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Originally Posted by diannenet  Thanks for the comments and advice. He goes bonkers if I'm outside and he can't see me. I never make a big fuss when I come home. I walk in and say "hi kids" and go about my business even though they are both jumping on me. Once I get home, after about 10 minutes, then I pay attention to them. I have "Through A Dog's Ear" driving edition but haven't used it yet. Once I'm home (or inside where he can see me) he is fine. What's odd is that he's fine all week long when I'm at work and doesn't do this. It's only of an evening and on weekends when I don't have a set schedule. Tonight my husband was in the garage so I went outside to talk to him for TWO MINUTES and by the time I came back in, Toby had pooped by the garage door and he was panting. Once I was in the house a few minutes he was fine.
I have no family left other than my husband and daughter and I don't really need to leave them with anyone when I'm simply going out in the garage or across the street to visit with the neighbor for 5-10 minutes. I'm still at a loss what to do. Tonight I went across the street for 5 minutes and my husband said he barked non-stop the entire time I was gone and kept running from the garage door to the patio door looking for me. I came in the house, came straight to my computer and he's sound asleep under my desk. So he's not hyper all the time.........just when we aren't on "his" schedule. It's crazy, I can't figure it out. |
The fact that Toby accepts your work schedule is good news. Sounds like he is reacting to not being with you or not being included when he doesn't see any reason for it. I have to admit, Max is this way, but he is improving. If I tell him that I'm going to the grocery store, he goes to his bed and accepts my departure. However, if I tell him that I'm taking the trash can to the street, he barks the entire time I'm outside. He barks because he thinks I should take him with me (which I used to do).
One of the things that is slowly helping is giving Max the "quiet" and "no bark" instructions. Sometimes I have to go in and out the door 2-3 times. If he doesn't listen, I ask him "Do you need to go upstairs to relax?." He is learning that I will put him in the bedroom for some alone time when he doesn't comply.
Try telling Toby "quiet" or "no bark", then step out the door for a couple of seconds. If he is a good boy, step in and give him a small treat. Repeat this and gradually increase the time you are outside the door.