I think my 5 month Australian Shepherd has seperation anxiety. What can I do?

Question

He is a nightmare when I want to put him outside for awhile. Iv'e tried it twice and he sits at the door and moans and howls and knocks on the screen door basically the whole time he's out there. He loves being inside and he follows me EVERYWHERE I go. In fact, I had to teach him he can't go in the bathroom when I'm in there!! He only has this problem when I put him outside. If I tell him to stay in the living room while I go into another room-no problem! He's fine with it. Do you have any suggestions, or know of websites or training books that would help? Also,I'm trying to find something he likes to do besides sleep all the time. He likes walks and he enjoys being outside when I'm with him,but when I'm inside he lays down beside me and sleeps if he isn't chewing on a bone. Is he just a laid back dog,or is he depressed? I have only had him about a week.

Answer 1

He's five months old so the sleeping thing isn't a problem. Puppies sleep alot, just like babies. He is probably feeling scared right now since you have only had him one week. He doesn't want to go outside alone because he thinks you wont come back to get him. Go play with him outside for about 10 minutes and then go inside and leave him outside. Try leaving him outside in 10 minute increments so that he learns you will come back and then each time increase it a little more. He is just learning his new surroundings so be patient and give him some time to adjust. The biggest thing is to make him feel secure and trust you, it will take a little time but it will happen. Good luck with your new puppy!

Answer 2

Could be something out there frightened him. I would go out with him at first and sit in a lawn chair or something. Stay awhile until he is calm. Then give him the same command you use to have him stay in the living room and leave for just a minute or two. Go back and stay awhile then leave longer. Over several days make the time you are gone longer and longer. Make sure he knows you will be back soon-not forget and leave him out there alone for hours.
Is there a gate you can go out instead of the back door? Go out the gate and go around to the front door.
You've only had him a week, so maybe he is feeling insecure. Do you know anything about his background? Maybe previous owners abused him, or left him outside with no food and water for long periods of time. Or people next door were mean to him. See if a neighbor will help you. They could come out and tell him "Good dog!" and give him a treat.
Do NOT let him in when he is misbehaving, you will re-inforce the bad behavior and it will get worse!
Get every dog training book and video you can--borrow from the library--and study different ways to work this out. Talk to vets and animal people in your area for more ideas.
One idea--if you had another dog, would he want to go outside and play with it? Not necessarily own it, but maybe a neighbors' dog could come visit? Could another dog prove to him that it is safe in the yard?
Also, where does he have to go if he gets scared? Is there a dog house or a crate he can use as his den? He needs a place to feel safe and comfortable.
As for sleeping, dogs sleep A LOT. But this also could be a health problem--get him a check up at the vet. Dogs do get depressed and he's probably stressed with a new home, new rules, new sounds and smells, but a check-up would rule out a health problem. Aussie's are usually very active.
Good luck! Live well and do good.

Answer 3

It sounds like he is a happy guy aside from whining outside. Puppies sleep 18-20 hours a day so the sleeping thing is probably due to his age. You will see a lot more activity in the coming months-trust me. My 7 month old puppy NEVER sleeps now. I have to crate her again at night now because she has had some nighttime adventures and I have lost countless shoes and magazines. If he is sleeping peacefully next to you, that is great! If you don't need to leave him outside, don't. I don't have a yard to leave my dogs in, so they just get walked...however, when I take my dogs to a friend's house with a yard, they just sit at the door and wait for me after they do their business...they just don't know what to do out there if I am not there, since that is what they are used to. Maybe if you go out with the dog a bunch of times and throw the ball around a little he might learn that it can be fun out there. A friend with a border collie (another active breed) actually bought her dogs a tennis ball machine (like they use for hitting practice) and the dogs just go after balls for like 25 minutes. Then they are ready to come in and crash. :) Good luck!

Answer 4

If your dog doesn't want to go outside alone, don't put him outside alone. Make him an indoor dog and go out with him when he needs to potty.

If you've only had him a week, he's probably also adjusting. He's afraid that you'll leave him, so he wants to keep you within earshot.

Australian Shepherds are herding dogs - they need to work and have tasks. One option would be to get your dog out to the dog park so that he can chase other dogs. Another would be to take him in the back and play with him for a few hours a day.

Herding dogs need tons of exercise and tasks. A walk once a day just isn't going to cut it. I recommend doing a search for an Aussie community online - Yahoo Groups is a great place to start. See if they have playdates - it may be a great way to get her into shape and keep her happy.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Dogs are pack animals as I'm sure you have heard. You are part of his pack. And you need to be the pack leader or he will assume that role. And if he is not a natural pack leader it can cause some stress in his life. Take him on some good power walks. Lease, you lead, he is behind and close to you. If he assumes the lead he is tellinjg you he is pack leader. Put him in the proper place and see that he stays there. Be in control so he knows you are the leader.

You need to create a boundry for him at the back door. Go out when he goes out to do his business and you claim the door. Stand guard over the door, when he approaches the door or whines or barks, you make an abrupt noise, (shush or grunt) and put out your hand as if to block him. He should immediatly stop. You goal is to block his thought pattern as he heads for the door. When he starts up again, make the noise, guard the door with your body , hold out your hand to stop his forward motion. It will take him a few times to get the idea. Do not scream, don't use his name (in the dog world there are no names-just body language) Use the grunt and the body language to stop him. Make an area around the door that he is not allowed. When he has the idea, you can do one of several things, walking around the yard with him to get him to do his outside business, play some games with balls and such. or go back into the house. Keep an eye on him. If he head to the door, make your noise and back him off. (you can also restrict this traing just to the barking and whining. let him come to the door, just correct when he makes the noises)

PS let him sleep. Growning puppies need sleep. My Queensland is such a joy. He is the smartest guy in the world.
He learns very fast. We allow him to bark at the door 2 times to announce visitors and then stop It took him one training session to get the message.

Doesn't sound like he is depressed. He just loves being with you. So enjoy!

the best trainer I have ever seen is Cesar Millan: http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/

Answer 6

Congrats on owning an Aussie! These are FANTASTIC dog breeds. They are hearding dogs, so anything where he can run is great. Aussies are great at agility. Play Frisbee or find a local Agility course to let your puppy practice on. You never know...he could be awesome!
Aussies are easy to train. They are so intelligent. Try some obedience classes at Petsmart or somewhere else. Obedience training can also help with his separation anxiety. He has to learn that its ok when you are not around every second. Hopefully he wont start destroying things.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_shepherd/index.cfm
http://www.asca.org/

Answer 7

Keep walking him -- every day. Just 1/2 hour, twice a day can make the WORLD of difference. Plus it's fun to see things through their eyes (and noses). It is also great for socializing the dog so that he does not become agressive later in life.