Separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons that your dog misbehaves while you are gone. Incessant barking, destructive chewing and house-training accidents while your dog is left alone are all signs that your dog may be going through separation anxiety. Although dog experts can't quite agree on what causes one dog to have separation anxiety while another is just fine, they can agree that punishment and anger do not help matters. Many dog owners have found success with crate-training their anxious dogs.
Instructions
Work on the separation anxiety issue with your dog. Start by not making a big deal out of your departure and arrival. This can encourage separation anxiety in your dog. Be sure that your dog is getting enough exercise each day. Consider getting up an hour earlier and going on a brisk walk with him. Leave him with only one toy or one item that has your smell. Too many options can make an anxious dog even more anxious.
Get a dog crate that is big enough for your dog to lie comfortably, stand and turn around in. It should not be much larger than that though. Place it in room that you spend a lot of time in. The living room or a bedroom is a good choice. The laundry room is not. Put a blanket or towel inside the dog crate and maybe your dog's favorite toy. Some owners have found that putting a piece of clothing that has their scent helps the dog feel more comfortable in the dog crate.
Make your dog's introduction to the dog crate as pleasant as possible. Using a happy tone, bring your dog over to the dog crate. Do not force him into the dog crate or order him inside; just play with him near the crate. You can also add some treats around the outside and the inside of the dog crate to entice the dog nearer. If your dog ventures inside, do not close the crate door. Give him plenty of praise. Slowly start integrating time in the dog crate with the door closed each day when you are home. As the dog gets more comfortable, lengthen the time your dog is in the dog crate.
Keep a regular routine with your dog and his crate. Put him there when it is time to go to sleep at night. When you get ready to leave, take your dog on short outing and then put him in his crate when you bring him in. Do not make a big production out of leaving. Simply close the door and leave. When you come back, do not talk to him at all. Take him out of the dog crate, leash him and take him out for short walk. Wait until he is calm before showing any affection.
Avoid leaving any dog in a dog crate for more than five hours at a time, depending on their age and house-training ability. Puppies and elderly dogs need less time in the dog crate. You should also avoid using the dog crate as a punishment because your dog will begin to associate it with bad experiences, causing even more anxiety.