Separation Anxiety - Dogs need a break too!

I had a writer who complained that their dog whined and whined a lot and it was driving them nuts.  I would like to address the issue of Separation Anxiety.

My Response:
Guys this is the biggest reason that I strongly recommend crate training.  A dog communicates – and if it learns that its every need is met then it continues communicate in the way that got it attention to begin with.  So have a vet check by all means to make sure there is nothing else underlying. 

One of the most important things for a dog to learn is to be comfortable in its own skin.  Dogs that think they should get 24/7 attention do not learn this and so become more and more demanding until you have full blown separation anxiety.    Everyone  needs time out occasionally to R & R and just get off by themselves.  The crate gives the dog a sense of security that you can’t create any other way.  PLUS there is absolutely guarantee that you will be there 24/7 for 10 to 15 years to satisfy every whim and nothing will ever prevent you from being there ——  you see where this goes – Again you can read my complete article on separation anxiety on http://Canine-Chat.com. 

Training is a big part so when the dog does get a chance to relax it has been stimulated, trained, exercised and given attention.  No one not even real children get 24/7 attention.