Should I give my dog attention before going out?

A recent pilot study on dogs who do not suffer from separation related problems indicates “YES!” A short petting session before promotes calmer behaviours from a dog. Although separation related problems affect dogs so their response will be different, this study indicates the benefit of owner interactions with a dog to promote calmer states. Read abstract to the pilot study here:

Effects of petting before a brief separation from the owner on dog behavior and physiology: A pilot study

Helping a dog be in a calmer emotional state is one of the aims of management of behaviour problems in dogs. Clinical behaviour problems are due to a problem with an animal’s brain circuitry. Helping an animal practise being calm aids in changing the circuitry towards a less reactive animal who is more likely to make sense of his or her environment.