Swimming and Seperation Anxiety Issues

Question
Hi there! First of all, I have a beautiful Siberian husky that will be 4 this year and he's a great buddy, however we are going on vacation soon and this will be the first time he will be around a large body of water. I want to teach him to swim confidently, but I am afraid that the ocean will scare him. Are there any tips or suggestions you have that can help me make him feel safe and comfortable in the water?

My second question is regarding his separation anxiety. When I leave the hours some times my dog throws a fit and tosses his food all over the floor. Of course he does this shortly after I leave and when I get back home I feel as if it's too late to do anything about besides cleaning up the mess. Do you have any suggestions of what to do?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
True separation anxiety usually involves either destruction to the environment, or to the dog.  Just tossing food around and making a mess might be a precursor, but is not the full blown issue.  So, to prevent this from escalating, I suggest you purchase a little book called "I'll Be Home Soon" by Patricia McConnell and do the training and behavior exercises within.  
With regard to the ocean (or any scary stimulus), try to pair it with something the dog really likes.  So, if the dog likes tug, play a game of tug near the water.  If he likes food, bring something scrumptious that he doesn't normally get, such as roast beef bits, and feed him to entice him closer to the edge.  Do NOT force him in to the water, and do have a 30' line on him in case he should panic and swim out rather than in toward shore.  Some dogs are more likely to wade in if they have a confident buddy that goes in first, or if you do.  If the dog likes tennis balls, toss one closer and closer to the water until he must go in to retrieve it.  Don't expect miracles - a dog's optimal socialization period occurs when they are very, very young, and that's when he really should have seen anything that you wanted him to accept as an adult dog.  Just do the best you can, and perhaps he'll surprise you.