Crate chewing

[pitc9]

*Leaving a TV or radio on while you are gone.
*Giving your dog something that smells like you to sleep on while you're gone.
*Make SURE not to make a bid deal when you leave, don't pick him up... kiss all over him.. etc... as you're walking out the door.
*There are plug in's that you can use that releases a calming pheromone.
http://www.smartpakcanine.com/Produc...d-_-NA-_-13403
*You can also try something from the Animla Wellness Collection:
http://www.greenhopeessences.com/Animal/index.html
I hope something I said can help you out!
Here are some websites for you to look at:
http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/ap...ms/anxiety.html
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/o...on_anxiety.html
http://www.wagntrain.com/SeparationAnx.htm

[catrocks]

Thanks for the replies - after reading the signs of separation anxiety I'm not convinced that's what it is.... only one or two points out of all of them actually apply to Dougal.

Someone told me about practicing NILF - which we have now started, so we'll see if that is any help. I heard somewhere that if the dog thinks he's the alpha in the house, he's going to be upset when you leave because you don't have his 'permission'.

I think we're going to try getting a plastic crate and start slowly acclimatizing him to it.... I heard that some dogs are more comfortable in plastic crates?

That plug in looks great, thanks for the links!

[Giselle]

Separation anxiety manifests itself in a lot of different ways. Most dogs chew, some whine, some bark. The problem is that you usually don't know if your dog whines or barks unless the neighbors start to complain. Some dogs don't even show anxiety before you leave. They just get destructive in your absence.

If your dog is chewing when you leave and only when you leave, chances sound good that he has a bit of SA. Alone training will nip it in the bud, and you've really got nothing to lose

[catrocks]

We're working on it - we've started re-crate training him and trying to get him used to it when we're here. He actually tried to bite his way out when I was sitting right next to him.... so I was able to correct him with that.

You're probably right that he has a slight case of SA. It's difficult for all of us right now as there's no steady routine..... my husband works but I am unable to right now, so he's getting used to me being here all the time. With us moving soon and then me starting to work, we're probably going to find even more problems. We'll keep working on this for now - thanks again for the advice