separation anxiety in dog

[badger]

mickchick: I heard him barking this morning as I left. Today's the first time I've head him do that, so I'm not sure if he's continued to do that. This morning at 4am he woke me up (I didn't know he'd already peed in his crate so taking him out only roused him more). He was whining for about 30 minutes before I fell asleep and he probably did, too.

I've never had a puppy so this is new territory for me!

[Selkie]

It might take him some time to get used to the crate. All of our goldens, except one, would put up a fuss when initially put in the crate. If you give him a special treat, like the peanutbutter filled kong that Tucker suggested, he will run to the crate, anticipating his goodie. It will take him awhile to finish that off and you should be long gone by then.

Keep in mind that if someone in his past crated him as "punishment," he might associate bad things with being crated. That makes crate training impossible for some dogs, or so I've heard.

A great book I recommend is "The Loved Dog" by Tamar Gellar. She believes in positive reinforcement when training.

Puppyhood is the best and worst of times w/a dog. Patience and consistency, as well as lots of love, will go a long way. In the meantime, I hear you! Our 12 week old is a Holy Terror!

[Becky]

We dealt with something similar in our lab mix. Upon the advice of a trainer, we started feeding him meals in the crate, in addition to using stuffed Kongs while he's crated. The combination has helped a great deal with the barking, although we still have occasional episodes, especially if we're slow leaving the house after he's been crated.

EDIT: Cody loves mushed-up banana in the kong, frozen or thawed

[makbike]

Badger,

Try leaving a radio or TV on for him when you leave. Also, ask your vet about a DAP collar. These are wonderful and do work. They are composed of natural pheromone which are released as the dog's body temp increases due to anxiety. The pheromones have a calming effect on the dog. They do have to be replaced every 30 days (the only draw back given they run about $40 each).

Good luck and keep us posted.

[andtckrtoo]

A great way to train a dog to let you know when he needs to go out is to get some bells (those sleigh bells they sell at Christmas time work beautifully - or any other bells that he can jingle with his nose) and tie them to the door handle of the door you use when you take him out. Every time you take him out, make a point of jingling the bells. Encourage him to nudge them with his nose as well to make them ring - then take him out promptly. It will take a little while, but he will eventually understand that when he rings the bells, he goes outside.

My question is - how long of a walk do you take him on in the morning? Maybe you'll need to add some games of catch or just running around playing "I'm going to get you" to seriously tire him out. Consider doggie day care a day or two during the week - or have a pet sitter (or, as it's summer, a neighborhood teenager or something) come walk him 2-3 times a week while you are gone.

Kongs and puzzle boxes are also good. Anything to stimulate his mind. I freeze kongs filled with peanut butter and it takes my dog about an hour to work through one.