Separation anxiety in an older dog, tips for friend please?

sandi_84

sandi_84

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My friend has a 2 yo lab who has been barking the house down whenever she leaves. Unfortunately he's always done this and she thought he would grow out of it.
She's tried crating him but he breaks out of them even though he is fine in one when she is in the house, she's tried leaving him for small periods of time and coming back and elongating the time she goes out for but it hasn't worked and he won't eat or drink if she's not in the house so even high value food and toys are ignored. If there is someone else in the house he will still whine and bark just not as much.

Anyone got any ideas?
 
my only thought is how much exercise does he get, maybe take him for a really long walk then try to leave him for a very short period and when she comes back in..ignore him, do not pay him any attention . its really hard but he needs to be pushed away a bit as it sounds like he has all of her attention when she is there. and he needs to learn not to be dependent on her...hope this helps a bit..
 
He's got a nice active life and gets regular long walks with lots of play time, and lots of play time in the house too but yes you are right he does get a lot of attention in the house from her and her 3 kids.
 
yoyr friend needs to step back for a while just so he learns to be on his own. if you think of it from his point of view he has a lovely time when your friend is there, lots of playing and interaction, then she goes out it will be hard for him to adjust to being alone. has she tried leaving the radio on for him? my dogs are fine when I go out as they are in a routine ..( I do the horse every morning and am gone for 2 or 3 hours) but I always leave the radio on as my lurcher is very noise sensitive and I think it helps her...might be worth a try..
 
splashgirl45 said:
yoyr friend needs to step back for a while just so he learns to be on his own. if you think of it from his point of view he has a lovely time when your friend is there, lots of playing and interaction, then she goes out it will be hard for him to adjust to being alone. has she tried leaving the radio on for him? my dogs are fine when I go out as they are in a routine ..( I do the horse every morning and am gone for 2 or 3 hours) but I always leave the radio on as my lurcher is very noise sensitive and I think it helps her...might be worth a try..
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Yes she tried leaving the radio and the tv on - seperately - but it didn't work.
 
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