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Originally Posted by Jkpal  When you leave is it for long periods of time? If so, perhaps you could try leaving for 10-15 minutes several times throughout the day to get her used the notion of your being gone--and more importantly, returning! It sounds like she went from being with you 24/7 and having the run of the place to suddenly being all by herself in a big house, but crated and alone--quite the transition and her anxiety is understandable. Do you leave tv or radio on when you're gone? Have you put something of yours (sweatshirt, etc.) in her crate? These may help sooth her somewhat...Would it be possible to take your little girl with you on some of your jaunts? She definitely needs help and consideration and love and patience and understanding with adjusting to your absence. I mean, imagine, if before you had hip replaced (congratulations on your newfound mobility, by the way) someone came, picked up your baby girl and took her without you knowing how long she'd be gone or when she'd be back! Oh, yes---and now that you are able to go out, how about some nice long leisurely strolls with your girl; it's good for bonding and it will help to tire out your girl and will hopefully take some of the edge off her anxiety. She's definitely looking to you for reassurance. |
that would be my first recommendation too!
And second, whenever I leave my babies, I don't look at them (as hard as it is), but rather, I make them stay in a spot such as their bed and then I leave a treat-dispensing toy and give them the cue to "get it" when I'm at the door ready to leave. I've read that if you say bye and indirectly give them the "oh poor thing you have to be alone at home" vibes, they sense it and this adds to their anxiety. That's why I don't look at them and redirect their attention to the treat-toy.
I think if done in combination (1. getting them used to you being away by training them with the increasing 10 minute intervals and coming back; and 2. getting them to think it's a good thing, i.e. with treats, when you'r leaving) it'll greatly help with the anxiety. It has worked for me anyway!