Cindy asked for advice regarding her Lab puppy:
“Hi, We have a 8 mos yellow lab. Sweet as can be when you are with her. SHe is outside alone 4 days a week. She has managed a couple of time to get inside the house while we are gone and wreaks havoc this time is was all the xmas decorations ..shredded. Other than the obvious of making sure she can’t get in, do you have any suggestions? My husband and I are thinking she is bored and may need a playmate. What are your thoughts?” more…
Marcia asked for help about her 6 month old Labrador:
“We think our 6 mos old lab is having separation anxiety. Every morning when it is time for the last person to leave the house we go outside with the dog to walk around so that she can take one last “pee” break. She will not go to bathroom (just sniffs around) and as soon as we get back in the house she will either run away from us and immediately urinate on the floor (or the couch as it was this a.m.) or she will wet in her kennel as soon as we put her in. On weekends or other times when someone is home, she does not do this. Help please! Thanks.” more…
Craig is having trouble with his English Cocker Spaniel puppy:
“We Have a 51/2 month old english cocker. She does well in here crate at night and during the day. But a lot of times when we go away even for a couple of hours she makes a big mess in her cage. Any suggestions”
You may find the help you need in these earlier posts: Dachshund Soiling Crate, Toilet Training Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Peeing in Crate
It seems from what you have said that she is OK when you are at home but not when she is home alone. You could try making a recording of you and your family going about their daily business and leave it playing quietly when you are not there, or leave the radio on. Another factor is that there should be no fuss when leaving or returning, as this will increase any anxiety your dog is feeling.
Rachael asked for help with a separation anxiety problem she has with her 11 year old Jack Russell terrier:
“my 11 year old jack russel lives with me i grew up with her got her an got her when i was 10 an then moved away when i was 16 got her again at xmas, an love her here, but whenever i go to work she barks and pulls the carpet up i’m worried she does this for a long time, i know when she lived with my mum she had other dogs around, and when i’m with her its fine and once i get settled in a job she calms a little when i leave her
but how can i help her calm don when i go? and not wail all day, i just want to make her feel more at ease, i cant get another dog, and ive tried leaveg toy and bones and things for her to play with but it doesnt work, i love having her with me an am getting worried my neighbors will start to complain, please help i need solutions!!”
Here’s some guidance on helping the dog…. more…
Vic posted this problem on the submission page….
“We have 2 Boston Terriers and when we go away for a couple hours the younger one (year and a half old) will chew up things. WHY. The older one(4yrs.old) never has done that so we let the young one lose also and chew chew.
What can we do to stop this behavior ?”
Below is my assessment of the problem and a possible way around it: more…
