bad idea?

[frokenvin]

My pup has separation anxiety issues when I leave for work at night... A couple times per week during the day/evenings, I will take him to a park, on a car ride or whatever just so he is out and social/getting excersise.

Do you think this could be negatively influencing his crying/whimpering/yelping/SCREAMING ::shudders:: as I leave at night? Might he feel so attached that he has a terrible time letting go?

Another question is I've been leaving very silently so he doesn't know I'm actually leaving. Is this only going to make the problem worse when he does realise I'm gone, or when I leave as he sees? I don't know what to do... I was getting terribly stressed last week trying to deal with his crying. I leave for work at 11:30 PM and I live in an apartment. When I decided on getting a dog, I guess I was completely unaware of how it might use it's vocalisations at night! I sort of thought he'd understand within a few days, that I'd be back to see him in the morning or in a few hours... I realise now that it takes time for a dog to build that trust bond. Things are getting better, however I really need to impede on his barking issue because it can't go on day to day as I am so thoroughly worried it might.

???? : ) any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!!!!!

 

[Doberluv]

How old is your pup and how long have you had him?

What you can do is during the day, while you are home, (and not sleeping...lol) practice. Is he bothered when you disappear into another room in the apartment? If so, start in there. Go into the bathroom, let him see you go in there, close the door and come right back out. Repeat. Wait a tad longer, come back out. Do it with another room and then another. Give him a treat if he stays quiet. Increase the time you're in there.

Next, you're going to use the front door. Put him in the area where the door is, have some special treats in your pocket, give him a treat or two and go out the door, close it, sing or make a little noise, and turn and come right back in. Give a treat if he remained quiet. Then go out for a few more seconds, come back. Continue this, increasing the time you're behind the door. After a few times, drop off the singing or noises so he doesn't hear you. If he cries, do not come back in until he catches his breath and is quiet for at least a few seconds. Don't let him think his crying is what is bringing you back. Also, don't increase the time that you're out there too much all at once and increase the odds of him crying. You want to hope to be able to open the door while he is quiet. Don't make a big fuss. Your coming in is reward enough. I'd only use the treats at the very first lessons and then randomly. You probably don't want the dog going to pieces with excitement when you come home.

Do a little bit every day....not all at once, adding a little more time before you come back in. After a few days, walk away from the door when you go outside, down the path or whatever and come back. Then gradually increase the time. You get the idea.

Give your pup something to occupy himself with, a Kong with some peanut butter and frozen is a fun thing. And if you're using a crate, just be sure he has everything to make him comfortable and entertained. When you're doing this practice, I wouldn't use the crate at first because you want him to see you...unless you position it where he can see you. But if you have always been leaving him in it when you go (which is a good idea) you can do your early lessons without it, so it's something different and maybe he will have something else to think about.

Also, when you are going to leave for work, be sure he's had a good exercise and is tired just before you leave. During the day, he'll need naps, of course. He's a puppy, but give him a few exercise periods, not only physical, but mental. Do his basic obedience practice. Obedience skills make a dog more confident. Games like tug of war where he gets to win give confidence.

A few tips: When the dog is clingy or coming to you and insisting on attention, ignore him for a few seconds. Then ask for a sit or down...then give him what he wants. If he is whiny or beggin, don't look at him even. Don't reward behavior where he is calling the shots or manipulating you. You just add to that insecurity. He'll grow out of this, but you can help him. Don't expect over night changes. As long as he is getting ample cuddling, attention, training, exercise, good food and water, he doesn't need your attention every second of the day. Give him a little time alone while you're at home. Don't cave in to any whining and answer his demands. I know that sounds heartless, but he's a dog and he needs to know that he WILL get what he needs, but when YOU decide.

Hope this helps a little.