How long did it take for your dog to overcome its separation anxiety?

My 4mo old pup is really still having trouble. We bought him a citronella collar just so we can sleep at night!!! Though I know the collar is only a temp fix. He is crated all day while at work and I really do my best ta make crate time or when Im gone as pleasant as possible. (Toys in crate, ice cubes, treats, etc…)I wish he would just get used to being alone for a few hours…. I mean, doesnt he see now when we leave, we indeed do come back!! I know that is his only problem. Though I was really hoping he would grow out of this. We had him since he was 8 weeks old, pet store pup… I know, I know…

My dog took about 2 months to completely overcome the seperation anxiety. I never crated her because she was terrified of crates (maybe abused by being locked in one too long? She hated any small, confined space.). The problem was that when I left, she would whine and whine and whine!

I eventually started doing little things like leaving and going for a 5 minute walk and then coming back several times a day. When I returned, at any time, I would not look at her or acknowledge her for 30 minutes. After she had settled we would then go out and play and such. After she got used to that, I started making her sit on her bed when I left. If she ran to the door before I had closed it, I said “NO!” and would put her on her bed and do it all over again.

After about 2 months of vigilantly doing this, I was able to leave and come back without worrying about stuff being destroyed or her whining and annoying the neighbours.

If you are having any difficulties and really need some help, try contacting a trainer. As for Cesar Milan, he has some great ideas and some not so great ideas. It is all up to you how you want to train your dog.

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