My 8 month old Cocker Spaniel hates to be left alone, and he yelps and cries excessively when he's left alone. Is there anything i coud do to make him feel better?
2007-03-23 10:03:24 · 17 answers · asked by susie 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Try leaving on a television or radio so it doesn't sound so quiet. Also, maybe give him an article of your clothing that you no longer wear but smells like you.
2007-03-23 10:06:32 · answer #1 · answered by Blue Lisa 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Puppies are born into a pack and have litter mates. When separated it can cause separation anxiety.
Even if the dog is not a puppy it can surface later (puppies get a whole lot of attention when small, then as they grow they get a little less)
Getting another dog will greatly help this situation. It will have someone to play with and snuggle with when its sleeping.
This also gives you the opportunity to help a dog in need. Or a humane shelter that has a good reputation.
Try to find a litter mate that has about the same qualities, or is more calm, stable, and slightly submissive. Opposite sex dogs seem to work better in pack structure.
Remember your dog was part of a pack, when you leave he/she has no pack=sep anxiety.Not to offend, but blowing a whistle at it to me sounds like yelling "I'm home!" ... "I'm Leaving!" that to me would only heighten the unwanted behavior.
So start building a healthy,.happy pack structure!
2007-03-23 17:07:40 · answer #2 · answered by dawn_in_daytona 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We give our puppy a kong with kibble and treats packed inside. She's so busy trying to get the treats out she doesn't even notice we're leaving.
I did that and then stood outside the door (be extremely quiet!) and she didn't make any noise. She's also quiet if we turn music on.
You can also use a shake can in combination with those. Just put coins into a soda can. Go outside and close the door. When you hear her making noise, shake the can. The loud/jarring noise will startle them and make them stop. You just have to shake it once/twice per time they whine. If you shake it too long they just start getting louder. So shake it as soon as you hear them, then stop. If they are still whining, shake it again. Repeat. :)
If you use the kong route, I'd suggest only giving it to her when you're leaving. That way it's always a special treat.
2007-03-23 20:28:13 · answer #3 · answered by Debrian 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When you have some free time, play "pretend" and leave your house for 30 seconds, then come back in. Next time, leave your house, stay out and don't come back in for, say, 2 minutes...and on and on while you extend some time. Each time you come back in and your dog didn't cry or bark, praise her and give her a little treat. Don't get overly excited each time you praise her. Keep her calm while you tell her what a good boy he was, pet her and give him a little treat.
Second suggestion is to give him a toy like a Kong stuffed with peanutbutter or some treat to keep your dog busy while you're gone.
Good luck :)
2007-03-27 16:49:21 · answer #4 · answered by Strawberry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought a special toy for my dog that we only give him when we are gone. It's called a Kong. I put treats in it and a little peanut butter so the treats don't come out easily. That way, it keeps him busy longer. I also leave the television on for him so he hears people talking. I leave the window shade up a little so he can look outside as well. When I come home, I give him all my attention for about 10minutes. Take him outside and throw a stick or a ball. This has eliminated his crying and cut way down on his "mad chewing" while we are gone. I hope this helps.
2007-03-23 17:09:44 · answer #5 · answered by itsjustme 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Been there..I found that leaving the TV on when your not home. And get him use to you leaving, leave the house like you normally do but only for a few minutes { so he gets use to you coming right back} next time a little longer, and longer..get the picture. Soon he'll be waving as you go to work.
2007-03-23 17:13:35 · answer #6 · answered by pet lover 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes get another dog to keep him company dogs are pack animals and do not like to alone. if u can not get another dog try leaving the tv on we do this even though there is two of our dogs they like the sound
2007-03-23 18:02:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave tv on with the Discovery animal channel or just the tv. It helps!
2007-03-23 17:13:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Leave an old slipper or something with your smell on, with him, and a big soft toy to cuddle up to
2007-03-23 17:09:02 · answer #9 · answered by Taylor29 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a bark collar. theres ones that use water to spray . and ones with low frequency shock. its only for initial training, my understanding is they learn quickly not to get spayed an stuff. kinda like spraying your cat when it does something bad
2007-03-23 17:53:01 · answer #10 · answered by peeps you 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋