| Does your pet suffer from dog separation anxiety? | | | | Once he goes in the dog crate on his own, that's time |
| Many do. It sure is not fun for their owners to deal with, | | | | for you to block your dog from going out. "Blocking" |
| either - that horrible, high pitched, constant whining or | | | | simply means "stopping access." You never shove the |
| barking. The ear splitting howling is nearly unbearable. | | | | dog. When you extend your arm to block him, don't |
| A noisy dog does not sit well with even the most | | | | extend it out straight toward him like a policeman, or |
| friendly neighbors, especially if the neighbors work from | | | | he'll go around it. Don't put your arm like a crossbar |
| home. All that noise is so unnerving! If your neighbors | | | | hurdle, or that's exactly what he'll do - jump over it. |
| already have a grudge against you, this sure does not | | | | You need a diagonal that he can push into and still not |
| help. And they resent it all the more because you | | | | get around. |
| aren't there to suffer with them from all that clamor | | | | Once your pet is relaxed with the dog crate, leave the |
| from dog separation anxiety, or to try to hush your | | | | room. The minute he barks, return and address the |
| dogs up. Many people have actually faced lawsuits | | | | behavior with a firm, one-word correction such as "no" |
| because they cannot keep their dogs quiet. | | | | or "stop." Then leave again. Keep repeating this until he |
| What are you supposed to do about this? | | | | is silent. Then try walking out the front door. When he |
| First, don't feel sorry for the dog - even if he was | | | | barks or howls, use the same correction. |
| abandoned at one time. You need to live in the | | | | It stands to reason that you want to start with these |
| present. Dogs do. So decide that you are going to do | | | | crate exercises when you can be at home. It's |
| what is needed for the sake of your family and the | | | | important to be available for quick correction. |
| dog (and the neighbors). You can solve this problem of | | | | It's good to put him in the crate for a while when you |
| separation anxiety in dogs with a few consistent steps. | | | | are at home, just doing things around the house, so it's |
| Calm consistency is key. | | | | not an automatic trigger that you're going out. When |
| With that decision made, purchase a dog crate big | | | | you intend to stay home, you will want to make some |
| enough only for the dog to stand and turn around | | | | of the sounds you make when you are going out, so |
| comfortably. You can make this dog crate a more | | | | that he gets used to those. |
| secure "den" for him by covering the top and three | | | | Gradually increase the time you leave him in the crate, |
| sides. Then you follow these guidelines for crate | | | | but make the time periods random. You don't want the |
| training your dog. Yes, even crate training an older dog. | | | | dog to have a mental time-clock after which he |
| The same dog crate training guidelines work. | | | | expects your return and lapses into a dog separation |
| Now you are ready to start. | | | | anxiety attack if you don't! And don't talk to him when |
| Just grab the scruff of the dog's neck and guide him | | | | you go out. Just do it, very matter of fact. |
| into the dog crate. Same way as his mother would do | | | | If you have two dogs, put them both in the same dog |
| it. It's not mean. The mother simply puts the pups | | | | crate. They will comfort each other, and each will then |
| where she wants them to go. It's very matter-of-fact, | | | | calm down. Crating one and leaving one loose only |
| confident, and firm. Of course, you don't shove the dog | | | | makes things increasingly worse. Don't do it! |
| in there. You just do it! | | | | Another dog crate training tip: Always give your dog a |
| You can put a little bit of food at the back of the dog | | | | minimum 30-minute walk or workout before you leave. |
| crate, and a couple of toys. That will help with | | | | A tired dog has a much easier time relaxing. |
| familiarity and boredom. If your dog learns to eat in a | | | | Ahhhh . . . Peace and quiet. No more barking, howling |
| place, he becomes very secure. | | | | separation anxiety in dogs! |