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 Email to a Friend Kristi October 8th, 2007

There have been many times when I come back from the store only to find a pillow with the insides out or a shoe destroyed. I found some advice from the Peninsula Humane Society on the topic.

Many dogs whine, bark, scratch at the door or destroy your home and yard when left alone. We often unintentionally train our dogs to behave this way. Whenever the dog throws a tantrum when we leave, we quickly come back to reassure the dog, or even give a biscuit or bone, thinking this will give her something to do while we’re away. The dog soon learns that she can control you with emotional blackmail. We also add to the problem by having long, drawn-out emotional farewells before leaving. This only excites the dog and makes the isolation more obvious. The dog is worked up and ready to play, then suddenly you disappear. Then, he either makes a fuss so that you will come back, or vents his energy some other way — chewing, digging and barking are favorites. We think she does this to show anger for being left alone, but she’s really just trying to have fun since there is nothing else to do.

The article goes on to give some excellent advice.

Your dog needs to feel happy, secure and comfortable when you’re away. Provide her with lots of toys or a digging pit in the yard. Often, another companion animal can help alleviate boredom, but be careful. Adding another dog to your household to make up for your lack of time for the first dog is usually a mistake.
Each separation anxiety behavior needs to be explored individually, but there are some things that will help any of these behaviors.

Set up a routine

• Feed on a schedule
• Supervise Elimination
• Quality interaction with family members
• Groom
• Train
• Socialize with other dogs and things that are unfamiliar to the dog

Attend a training class

• Exposes the dog to new people and dogs in a controlled environment
• The dog will learn basic commands
• The dog’s confidence will increase
• Speeds up the bonding process between the dog and family members

Leave the dog with interactive toys that will keep him occupied, such as kongs (thick, hollow rubber toy available in several sizes) - rub the inside with peanut butter, cream cheese or honey, or stuff the kong with kibble and a few small pieces of cheese.

For the full article please click here.

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• Dog Training , Dogs , Pet Training
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