Lola freaks out when she's alone!!! I need help!! (SEPARATION ANXIETY)

[LolaLove]

I have a 1.5yrs old girl who has extreme separation anxiety!! Even if I just leave to take the trash out, she freaks out and goes crazy, barking in a panic, and I'm afraid it will disrupt the neighbors! Plus, I feel really bad hearing her in such a panic. It's really ridiculous, but I literally have been bringing her everywhere with me. My boyfriend is about to kill me because I won't leave her home alone. He says "everyone leaves their dogs at home". It makes me feel bad and I know I should be able to, but I don't know how to get her used to it and not be upset when I'm gone. I have tried putting her in a crate but she just barks and barks and barks. No help.

I regret waiting so long to try and train her with this, but it was really hard so I just kind of put it off. I can't put it off anymore. Do you all leave your yorkie's alone?? Do you leave them for 8 hour days when you work?? I could never do that without getting someone to come check on her and take her out. How did you get it to happen?? I desperately need help!! I'm going back to work soon and need to figure out a plan QUICK!!

You guys are all so great!! So glad to be a part of this website!!!

[MeganS]

bumping this up for you

[TLC]

I am feeling your pain.

Roxy has severe anxiety as well. She is almost 4 years old. My problem is that not each instance is a big panic for her. TJ at home with her too, and I really thought all was good, but now she is starting to pee in areas around the house. So I have to get to the bottom of this, b/c now she must be contained when no one is home

[LolaLove]

I thought about getting a second yorkie to keep Lola company when she's home alone. However, I'm not positive that will work. Some people say it does, and others say it doesn't. I just don't want to get a second one, and then have to put them BOTH in doggy day care! That would really hurt the ol' wallet!

[medusa512]

you are going to have to do it in periods of time. for example, put her 'away' and leave the house. go for 10 minutes.

come back like nothing happened. don't fuss! later, do it again, or the next day or whatever, and then return. eventually, she'll chill out.

i've heard that if you make a big fuss when you leave and a big fuss when you return that makes it worse. my husband does this with his lab, but she's ancient (14) and was around before i was.

when i leave we put Edgar in the hallway with a baby gate and i leave.
when i come home i put my stuff (purse, shoes, mail) away and ignore him until i'm ready to let him out.

generally he's ready to potty and then eat, so i think we do ok.

don't always go to her when she panics.

try to leave her something that smells like you (a blanket, towel, pillowcase you've slept with for a few days) so she doesn't feel all alone.

there are great puzzle toys also, that keep them busy while you're gone. ...they may not even realize you've been gone all day!!

one of my friends leaves a clock radio on for noise/people. i'm not sure if this helps.

ps--if you are honest with the neighbors that you are trying to train her they may be more sympathetic than you think. just don't do it at 4 in the morning

[LolaLove]

Originally Posted by medusa512

you are going to have to do it in periods of time. for example, put her 'away' and leave the house. go for 10 minutes.

come back like nothing happened. don't fuss! later, do it again, or the next day or whatever, and then return. eventually, she'll chill out.

i've heard that if you make a big fuss when you leave and a big fuss when you return that makes it worse. my husband does this with his lab, but she's ancient (14) and was around before i was.

when i leave we put Edgar in the hallway with a baby gate and i leave.
when i come home i put my stuff (purse, shoes, mail) away and ignore him until i'm ready to let him out.

generally he's ready to potty and then eat, so i think we do ok.

don't always go to her when she panics.

try to leave her something that smells like you (a blanket, towel, pillowcase you've slept with for a few days) so she doesn't feel all alone.

there are great puzzle toys also, that keep them busy while you're gone. ...they may not even realize you've been gone all day!!

one of my friends leaves a clock radio on for noise/people. i'm not sure if this helps.

ps--if you are honest with the neighbors that you are trying to train her they may be more sympathetic than you think. just don't do it at 4 in the morning

Thank you so much for your advice! I will try it. I have until wednesday to get this under control! I will definitely try what you say. Thanks!