separation anxiety - Page 1

 Okay, I've raised 2 children and 2 daschunds with mild separation anxiety when left alone in a kennel.  Not the children, just the dogs.  My 3 month gsd does not like to be alone whatsoever.  She moans and barks until I let her out.  I know I am rewarding bad behavior by doing this, but enough is enough.  She is fine at night, though and sleeps all the way through.  Any tips on how to make this easier for her?  I only kennel her when I can't watch her.  But I have chores to do, etc...

Yeah if you leaving don't make it a big deal, just leave, when you come back same thing ignore her for a while. Most anxiety is caused by people putting to much emotion when coming or leaving. Start by leaving her for 5min and slowly building it up. Remember don't show any emotion till the dog comes down than reward by giving her attention (only once she comes down after a while)

You are creating this behavior.

Give her free time and play time and a time for some training and alone time.

JMO

Two Moons is correct. Humans create this problem by keeping the dog with them or around them at all times. I would bet your pup does not get enough exercise to begin with. It must also have time outside and if there are things the dog can get into to eat and destroy, then that must be carefully supervised. Put the crate in a different part of the house, or better yet, in the garage if it is temperature appropriate. When the pup is in the crate, give it a nice marrow bone with the marrow removed to chew on. Make sure it is an appropriate size bone, not cooked and as soon as you see it beginning to chip, replace it. Or use a nylabone or some other such thing to give her something to do. 

EXERCISE, OBEDIENCE, LOVE = IN THIS ORDER IS ABSOLUTELY the right way to deal with the dog. Keep allowing what is happening now and you will emotionally cripple the dog. I see it all the time in my business.

Also,

Sometime's you might cover a crate or screen a kennel to create some peace.

But you have to be strong and not give in, and you have to be consistant.

Be especially careful not to turn the crate or the kennel into a punishment in the eye's of the dog.

Most of all consistant.

There are time's my dog's want attention, and some time's it is due,  but I too have chore's and thing's come up.  The dog will just have to adjust.  Keep the emotion to yourself or the dog will use it against you.

JMO

 Two Moons-

Been there, done that.  I put her in her "house" along with a treat.  I also have a kennel cover.  I even put my doxies in their kennel next to her.  I exercise her twice a day by throwing a ball in the backyard and let her retrieve it until she poops out.  My children play with her inside.  She has plenty of exercise and stimulation.  When I leave her in the family room by herself, she lays down and goes to sleep.  How long do you leave a dog in a kennel crying and barking?

Leave it until it shuts up! If you can't stand the noise put her in the garage, basement or even in your car outside if it's not too hot to do such. The dog has to deal with crate time period! Some puppies are bigger whiners than others. My male is the big baby here, his little sis never utters a peep. Sounds as if she gets the excersize and attention she needs but if you don't deal with this stuff now, you will be forced to use a bark collar later. Try putting a blanket over her crate to make it darker.

 for as long as it takes to get the dog to be quiet. THEN let the dog out. But if you keep leaving him for periods of time trying to ignore him, then you can't take it anymore and let him out, all YOU'RE teaching him (notice it's on YOU) is to bark/whine/cry longer and louder to get let out.

Have you tried using a Kong with some tasty treats inside that will take your pup's attention from you?

Also have you tried leaving the radio on so there is some background noise.

There are pheramone plug ins that can be purchased which emit soothing pheramones. Some people find that this helps if their pup is feeling anxious or insecure.

He will build his confidence but it may take a little time and patience.

 I have tried the kong with the treats inside.  It keeps her occupied for about 20 minutes.  Her kennel is in the living room away from activity but we still walk by it.  She sees me and goes nuts.  Your right about just letting her cry it out, I just don't want her to hurt herself in the process.  My doxie pulled a permanent tooth out trying to get out of her kennel.