Separation Anxiety--It's Our Problem

Dogs are our companions. I dare to say for anyone reading this article you  likely love your pets and in turn treat them like a human. We all do it.  Sometimes we over do it. Then we create problems. In reality we have confused our dogs. We treat them as equals and then abandon them on a regular basis. In the wild a parent does not treat the pup as an equal. and when the parent dog leaves the den it is not viewed as abandonment. Parent dog is in charge, parent dog gets to leave and always returns. In our domesticated world we treat the dogs as an equal by feeding the dog food from our plates and often feeding the dog before we get fed, letting the dog sleep on the bed, and use the best manners by asking instead of commanding.
As a result we confused our dogs.  So, when you leave the your dog behind he  may bark/whine, dig at the door, pace, destroy objects or defecate. He has the mind of a 3 year old a literally, does not know IF you are coming back. He has become so reliant on you that he just can't make it on his own... until you return.So How do you fix it?
Here is my quick fix answer.  Instead of using your best manners, use your worst manners with your dog. This in no way implies loud voices or physical abuse. What I tell you is this, feed your dog after you are done eating (at clean up time), don't allow your dog to jump up on the bed until you have given him permission, if your dog is in your way when walking down a hallway tell him to move (you keep on walking) , you are first in priority and your dog is last. .
As you prepare to leave try not to have a set pattern or give big clues. "Where are my keys?" you say as you are getting your jacket on. These are two big clues that trigger your dog to start his pacing or depression. Don't vocalize that you are departing and try to be "sneaky" about leaving. There are multiple steps to correcting your dog but these are great starter tips.  If you have significant then you need to call us for a consultation. Sometimes short term anti-anxiety drugs are part of the regime.
Retraining you and your pet is the key.