I tried putting little pieces of his treats in there and it seems too confusing for him. When I put them in it, they just fall out. I sprayed some of the peanut butter stuff in it and hes gradually getting the hang of it, but I don't know if this will last for hours like people say.

The only way they last for hours with me is if I freeze them. I usually put in peanut butter, cream cheese, yogurt, stuff like that :)

What size are you using? I got Riley the smallest one, but it doesnt fit much.

I like the idea of the long walk, if possible, before you leave for work. Also leaving the dog in the crate with toys, etc., may be what is needed.
I leave the radio on when I am not home. We tune in to talk radio so that there are always voices for Remi to hear.

Maybe you can leave the apartment and wait outside the door to see what is going on. Perhaps, if you hear him bark you can shake a coffee cain with coins in it and he will stop. Hopefully your neighbor won't complain about the noise you are making with the coins! My husband and I, when returning home, NEVER go right to the crate to say hello to Remi. We hang up our coats, look at the mail, etc., for a few minutes and then go to the crate and take him out for walk. We NEVER make a big fuss over saying hello, etc., although we are very tempted to do so. I think that this technique has paid off.
Good luck. You will find a solution to the problem by trying some of the ideas presented in this forum. Hopefully your neighbor will be nicer too! Try baking some pumpkin bread or a cake and ask them to stop in for coffee one day. Maybe if they meet your adorable Yorkie they will fall in love with him. I know no one that can resist! If they won't come, leave the cake in front of their door!

Be careful with these-Emma, the power chewer can get these out of the everlasting treat balls, and puts the whole thing in her mouth! Could pose a choking hazard!!! :eek: I would NEVER leave my dogs alone with one of these!!!

Yea thats why Im probably just going to stick to the peanut butter stuff. I don't even like giving Riley treats before I leave. I get so paranoid about him when I'm not home.

You could also try all-natural peanut butter for people, mix it with a little mashed banana and a few cheerios. My two love this frozen!

YUMMMM!! That sounds gooooooood!!!:D I'll try that too!

You know I also wanted to throw this idea out here too --

the Kong Time --

http://www.kongtime.com/

You fill it w/4 kongs (small, medium, or large) and this machine automatically dispenses a kong at a set time and it makes a noise I believe first so that the dog knows it's getting a treat!

It is a little pricy -- I did see one at Petsmart last weekend for 49.99 on sale, but maybe it could help :)

If you're close to Lombard, Riley would be more than welcome to hang out here in the daytime!! Maggie and Bailey would love it and all I'd want in return is puppy kisses. I'm home all day, and my furbabies are my life.
Just thought I'd offer!!
Sincerely, Kathy

I just heard about this in puppy class, our instructor was telling us all about it. They sound like a great item to have. Especially if you have to leave you dog home all day alone.

They have those things you plug into your outlets, it has pheremoenes in it spelling not right, the dogs smell it and it is supposed to calm them, it smells like a nursing mother, it is worth a try, leave somthing that smells like you when you are gone, a shirt or something.

Well I've been paying attention to when he leaves and he isn't even there on the weekends. So I dont have to worry about Riley if I leave during the weekend. The funny thing is I sat down and wrote out my schedule and my boyfriend's schedule. The ONLY times Riley is alone is on Monday and Weds.

The Kong is working so far!!:D He doesnt bark anymore when I leave. He still whines a little bit, but not as loud. I actually have to try and listen for him to make noise.

Are you downtown someplace? My brother is in Roscoe Village and he just got a new puppy. Said that all the dog owners in his building are doing what he calls "pet university". For $14 the people from there come into the condo, pick up the dog, take them to some big crazy warehouse where the dogs get to play all day and then they bring them back home. He hasn't checked into it himself just yet, but was excited about the idea because it seemed like a great deal and would help with socialization and keep the dog busy and not barking during the day!