separation anxiety

[vicki fs]

After reading all of this and talking with friends, next dog we will crate train. Our 14 month old border collie has never been left alone. I am home all the time and when I'm not she comes with me. My daughter is her master and Sassy would do anything to please her. Sassy has problems when my daughter leaves to go to school. That is getting better. My question is now after 14 months I would like to be able to leave her alone at times, but am afraid that I will come back to a mess in the house. She doesn't when I'm home, but don't know how she will react when we are gone.

[jude09]

Hello Vicki!

We have already a topic about this before.

You can click on the link below to read about it;

anxiety in boston terrier when left alone (Separation anxiety)

[Sarah]

May I make a suggestion vickifs? Don't be negative about leaving the dog alone. Don't think that the dog is going to mess or tear up things because you can manifest that through your energy to your dog. Your dog is 14 months and its not to late to crate him while you are gone if that is what you wish to do.

get a crate and teach him "go to bed" lead him in the crate and stay there until the dog settles in and lays down. Then invite the dog to come out. praising the dog "good dog" Repeat this until he obeys the command "go to bed". When he can go to bed what you want to do is now close the door [gate] to but don't latch it, walk away and if he makes a noise, say no noise, wait until the dog is quiet and relaxed, then go and invite him out again.

you can put a blanket in there and a favourite toy or a kong, or a bone of some sort to keep him occupied until you return.