[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by HMac

Hi Kim,

Our pup went through some anxiety too, a trick we read about and that has REALLY help us is not acknowledging her 10 mins before we leave, or 10 mins after we return. So no eye contact, no talking, no snuggles, no goodbyes, just put her/him in the crate/room and leave. When you return you let her/him out and go about your business for 10 mins or so, and then say hello. It sounded strange but it really does work, the concept is that you shouldn't make a big deal about your leaving or returning.

We also tried doing this for short periods of time while we were home. So we would place her in her crate for 1 min, then 2, then 5, while we work around the house, and then let her out without any fanfare. Teaching her that we will always come back for her.

It's worked for us, and Holly, maybe it's worth a try! Good Luck!

I agree with this idea. The temptation is to go gaga as soon as you get home and give them lots of loving. Avoid that. I acknowledge them but don't go crazy. We don't crate generally, but that technique has worked without the crate for us. It helps to establish a routine. If you can leave them for several hours at the same time every day, they'll catch on that they gotta deal with it. Good luck.