Help with separation anxiety

[Steph N Oliver]

Hi all, I have a one year old Lab/Beagle mix whom I adopted recently. Here is my situation:

Whenever I leave for over 10 minutes he will start whining and barking. He has chewed up some of my clothes because of his anxiety. My neighbor is getting very annoyed because of his barking. I live in an apartment so I need to fix this problem asap, before they ask me to get rid of him. I really love Oliver, I would hate to part with him!!

Anyway, so I have been working with him on overcoming separation anxiety. I have built it up to approximately 10 minutes.. I have a crate for him and he goes in it with the door open. But once I lock it (with someone at home), or once I leave the home, he will go whining and barking. I have a 5 day vacation coming up, and I am wondering if theres anything I can do to speed things up. I know it takes time and I am willing to commit to it, but if I can speed it up, it would be better - for me, Oliver, and my neighbor. I purachased Comfort Zone spray today and sprayed it on the bed of his crate. I think it helps a little bit, he fell asleep in it for awhile. But now he won't go near his crate because he thinks I will lock it. His separation anxiety isn't severe yet... but I am afraid of it escalating.

Should I work on overcoming separation anxiety with him crated, or not crated? He gets a little whiney if he is crated (locked), even with someone at home. I am just worried that he will chew up our furniture while we are gone.

So, if anyone has any tips for helping Oliver as quick as possible... or if I'm doing anything wrong, please reply!! We appreciate it. GThanks.

Stephanie

[Dax]

I've heard that there are several things to do in conjunction

a) make comings/goings as routines not productions. When you come home you should ignore the dog for 5-10 minutes all together. When you leave - just leave - don't pet play etc. Remember he has a good life - you don't need to feel quilty.

b) Instead of a crate, a small room like a bathroom or kitchen might be better. Put him in it often even when you are home. Put special toys/treats that he can only have in that room. A nice treat filled kong or bone.

c) a radio or tv to provide background noise plus it will help mask the whinning.

d) you could try an antibark collar if he's barking at noises outside.

Being home 5 days might actually make matters worse. He has got to learn that his world is safe and you will return.

[Steph N Oliver]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I will use those days to work with him and hopefully we can build it up to longer periods of time.

[Dax]

Good luck. Oh I forgot to mention that I saw an ad once for a plug in pet calmer. It might be worth searching for.

[pittiegurl]

Try one of these...I've heard great things about them....Good Luck.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2001+113521

[Dax]

Good work pitti.... Has anyone tried these.

[Steph N Oliver]

I just bought one today. I'll let you know if it works well with Oliver. Thanks.

[pittiegurl]

I thought about buying 1 just to see how well it worked....But I was like no I don't wanna spend the money & then it not work......

I've heard great things by people who have dogs with SA & they said it worked miracles......

Also try these....
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2001+113626

[Lessica Jake]

First of all, when he's crying in his crate, don't let him out. You must wait until he's quiet for 30 seconds at the very least. Otherwise, he learns that crying will get him out and it will only reinforce that behaviour. 30 seconds is a good rule, because as he's still a baby, that's a long time to him, but it's still short enough that he can manage it. I would work on that part to begin with, or do as Dax said and put him in a different room. It could be that instead of actual seperation anxiety, he's simply learned that if he cries he gets out of his crate.

[dobermom]

Mine are ok in their crates. If they are locked in their crates when I'm home they will cry and whine. Just because they know I'm there, and don't think they need to be in their crates. Their usually in their if I have company for dinner, or thought I was leaving for work but forgot something. I guess what I'm saying is when your working on the 10 minute thing stand outside your door, so he thinks your gone.