Fretting
 

My YT is almost 2, but she still frets when we leave the house, we tried short period of times to start making them lengthier, but have been told by our neighbour (we live in an apt.) she pines so much, she was concerned she had hurt herself.

We know she is not complaining (she is a dog lover) and is genuinely concerned for Tululah

We are at our wits end, so much the rare occasion we go out we get a dog sitter.

HELP

Hi. Have you tried leaving the radio or even the t.v. on? Or some other normal noises that are on in the house when you are home? Give her a t-shirt that you've worn that smells like you? Sometimes too quiet might be scary for her. Just my thoughts. Hope all goes well soon.

Unfortunately, I know from experience that sometimes dogs never get better at being left alone. I have a co-worker who's beagle has to go to a babysitter or day care or he howls non-stop, forever.

However you can still try lots of different things.

1. Does she have full run of the place? If so, maybe it's too much for her and you need to confine her to a smaller area.
2. Give her a totally super special treat that she gets ONLY when you're not going to be there. Something that will take her a while to get through, like a kong stuffed with frozen yogurt and treats.
3. Leave something with your scent, as the previous poster stated.
4. Also like the other poster said, you might try a tick tock clock or maybe a hot water bottle under a blanket.

[QUOTE=DJDB;3608322]Unfortunately, I know from experience that sometimes dogs never get better at being left alone. I have a co-worker who's beagle has to go to a babysitter or day care or he howls non-stop, forever.

However you can still try lots of different things.

1. Does she have full run of the place? If so, maybe it's too much for her and you need to confine her to a smaller area.
2. Give her a totally super special treat that she gets ONLY when you're not going to be there. Something that will take her a while to get through, like a kong stuffed with frozen yogurt and treats.
I do agree with DJDB and you have already gotten some very good and practical advice. I use a much larger crate when I am going to be gone several hours, same idea as an x-pen, play pen, safe area laundry room etc.. I try to make it a special area where they enjoy being. I turn the TV on, a fan and leave a light on. The safe crate is large enough that their own little crate fits inside, a pee-pad, and play area. I have non-tip bowls, a Kong wobbler,and special toys that are only used here. I rotate the toys so they always seem new to my furbaby. It may sound like a lot of trouble, but it is so worth it. Gracie my little rescue used to literally scream a high pitched Wa wa for hours. Now she only protests about a minuet then settles down. (Web Cam LOL)
It is a good idea to check with your Vet. If you are rarely gone, a mild medication that makes her sleepy might be ok.
I am sure you will get more advice, hopefully something will work just right for you and your baby.

fretting
 

thanks to all who replied.
yes we have left the TV or radio on for her, she does not have the full run of the house only the living room and kitchen, where her water is.
Also she is not alone, she has a brother with her, a rescue dog, who is also an Australian terrier.
We had though of leaving something of our clothing which we have been wearing, so she can get the scent.
So fingers crossed, will try again tomorrow

Good luck! I know how frustrated you must feel. I hope you find something that works.

Tululah
 

Thanks to one and all.
Today we will try all your suggestions for half an hour at a time in-between checking her.
Yes it is very frustrating, lol but would not be without her, sad or not, she is my baby

You might also try saying the same phrase to her on your way out the door. We use: "Watch over the house, we'll be back soon" or "take care of your sister, we'll be back soon"...at first this makes no sense to them but eventually they associated the sounds of these words with your leaving and returning. In truth, we travel with Hans everywhere, but on those rare occassions when he can not go, he understands "...we'll be back".

Fretting
 

Good idea cvc, will try that one, thanks