What Do I Do Now?

[LeslieA]

I've had my Ozzie since November ..he's 9 months old now . I've taken him practically EVERYWHERE with me since day one. On a few occasions when I couldn't ..my son or his girlfriend or my husband babysat for him and it was no problem . But more recently ..like last week I left with him with my son and his GF for a few hours and they said he just whined by the door for 3 hours .. today I had to go help my friend out at her floral shop for Mother's Day and my husband watched him .. more of the same ... he really carried on when I went for my keys and my husband said he was miserable the whole time I was gone. I have to work the rest of this week until Sunday ... I feel so bad for him .. I thought my separation anxiety was BAD .. but I hate that he is upset when I'm gone .. anybody have any suggestions? TIA.

[Tiggerwit]

Get another yorkie!!

Hey how come my happy bounce guys aren't bouncing?

[RLC12345678]

I agree!!!! Get another yorkie!!!!! My little guy also has bad separation anxiety. I work 8 hours a day (with an hour home for lunch), but my husband has been staying home with him during the day while I'm at work. Starting in June, my husband is going to have to be working 80 hours a week!!!! We know that Hobbs is going to have a fit at home by himself, so we have already made the decision to get another one. Hobbs' same parents had another litter of puppies early this month, so we are getting one of Hobbs' sisters, whom we will pick up in early July!! YAY! We know that this will really help Hobbs when he is at home by himself.

[hle_625]

Yes I agree get another one Thats what I did and they are not so sad when I have to leave them!

[Chelsey]

Get another one, it will help both you and him when you have to leave for a while

[foxontherun613]

I am going to offer a different approach here.

Yes getting another Yorkie may help because it may distract your dog from the fact that you are gone, but it may not.

Many people largely mistake the true meaning for "separation anxiety". We think our dogs are sad that we are gone, and that they miss up and they want "Mom or Dad" to come home. This is a totally natural response but, the total opposite of the true meaning for the dog's behavior. In reality, the dog is distressed because you are gone, that much is true, but not for the reason we think. It's upset because it does not know where you are, if you are safe, and it does not know what to do. In simple terms the dog views you as it's "child" and you are it's full responsibility. So it is simply panicking because it does not know where you are and if you are safe. It believes itself to be your alpha which means it believes to be in control of you and to be your leader. Though your Yorkie may not look like a wolf, it still thinks and behaves exactly like a wolf, so to understand dogs and their behavior, we must understand wolves. The reason this may be popping up now is because your dog is maturing (9 months old right?).

Simple tips to try and correct this:

Instill in the dog's mind that you are alpha. Once the dog believes YOU are it's leader and YOU are in control it will not panick when you are gone, it will simply believe you are out on a "hunt" and wait for your return.

There are four meaningful times you must always underline your alpha status.

Greetings:

When coming home, or coming from outside, or coming back from any separation follow these rules. Also, a "separation" has a different meaning to you dog. To them it can be you simply closing the door behind you, blocking them from you for only two seconds. Basically it occurs when you erect a physical barrier between you and the dog.

-When you come back from the separation, IGNORE YOUR DOG. This is very hard to do at first, as we have it set in our minds that we should greet our family, but keep in mind, they operate on a totally different language. Make no eye contact, say nothing, and go about your own business. Your dog may bark at you, trying to get your attention, may jump up, etc, keep ignoring. Ignore your dog until it leaves you alone and relaxes. This is signalled by the dog walking away and laying down, or going off to play with a toy, etc. After that happens, wait at least five minutes, keep ignoring this dog during this time. If the dog comes back trying to get attention again during the five minutes you must start all over, wait for it to relax again, and wait another five minutes. Some dogs can keep up the "give me attention now" thing for a very long time. After a full five minutes (at the LEAST) has passed without your dog trying to get attention from you, then you may call the dog to you (do not go to the dog) and when it comes to you, give it all the love and affection you want!

TIP: ALWAYS call your dog to you for affection. Never go to the dog.

Feeding:

Do not leave food out constantly. Feed at certain times, and before setting the bowl down for the dog, pretend to eat out of their bowl, eat something as small as a cracker, just make sure it looks like it came from their bowl and make sure they see you eat it.

You Lead The Way:

Always go outside before the dog. Always cross a door threshold or narrow hallway before the dog. Always go up or down the stairs before the dog. Apply this rule to everything. You lead, always.

Do these things, and follow these rules strictly. Always ask your dog for affection, do not give it affection when it asks. You always ask, because you're alpha, not the dog.

If you succeed in teaching the dog you're alpha, the dog will feel that you are in charge or it and that you protect it and therefore will be much happier and relaxed because it will feel safe and worryfree.

[Olivier]

Originally Posted by foxontherun613

I am going to offer a different approach here.

Yes getting another Yorkie may help because it may distract your dog from the fact that you are gone, but it may not.

Many people largely mistake the true meaning for "separation anxiety". We think our dogs are sad that we are gone, and that they miss up and they want "Mom or Dad" to come home. This is a totally natural response but, the total opposite of the true meaning for the dog's behavior. In reality, the dog is distressed because you are gone, that much is true, but not for the reason we think. It's upset because it does not know where you are, if you are safe, and it does not know what to do. In simple terms the dog views you as it's "child" and you are it's full responsibility. So it is simply panicking because it does not know where you are and if you are safe. It believes itself to be your alpha which means it believes to be in control of you and to be your leader. Though your Yorkie may not look like a wolf, it still thinks and behaves exactly like a wolf, so to understand dogs and their behavior, we must understand wolves. The reason this may be popping up now is because your dog is maturing (9 months old right?).

Simple tips to try and correct this:

Instill in the dog's mind that you are alpha. Once the dog believes YOU are it's leader and YOU are in control it will not panick when you are gone, it will simply believe you are out on a "hunt" and wait for your return.

There are four meaningful times you must always underline your alpha status.

Greetings:

When coming home, or coming from outside, or coming back from any separation follow these rules. Also, a "separation" has a different meaning to you dog. To them it can be you simply closing the door behind you, blocking them from you for only two seconds. Basically it occurs when you erect a physical barrier between you and the dog.

-When you come back from the separation, IGNORE YOUR DOG. This is very hard to do at first, as we have it set in our minds that we should greet our family, but keep in mind, they operate on a totally different language. Make no eye contact, say nothing, and go about your own business. Your dog may bark at you, trying to get your attention, may jump up, etc, keep ignoring. Ignore your dog until it leaves you alone and relaxes. This is signalled by the dog walking away and laying down, or going off to play with a toy, etc. After that happens, wait at least five minutes, keep ignoring this dog during this time. If the dog comes back trying to get attention again during the five minutes you must start all over, wait for it to relax again, and wait another five minutes. Some dogs can keep up the "give me attention now" thing for a very long time. After a full five minutes (at the LEAST) has passed without your dog trying to get attention from you, then you may call the dog to you (do not go to the dog) and when it comes to you, give it all the love and affection you want!

TIP: ALWAYS call your dog to you for affection. Never go to the dog.

Feeding:

Do not leave food out constantly. Feed at certain times, and before setting the bowl down for the dog, pretend to eat out of their bowl, eat something as small as a cracker, just make sure it looks like it came from their bowl and make sure they see you eat it.

You Lead The Way:

Always go outside before the dog. Always cross a door threshold or narrow hallway before the dog. Always go up or down the stairs before the dog. Apply this rule to everything. You lead, always.

Do these things, and follow these rules strictly. Always ask your dog for affection, do not give it affection when it asks. You always ask, because you're alpha, not the dog.

If you succeed in teaching the dog you're alpha, the dog will feel that you are in charge or it and that you protect it and therefore will be much happier and relaxed because it will feel safe and worryfree.

I agree with you .

[doggieluv2]

This is very interesting stuff. Is there a website or something that goes into this more?

[foxontherun613]

There are probably various websites that go into this method/language thing, but there is a book that has become my "dog bible".

"The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennel

It explains everything waaaay better then I can. As well as explaining all the reasons behind these behaviors/signals. I highly suggest buying it.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by doggieluv2

This is very interesting stuff. Is there a website or something that goes into this more?

I agree, the dog is not lonely because there was someone home with him. He just thinks he is top dog.

I'm not sure who wrote the Dog Listener, but that sounds like the same advice the Dog Whisperer would give.

This is his website.

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog/expert...aspx?WT.srch=1

You can catch his show on The National Geographic Channel.

[airplane_girl]

interesting concept... I got to get that book.

That may just be the problem with him.

[LeslieA]

Originally Posted by foxontherun613

I am going to offer a different approach here.

Yes getting another Yorkie may help because it may distract your dog from the fact that you are gone, but it may not.

Many people largely mistake the true meaning for "separation anxiety". We think our dogs are sad that we are gone, and that they miss up and they want "Mom or Dad" to come home. This is a totally natural response but, the total opposite of the true meaning for the dog's behavior. In reality, the dog is distressed because you are gone, that much is true, but not for the reason we think. It's upset because it does not know where you are, if you are safe, and it does not know what to do. In simple terms the dog views you as it's "child" and you are it's full responsibility. So it is simply panicking because it does not know where you are and if you are safe. It believes itself to be your alpha which means it believes to be in control of you and to be your leader. Though your Yorkie may not look like a wolf, it still thinks and behaves exactly like a wolf, so to understand dogs and their behavior, we must understand wolves. The reason this may be popping up now is because your dog is maturing (9 months old right?).

Simple tips to try and correct this:

Instill in the dog's mind that you are alpha. Once the dog believes YOU are it's leader and YOU are in control it will not panick when you are gone, it will simply believe you are out on a "hunt" and wait for your return.

There are four meaningful times you must always underline your alpha status.

Greetings:

When coming home, or coming from outside, or coming back from any separation follow these rules. Also, a "separation" has a different meaning to you dog. To them it can be you simply closing the door behind you, blocking them from you for only two seconds. Basically it occurs when you erect a physical barrier between you and the dog.

-When you come back from the separation, IGNORE YOUR DOG. This is very hard to do at first, as we have it set in our minds that we should greet our family, but keep in mind, they operate on a totally different language. Make no eye contact, say nothing, and go about your own business. Your dog may bark at you, trying to get your attention, may jump up, etc, keep ignoring. Ignore your dog until it leaves you alone and relaxes. This is signalled by the dog walking away and laying down, or going off to play with a toy, etc. After that happens, wait at least five minutes, keep ignoring this dog during this time. If the dog comes back trying to get attention again during the five minutes you must start all over, wait for it to relax again, and wait another five minutes. Some dogs can keep up the "give me attention now" thing for a very long time. After a full five minutes (at the LEAST) has passed without your dog trying to get attention from you, then you may call the dog to you (do not go to the dog) and when it comes to you, give it all the love and affection you want!

TIP: ALWAYS call your dog to you for affection. Never go to the dog.

Feeding:

Do not leave food out constantly. Feed at certain times, and before setting the bowl down for the dog, pretend to eat out of their bowl, eat something as small as a cracker, just make sure it looks like it came from their bowl and make sure they see you eat it.

You Lead The Way:

Always go outside before the dog. Always cross a door threshold or narrow hallway before the dog. Always go up or down the stairs before the dog. Apply this rule to everything. You lead, always.

Do these things, and follow these rules strictly. Always ask your dog for affection, do not give it affection when it asks. You always ask, because you're alpha, not the dog.

If you succeed in teaching the dog you're alpha, the dog will feel that you are in charge or it and that you protect it and therefore will be much happier and relaxed because it will feel safe and worryfree.

I can't thank you enough for typing this all out for me ... it seems clear
(since I've been doing the opposite of what you suggest doing now) that you have hit the nail right on the head! What my husband and son both describe is a sort of distress as opposed to sadness ... he searches relentlessly for me and seems agitated when he can't find me ...I have another dog ( older chow) who plays with him and so it seemed not to be loneliness so much as agitation...paticularly if he actually SEES me leave the house.
I am going to make a very concerted effort to adhere to these tips .. I really truly appreciate your insights! thanks again.

[luvtif]

Originally Posted by foxontherun613

I am going to offer a different approach here.

Yes getting another Yorkie may help because it may distract your dog from the fact that you are gone, but it may not.

Many people largely mistake the true meaning for "separation anxiety". We think our dogs are sad that we are gone, and that they miss up and they want "Mom or Dad" to come home. This is a totally natural response but, the total opposite of the true meaning for the dog's behavior. In reality, the dog is distressed because you are gone, that much is true, but not for the reason we think. It's upset because it does not know where you are, if you are safe, and it does not know what to do. In simple terms the dog views you as it's "child" and you are it's full responsibility. So it is simply panicking because it does not know where you are and if you are safe. It believes itself to be your alpha which means it believes to be in control of you and to be your leader. Though your Yorkie may not look like a wolf, it still thinks and behaves exactly like a wolf, so to understand dogs and their behavior, we must understand wolves. The reason this may be popping up now is because your dog is maturing (9 months old right?).

Simple tips to try and correct this:

Instill in the dog's mind that you are alpha. Once the dog believes YOU are it's leader and YOU are in control it will not panick when you are gone, it will simply believe you are out on a "hunt" and wait for your return.

There are four meaningful times you must always underline your alpha status.

Greetings:

When coming home, or coming from outside, or coming back from any separation follow these rules. Also, a "separation" has a different meaning to you dog. To them it can be you simply closing the door behind you, blocking them from you for only two seconds. Basically it occurs when you erect a physical barrier between you and the dog.

-When you come back from the separation, IGNORE YOUR DOG. This is very hard to do at first, as we have it set in our minds that we should greet our family, but keep in mind, they operate on a totally different language. Make no eye contact, say nothing, and go about your own business. Your dog may bark at you, trying to get your attention, may jump up, etc, keep ignoring. Ignore your dog until it leaves you alone and relaxes. This is signalled by the dog walking away and laying down, or going off to play with a toy, etc. After that happens, wait at least five minutes, keep ignoring this dog during this time. If the dog comes back trying to get attention again during the five minutes you must start all over, wait for it to relax again, and wait another five minutes. Some dogs can keep up the "give me attention now" thing for a very long time. After a full five minutes (at the LEAST) has passed without your dog trying to get attention from you, then you may call the dog to you (do not go to the dog) and when it comes to you, give it all the love and affection you want!

TIP: ALWAYS call your dog to you for affection. Never go to the dog.

Feeding:

Do not leave food out constantly. Feed at certain times, and before setting the bowl down for the dog, pretend to eat out of their bowl, eat something as small as a cracker, just make sure it looks like it came from their bowl and make sure they see you eat it.

You Lead The Way:

Always go outside before the dog. Always cross a door threshold or narrow hallway before the dog. Always go up or down the stairs before the dog. Apply this rule to everything. You lead, always.

Do these things, and follow these rules strictly. Always ask your dog for affection, do not give it affection when it asks. You always ask, because you're alpha, not the dog.

If you succeed in teaching the dog you're alpha, the dog will feel that you are in charge or it and that you protect it and therefore will be much happier and relaxed because it will feel safe and worryfree.

Interesting...seems like I do everything I should not do (like most people), but my yorkie does not have separation anxiety at all really. To me it kind of sounds like Ozzie is just not used to being left alone. If someone is always babysitting and almost always with mom, he is not used to her being gone. Seems like the more he is left, the better it would get.

I'm not discrediting this alpha research, just seems like that would be hard for most people to do.
Getting another dog, would probobly help as well.
Good luck!

[SnowWa]

YOu've created a monster..... a little Yorkie that is totally dependent on you.

This really isn't a healthy, well-balanced way for your little pup to live. He needs to be able to be away from you and not be so upset. As you are beginning to realize - you just can't be with him 24/7 all his life. And, it is obviously very hard on him to be separated from you. He is entitled to enjoy his time away from you as well as with you.

I love my dogs a lot and I'm with them a lot - but, they love visiting and staying with other people when they need to.

I think you need to "wean your dog." A lot of other posters have given you a lot of good advise. Good luck!

Carol Jean

[LeslieA]

Originally Posted by SnowWa

YOu've created a monster..... a little Yorkie that is totally dependent on you.

This really isn't a healthy, well-balanced way for your little pup to live. He needs to be able to be away from you and not be so upset. As you are beginning to realize - you just can't be with him 24/7 all his life. And, it is obviously very hard on him to be separated from you. He is entitled to enjoy his time away from you as well as with you.
I love my dogs a lot and I'm with them a lot - but, they love visiting and staying with other people when they need to.

I think you need to "wean your dog." A lot of other posters have given you a lot of good advise. Good luck!

Carol Jean

I agree with you totally ... I want him to be happy ALL the time ...he did fine when I left him up until a coupla' weeks ago ..I've got 2 short weekend trips planned for June ..I'm going to have to leave him home with my husband ..I'm going to work really hard from now until then to make things better for him.