2006-08-05 13:19:46 · 4 answers · asked by fly away 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This is going to be long...
I've heard you need to get the dog used to you initially leaving. If he gets worried when he see you putting your coat/shoes on, going to the door, etc. you should get some treats, and then, go to the door, do everything you normally would when leaving, and then, suddenly give him a treat. Repeat this lots, randomly, without leaving, (even do it when you have to leave) so he learns you getting ready to leave is good. once he's got that perfectly you work on opening the door, stepping out... and then give him a treat. do this until he's okay. then step out and shut the door, and open it immediately to give him a treat. Eventually get it so you can stand for longer and longer periods of time, then come back and give him a treat and praise. Eventually actually leave the house, then when out of sight come back and reward again.
2006-08-05 15:50:17 · answer #1 · answered by sir'slady 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
A couple of things. First, dogs have little sense of time elapsing, so if you leave for an hour or all day, they have little idea of when you are coming back or what to do in the mean time. Second, they get bored just like you a I and without you there to set boundaries, they often do things they wouldn't do otherwise. In the short term, try leaving some chew toys and confining him to a smaller space. In the longer term, the best solution (give this a chance) is crate training.
A lot of people object to crate training initially because they think of a dog like a person and think that they would hate to be in a crate all day. A dog is not a person though and doesn't think like one. Our dogs love their crates and often lay in them during the day with the doors wide open. They sleep in them and night (again with the door open) and when we need to leave the house, they happily jump in when we tell them "in the house". When we get home, they are excited to see us and anxious to get out, but often they are back in there within an hour or two to take a little nap.
Try reading this article. I'm sure it will help.
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/crate1.html
2006-08-05 13:34:47 · answer #2 · answered by Scott T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stuff a kong or an hollow marrow bone with peanut butter, squeeze cheese, or even smushed up soft bread (they sell cans of kong stuffing too) . Chances are good he'll be so buzy working the good stuff out he won't notice you left.
2006-08-05 14:24:22 · answer #3 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try leaving the radio on. It helps them to feel not quite as alone.
2006-08-05 13:24:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋