[Potter]

Mine has separation anxiety too since he was a pup because for the first puppy year of his life, due to personal reasons, I stayed home with him and he got used to having me around all day. I even bring him along when I do grocery shopping. I regretted being with him all the time that causes his separation anxiety but I didn't know any better back then. I haven't really figured out anything that really works. Mine doesn't hurt himself like that but he barks and whimpers. The only advice the trainer has is when you get out of the house and he is whimpering etc, do not go back to the house to try to soothe it. It will only make it worse by reinforcing it. My neighbour say he stops barking 5-10mins after I leave so that is good news to me.

I am going to try to get him engaged with chewing some yummy treats as I leave the house. The only problem is, he has always been spoilt with treats that I have not found anything that will be more valuable to own his attention more than me leaving the house. As soon as he knows I am leaving, whatever I give him, he doesn't even care to smell it!