My new dog goes crazy when I leave the house!!!?

Question

I just got given a new poodle, puppy I guess 'cos he's like a year and half old, and he goes completely crazy when I leave the house for work.

He screams and cries and yelps, and I live in an apartment block. I feel so bad for the puppy and for the neighbors. What can I do? How can I train this puppy to just wait for me till I get back? I can't even step out for a second cos he'll start going nuts and yelping.

Advice please!!!!! What can I do???? :(

Response 1:
...............................................................
Separation Anxiety. Attempting to use the crate as a remedy for separation anxiety won't solve the problem. A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate. Separation anxiety problems can only be resolved with counter-conditioning and desensitization procedures. You may want to consult a professional animal-behavior specialist for help.

Answer 1

Get another puppy to keep him company. Sounds like he's lonely maybe he's used to being around other dogs alot. If you can afford and stand it, get another one.

Oh, someone once told me that they leave their TV during the day when they're gone for their dog. I guess the noise alone keeps some satisfied.

Answer 2

Sounds like your puppy has some seperation anxiety issues. There are a ton of ways to help with that, your best bet is to google it or ask you vet. I have heard that crating a dog with seperation anxiety is a good thing, because they can really loose it and tear up a lot of stuff that will make you unhappy and that will possibly hurt them. I have also heard that when you come home you shouldn't make a big deal of it, you should somewhat ignore them until they settle down and then say hello in a very calm way..... they say that this shows them you don't except their crazy behaivor and will wait till they settle down. These are some of the things they got out there, there a ton more. I'm sure your veterinarian, or an obience traininer will have more ideas as well. Good Luck.

Answer 3

I had the same problem with my dog. There is an anti-barking collar that is harmless. It sprays a mist of citronella out of it. The dog hates the smell and stops barking. It's so effective that if I make the sound of it now my dog will stop.
This is probably the best version I've seen. The shock collar might not always work as some dogs have been know it like it. Then they just bark more. A good pet store should be able to get one in.
I can't remember the name of it as we have not had to use it for a couple of years now.

Answer 4

He is suffering from the separation from his owner. Poodles are very loyal to their owners. Here is a suggestion. At a local pet store they sell toys were you can place treats inside. The treats are very hard to get to and you would want to put his favorite in them.

He will continue to play with the toy until he can get the treats out. This will help keep him busy while you are away. I know that some people will put a little bit of peanut butter insides these toys and I haven't met a dog yet that doesn't love peanut butter.

By doing this you are distracting him and before he knows it you are home. He will eventually get the idea that you will return and will learn to be patient. Wish you luck.

Answer 5

I don't think there is a way to stop this. My dog acts very similar whenever my family leaves my house. He will act very depressed, chew up any piece of paper on the floor, whine, and lay against the door, waiting for me to come back. If possible you may want to move out of an apartment. Or you could get a dog sitter. If this dog does all of that for you, I'm sure he loves you very much.

Answer 6

Like a child he will continue to do this until you train him otherwise. Don't make a big deal when you leave, give him a rawhide to chew to occupy him. Maybe you should invest in a crate. This sounds like punishment but the close confinement helps to calm some dogs down.

Answer 7

Your new pup has to learn that when you leave him, you will return to him. Try putting him in a room, give him a treat or his fav toy and step out of the room.Make sure that you Ignore the yelping, if he learns that when ever he yelps, cries and carries on that you come rushing back- he will continue to do this to get your attention. ONLY Return when he stops yelping. Cuddle treat him, or play with him and his toy. Keep repeating this process, gradually increasing the amount of time leaving him. He will learn that you will come back, AND its pretty cool when you do. REMEMBER if you come to his aid when he crys he will continue to cry. Its really hard to do, but it works.
Also Try to find out his history- if he's a year and a half he may of had a bad experience that causes him to fret.

Answer 8

Crate training is a wonderful solution for this kind of behavior. It will give your dog a place that he feels safe, & he will always be rewarded when he goes in & comes out. A young dog wants attention, but also wants to please the pack leader (you).

Remember that the crate is not a punishment for inappropriate behavior, but a particular behavior to help him be a happier dog!

Answer 9

Petsafe makes a bark collar that works well. I would not leave it on him all day to begin with. I would work your way up to all day. Its kind of like the invisible fence collars and it beeps before it shocks and it does allow them to bark like three times before it beeps. Just in case there is something he needs to bark at or you need to see. I would also use rescue rememdy form your local health food store.

Answer 10

Young pets don't understand that you're coming back. Until they
learn that, they think you're abandoning them.

You could try giving him a rawhide bone or one of his favorite chew treats. While he's busy with the treat, you can leave.

You could also try leaving the radio or TV on