Barking Anxious 7 yr old pom

[cinnamindy]

I've recently moved in with my boyfriend, and he's great, but he came with a very problematic Pomeranian. Right now the dog is living at his parents house, because it cannot be alone. His dad is home 24/7 with the dog, and there's also another dog there to keep him company, and he's lived in this situation for almost his whole life.

The SECOND you start putting on shoes or grabbing keys he gets anxious, jumping and running around etc... then once you leave and close the door he barks and cries instantly. I've been closing the door and telling him to be quiet (he knows what that means), then counting to 15 or so and letting him out to give him a treat for being good. I also take him for walks at least once a day, and he has toys to play with. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[Maura]

You can look for "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennel. Her protocol is to come home and completely ignore the dog. No matter what. After the dog has settled down and ignored you for a full five minutes, you call him to you and give him a pet. Whenever the dog initiates attention, petting or play or treats, you ignore him. Wait until he's forgotten about you, then you can initiate play or petting or treats. You would also use NILIF.

I would use this method. I would also put his kibble into a treat dispensing toy and give it to him when I leave. This will occupy his mind and his mouth.

 

[RawFedDogs]

You can look for "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennel. Her protocol is to come home and completely ignore the dog. No matter what. After the dog has settled down and ignored you for a full five minutes, you call him to you and give him a pet. Whenever the dog initiates attention, petting or play or treats, you ignore him. Wait until he's forgotten about you, then you can initiate play or petting or treats. You would also use NILIF.

I would use this method. I would also put his kibble into a treat dispensing toy and give it to him when I leave. This will occupy his mind and his mouth.

I agree with almost everything Maura said except for the NILIF part. I don't think that is appropriate in this situation. The dog is not behaving this way on purpose. He has a mental problem that needs to be worked on. This is not a training problem.

I would also suggest you don't make a big deal out of leaving or returning. Definately no long goodbyes. Just get your keys and pocketbook and leave. Long goodbyes are the absolute worst thing you can do and will guarantee the behavior continues forever. When you come home do as Maura suggests.