Comments on: Kennel train your dog to prevent behavioral issues

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:07:22 +0000

Thanks Taylor. I checked out that link. There’s some great advice there. They key is to slowly build up the time you are away, starting with just a few seconds.

Good luck with your Chihuahua! Let me know how it goes!

By: Taylor

Taylor — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:54:22 +0000

This is a great post. My little Chihuahua Teddy is having separation anxiety issues my wife and I are trying to work through.

I read another great post on dog separation anxiety yesterday on my.arfie.com – take a look my.arfie.com/profiles/blogs/the-first-10-minutes-coping

I think working with a dog to train him through the process is key., Leave the house for a bit to test him, try a webcam to keep an eye from the neighbors house.

Somethings got to work – until then I’m gonna keep on trying

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:51:37 +0000

It will probably take months for her anxiety to completely go away if you stay consistent with her. I wouldn’t try leaving her loose for at least 6 months, but maybe you could leave her in one bedroom or a small room like a laundry room after a few months. You just have to start small and build from there. As long as she does OK, you can keep giving her more freedom.

I wouldn’t make a big deal when you leave. Just put her in there maybe 20 minutes before you leave for work and then leave the house without saying anything. A radio or TV playing should help some. I recommend recording her to see how long she actually barks and cries after you leave, as well.

It’s important not to yell at her or scold her when she’s in the kennel. Try to make the kennel as positive as possible. Kong toys filled with peanut butter work great! You can stick them in the freezer for awhile so the peanut butter freezes and lasts longer.

And take her for long walks before work every day.

Good luck!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:03:55 +0000

Hi Lindsay, I bought a 20 mth old female Cocker, last week, who was an outside dog. She escapes from the wire kennel when I leave and I’ve since made it impossible for her to get out with extra locks. I’ve been working with her like Melissa said leaving for short periods of time then increases the time I’m gone. How long do you think it will take to make her less anxious? Also, I am at work 9 hrs a day and would hope eventually be able to leave her out of the kennel. Would you share your thoughts? Thank you.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:30:49 +0000

Hey Chris, thanks for your input. Many people aren’t prepared for this when they adopt a dog, especially a puppy or a dog from a shelter. That’s why so many dogs end up with “separation anxiety.” People do not properly exercise their new dogs or condition them to feel comfortable being left alone in a new environment.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:04:48 +0000

Great article. Exercise is key in so many behavior problems, and often overlooked. If the dog can’t get rid of his pent up energy, he or she will probably turn to releasing it in other ways which the owner doesn’t like. People who adopt a dog need to do their homework and take on the responsibility, whatever it takes, to make the dog well adjusted; this is especially true if adopting a dog that has been abused, abandoned or turned over to a shelter for any reason as they come with troubles from their past, but they can be worked through with patience. Thanks for helping spread the word.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:52:26 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement, Melissa. Lots of dogs would benefit if people learned to do exactly what you are doing. Just to give myself and others an idea, how long have you been working on this? It certainly does not happen over night, but over several weeks and months, depending on the dog.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:39:33 +0000

I have a very high strung and vocal dog with separation anxiety. I’ve had the best luck with desensitization therapy, a lot like what you’re doing with Vixen. I leave for very short times and pop my head back in as soon as he stops barking. I do it a million times, slowly increasing the amount of time he can’t see me. I can spy on him through a window, and eventually he finally gets tired of standing watch at the door, figures I’m coming back anyway, and goes to lie down. At that point I can either come back inside to reward him for being calm or leave and I know he won’t bark. But I don’t give him any treats when I come back inside – I don’t want to give him another reason to get excited about my coming home.

Along with leaving him with a tasty chew like a bully stick when I leave, desensitization has helped a lot. I also have another very calm dog, and I think that helps calm him down a bit, too.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:02:12 +0000

Thanks, Liza!

By: Liza

Liza — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:59:32 +0000

Great post, Lindsay. I’ve never had luck with crate training but maybe I will try again.

Vixen is such a beautiful dog and I can tell she will make someone a wonderful companion. The pits I’ve met have been some of the sweetest dogs ever.

Ashley, I’m so sorry you had to give Vixen up – I know that must have been hard. She would not be the sweet and loving dog she obviously is if you had not treated her well. If you love your dog you have to do what you think is best for her, even if sometimes that means giving her up.