Try to help your dog relax

    It's a Saturday morning. You rush through breakfast, walk the dog, and then get to soccer practice on time. A few hours later, you return home, only to find that the dog has made your bedroom untidy.  ____ Your favorite sports shoes are in poor condition.

    Before you get angry, stop and think. Your dog wasn't misbehaving (行为不端) just for the fun of it. ____ Some dogs just feel nervous when left alone. It's called separation anxiety (分离焦虑).

    Think of it this way: Dogs can't ask where you're going or when you'll be back. They can't call you on the phone. ____ Since you're not there, they need to find you. Dogs may suddenly develop separation anxiety. But with practice and patience (耐心), you can teach your dog to be comfortable being left alone.

    Put on your jacket, and then sit back down. Open and close the door, and then sit down. After a while, walk out the door for 10 seconds, then 20, then a minute and so on. ____

    Besides, you can also try the following ways:

    Teach your dog a word or action that you use every time you leave, which tells your dog you'll be back.

    Help comfort (安慰) your dog by leaving a piece of clothing that smells like you.

    Before you leave, give your dog a toy. ____