where she and Dr. London specialize in the evaluation and treatment of aggression in dogs. She is Assistant Adjunct Professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin, teaching "The Biology and Philosophy of Human/ Animal Relationships." Co-host of Wisconsin Public Radio's "Calling All Pets", Dr. McConnell gives advice about behavior problems on over 110 radio stations across the country. She is the behavior columnist for the BARk magazine and a Consulting Editor for the Journal of Comparative Psychology. Currently she is working on a book for Ballantine/Random House titled "The Other End of the Leash, comparing human behavior to that of our four-legged best friends. She can be found either nestled within a pack of four dogs, one cat and a flock of sheep, or traveling to give speeches and seminars around the country.

Customer Reviews

Separation anxiety counter conditioning
I bought this little booklet because I have had a dog in the past who had problems with separation anxiety, so I already know I don't know what to do to help such a dog. Also, the breed I am considering for my next dog has a high need for companionship, and I wanted to know how to forestall any behaviour (on my part or the dog's) that would result in separation anxiety. The author defines what separation anxiety is (and is not) and explains how it can develop. She then gives examples and exercises that will help you and your dog, inch by slow inch, learn a different behaviour and become sound of mind again. It's a short book that doesn't sugar coat the seriousness of the problem or the work and time involved in solving it, but it is also sprinkled throughout with good humor and clear evidence that the author loves dogs and wants to help them lead happy lives.

Great book about separation anxiety
This is an excellent book...The author is very straightforward and doesn't waste her time (and the readers) with fluff...Reading this book allowed my husband and I to understand what our dog may be feeling.

Another Home Run for McConnell
This is very helpful for anyone who has or is considering getting one of the "velcro" dog breeds, anyone who has a dog and comes home to destruction, anyone who works all day but wants to get a dog...basically anyone who has or wants to get a dog!
She starts out by telling you that not all behaviors add up to Separation Anxiety but that any dog can benefit from a little preventative training. I am working on teaching my little velcro buddy how to play by himself and that he doesn't need my attention 100% of the time to be okay.
I would recommend anything written by McConnell because a) her books and pamphlets are clear and easy to read with lots of stories to help you visualize what she means and b) because I really like her approach to training your dog.