How to help Puppy w/ separation anxiety
 

I have a Shorkie Tzu (yorkie and s**tz tzu mix) and when i leave for work i always try to give her a treat or the kong with peanut butter in it (which she has already mastered) she is 10 weeks old and runt of the litter. But I find when i come back from work and am home for a while i try petting her and she jerks her head away from me like she's mad at me. I also try to play with her and she rather play with the cat that doesn't want to play with her... I feel as if she's mad at me what should i do??

She is a puppy, they are easily distracted. She probably just really wants to play. Let her run around for awhile before giving affection.

:thumbup: I agree. My boys are really affectionate, but don't like petting when we first walk in the door. They want to be silly for a little bit and bring us toys. Eventually they calm down and sit to have their shoulders rubbed.

I don't think she's mad at you. Mine want to be petted and give kisses as soon as I come in the door, I know I'm not supposed to do that but I'm gone for a long time and I'm ready to see them when I get home. Maggie will give a kiss then run out the dog door like she's done with me, but if I wait a minute or two, she comes right back in to give another kiss. This goes on for a few minutes until she is really done with me, it sometimes takes her a few minutes to warm up to me.

e have had our yorkie for almost 1 month now , she is 7 mths old and suffers from separation anxiety. We had finally got her settled to sleep in her crate at night if this is beside our bed and we will slowly progress to move this out of the bedroom over time. Initially she was barking everytime we went out of the room even for a few mins, we only come back in if she is quiet and then give her a treat. She has access to the kitchen where her toys , crate and food is however if we leave her she cries non stop, she has stopped barking but cries, shakes and urinates on the floor if left alone even for a few minutes. She was a rescue dog and we know that she didnt have a good life before she came to use and we want to help her become less stressed and used to being alone. She will be a delight when someone is with her but as soon as she is left alone she gets very distressed. we have tried a phermone spray, diffussers, leaving some of my clothes with scent on and a herbal tablet however nothing seems to be helping. we tried to build up the time she will be alone by leaving for 10secs, 30sec, 1 min etc but crying starts almost straight away. I walk her and play with her every timebefore leaving her but while we are away from her she doesnt eat, drink , playwith her toys etc until we return ( we have left a camera on so we know that she paces and cries). we are considering hiring a behaviour specialist and out vet also suggested he could prescribe an anti anxiety medication for her if no improvement. has anyone got any other suggestions of what we could try? i leave the tv, music on etc also anytime she is alone. On our return home she goes crazy, and jumps, pants, tries to bites us ( gently!) and take about 20mins to calm down despite if i ignore her or not. I need to be able to leave her for 4hrs while i go to work. can anyone help????

So sorry to hear about your situation. Wish I had some words of wisdom but I'm at a loss. I'm sure some here will have some good advice.

I always his pieces if their food behind pillows, at the leg of a chair and around the room. They are so busy trying to find treats they don't realize I slipped out the door. I don't know if that will work for you but worth a try. Good luck.

My little guy has been use to being with my partner, me or family ALL the time. We had some family stuff going on and everyone was home and not working. She is now close to 5 months and we are all going back to work etc. He is great with going outside to the washroom, sit and paw commands but barks if you leave to go to the washroom for 5 mins. I have anxiety as it is and I'm going to be starting back part time=I'm the primary caregiver (which I'm excited about).... But I am worried about leaving him, however I have Appointments, commitments, work and hobbies:( not sure how to help with the barking. He also barks at all ppl and dogs walking bye. I've never had a dog before and lay hog my partner has and is amazing with animals and loves them...this little guy is so attached to him b/c he's a suck for the pup BIG TIME. He has slept on the hard floor downstairs for months just because he worries and loves him. I logically know this isn't healthy but prior to now I was dealing with a lot and didn't even feel I voice my own opinion.

Any suggestions?