dog people...please help

[DaneDogHouse]

Another thing that may be causing this is what we call "only dog syndrome". If he has lived most of his life with canine companions, he may just be missing that. A lot of dogs are very social and when they are used to having a doggy buddy around, they can't live happily in a home where they would be the only dog. And no - a cat just won't do.


Jeanine

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[midwestchick]

You have gotten some really good advice here, but thought I'd chime in as well

I'd be careful with hauling him back and forth from your dad's - I really think that will confuse him in the long run. Dogs are really pretty resilient - you just need to provide structure, a routine... he will adjust in time.

I totally agree with the "ignoring" desensitization. Do this! Grab your purse or whatever you have the incites the stress. Then sit on the couch and ignore him. Don't leave. Then put your things away. Do this multiple times. Also, when you come IN from being out, do not pay attentin to him - especially do not make over him and get him all excited. We want your departing and arriving to be as calm and stress-free as possible.

You may want to consider getting him a kong toy - they are hollow and you can fill them with dog food, treats, peanut butter. I even have some clients that will cram them with pb and treats and freeze them. Give this to him as a distraction and something to work on while you are gone.

Be cautious with the crating if he's not used to being crated. If he's not used to the confines, it may add stress and he may tear himself to shreds getting out.

Hang in there - it's great that he's not tearing things up while you are gone. It's true that true separation anxiety is usually accompanied with significant destruction of things and also inappropriate eliminations (peeing/pooping everywhere!) So, I agree with the previous posters that you and he can overcome this!

Heidi