can't get out the door

[eupraxia]

As you know you can't take a dog every where you go. Well this is createing a bit pf a problem when we leave the house and the dog is left behind. We don't leave him for long most of the time but he barks and shakes and gets himself into a right state when we go out the door. We almost have to get a whip and chair to make it through the door. I leave the radio on for him so he dosn't feel to lonely but it makes no difference. does any one have any other tips I could use to stop him getting over heated when we leave the house.

Thanks for your time.

P.S. Could you please add your names to this patition. If you love dogs then please, please sign.Thank you

http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA /RSPCARedirect&pg=sharkbait

[Ladybird50]

Ive signed... that is horrendous! my pet mac {dog} is such a lovely pet.It makes me think of all the poor defenceless animals out there.sorry but ive no advice... go on chatter bank and ask-but... if you leave him to go to work be prepared for abuse.....good luck.

[maggie01]

Perhaps you could try leaving him for just 10 minutes and coming back gradually extending the time you leave him.  Sometimes it just reassures them you will be back. Also toys. I always give mine a doggy treat when I leave. Now I think they look forward to the treat and they know it means I am going out. Good Luck.

[shaneystar]

When it is time to leave, just leave. Do not say a big drawn out "Good bye" to your dog. In fact, ignore your dog for five minutes before you go. Paying too much attention will make your dog feel more insecure when that attention is abruptly withdrawn.
Tune a radio to a talk station; not music, put it on in a room you are often in but not in the same room as the dog, and close the door. The dog will hear the human voices from the room and may not feel so alone.You can tape your own voices and play the recording rather than the radio programme. Dogs know the sound of your voice. And remember, since the dog is most anxious just after you leave, therefore it need only be an hour long.
You obviously love your dog and we don't give" abuse" on here.Just advice.It's people who go out ALL day long and leave their dogs and then wonder why they are neurotic that upset me.Have signed a petition further down for this horrific abuse of animals.

[snapdharlich]

I agree with shaneystar with not making a fuss when you leave - but what is also important - don't make a big fuss for your dog when you return. By making a fuss, you will be rewarding them for their behaviour when you are gone.  I know it seems harsh, but when you come back, come in as nothing is going on. Brush past your dog,make no eye contact and only after it has settled down - then greet it.Therefore reinforcing that they are being treated for calming down and behaving well. You have to get into positive reinforcement. We credit animals too much for intelligence, I dearly love dogs, but they don't 'get' reason. Best of luck.

[drgnrdr]

I agree with most of the advice in the last 3 post. Except, start to leave and come back for 30 seconds, then 1 minute....build up gradually. Do what they suggest though, don't make fuss on return, or leaving and give something special to them when you leave. Use a NEW cue word the dog will start learning as the one you use and have always returned with, be consistent. Just one thought:"By making a fuss, you will be rewarding them for their behavior when you are gone"  dogs have to be rewarded/reprimanded at the time they are doing something to connect it to their actions, that's why after the fact reprimands don't work, and if you taught your dog to sit and you waited 5 minutes to let them know they did it right he won't learn sit very quickly. They get big hello's from you when you return, so they get anxious, and it starts building for your arrival home if you have always made it that way when you came back home, it's anticipation. Also one last thing to anyone reading this thread later: this is what happens when you take your dog everywhere with you and never let them learn that being alone is okay, you will survive if your pack leaves you for short periods of time. I hear people doing this, they get a dog take 1 or 2 weeks to get them settled in, then wonder why when they go back to work the dog freaks. You need to ignore them 20-30 minutes a day to let them deal with it, no talking to them, no looking at them, just go about your business, if they try to follow you, try to use a dog proof room or crate and let them chill there for a while, provide essentials for them, and make sure they have had potty break and exercise. If you do not do this they become what I call a "Velcro Dog", and seperation anxiety is in your furture. Good luck eupraxia...and signed the petition upon request....

[bizzylizzy]

There's some really good advice here. I agree with all the above. A dog has to know his or her place in the pack, and you do need to steel yourself not to give in with any demands for attention until you're good and ready.

One thing that might help - although I've not tried this myself. I was at the vets the other day and noticed a leaflet for a plug in product that release pheromones into the air. It's recommended for things like when you move house, bonfire night etc .. all the things that can cause stress to a dog. Apparently the chemicals released mimic those that a mother would produce to give a puppy reassurance. Might be worth investigating. Good luck.

bizzylizzy

[maggie01]

My dogs nick name is velcro but I go out and leave her and she is ok. Its only when I am at home she likes to know where I am. I don't know what breed of dog you have but if its only small what about a companion. We have two and I think they are company for each other when left alone. Obviously this depends on the size of the dog and the space you have for them.

[Bottom]

I have signed, we also donate a monthly to the rspca and have done for 2 yrs.

[WendyS]

Thank you so much for bringing this Shark Bait petition to our attention.  I've signed and have sent the website link to all my friends in my e-mail address book in the hope they will do likewise and spread the word.

[eupraxia]

Thank you all so much for your help and signing the patition.

I don't work at the mo because I am  student. I love my dog to bits and this is the only real problem with have with him. He never gets so bad he makes a mess. My next door naigbour says he barks for about 10 minutes after we leave then calms down. I tried the not making a fuss before we go and ignoring him. Then doing the same when we return. That seems to have some effect.

I have also started to leave the radio on radio 4 which can be mostly talking.

I also give to the RSPCA. I have done for about 3 years.

it just amazes me how low people can sink.