help with Doggy anxiety?

Question

I have a 7 month old Labradoodle. I only got him in mid January and he is used to people and other dogs always being around.
I am a stay at home mom so I have plenty of time to spend with him but there are times i need to go to the store or a Dr appt and can't take him. He freaks out if I leave him at home. Barks from the time I am gone til I get back.He has actually lost his bark from doing this!and I have had complaints from neighbors.
I do not want to get a "shock" collar and im not sure about a muzzle because then he cant drink water, and wouldnt he just whine as much as he could?
I think I am going to get his brother(same litter)that way he has a friend and I am hoping that this eases the anxiety when I cant be home. I should be able to leave them alone together, right? They are both potty trained and don't have a habit of chewing on anything other than toys.
This is the first pet I have had as an adult so I am not sure what the best thing to do is...

I just dont want to get this other dog if they are going to bark it up together.

a labradoodle is a poodle(standard0 MIXED WITH A LAB. bamastandardpoodles.com

Answer 1

does he have a favorite toy or ....blanket? Put it all close to the door and he will eventually see them and get distracted til he hears you pull up. getting his brother will help!

Answer 2

I don't think getting another dog is the answer - he'll only get the other dog barking, too. You need to control his separation anxiety before you get him a companion.

There's an antidepressant which your vet can prescrive to help with this. It's meant to be used in conjunction with some behaviour modification. What you need to do takes some commitment on your part. You need to leave the dog for only a couple of minutes, slowly increasing the amount of time you're gone.

You have to never, ever make a big deal out of leaving. Don't say good-bye, no eye contact, nothing - just walk out the door. When you come back in a couple of minutes later, you need to ignore him for a couple of minutes, then greet him very quietly and calmly - no fuss. Give him some quiet praise if he's quiet.

After a bit, leave again, only for a few minutes. You need to keep on repeating this in ever-increasing increments, and hopefully this, combined with the medication, will get him re-trained. (And you're right about a muzzle not helping!)

Answer 3

Well one do you have the room for both dogs labradoodles due get to a good size. Note to others that wanted to know what one is a labrador mix poodle. I suggest you talk with a vet they will recommend other options or go to dr foster and smith's website they have stuff to calm dogs down. I have dog with the same issue we ended up having another dog and they are getting along and keeping each others mind off us. No barking or anything. But I recommend talk to a vet just call and ask what they might say never hurts and make sure if you do get another dog that you have the money (financially) and have plenty of room.. Bigger dogs tend to eat more too. Good Luck.

Answer 4

My dogs the same. Ive learnt to give him a good walk before i go out, so he sleeps when im gone. It annoying cause it doesnt matter who i leave him with he still crys for me. I can leave him food and chews and he wont touch it till i get back. I learnt you just have to getin to a routine e.g take him for a walk, then leave him for small periods of time everyday till he gets used to the idea. It may take some time, but as long as your consitent he will eventually get it!
You could well end up with 2 dogs crying but its worth a shot. Im getting a cockapoo for my dog to play with!
Good luck

Answer 5

my dog had really bad separation anxiety when my husband would leave so we just started giving him raw hide rolls before we left and those keep him occupied for quite a while then he got over it

Answer 6

whats a labraddodle, get doggie valum