New dog - crying/barking when alone

[laura301091]

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Hi, my partner and I just got a dog from the pound at the weekend. He seemed like the quietest little dog in the pound and that's why we decided to take him. However when we leave him in a room by himself (regardless of the length of time) he starts to whimper and eventually starts to bark and scratch at the door. The first night we got him i ended up sleeping in the same room as him to prevent him from scratching at the door (we are in rented accommodation). The second night we left him and he wasn't as bad and did quieten down after 25 mins or so. The thing is, is we both work full time, so we're out from 8 and not back until 5. We were up early enough to bring him on a long walk but I just worry that he is going to cry and get upset when we aren't there. Has anyone any advice on how to calm him down and for him to realize that we will be back.

Thanks

 

[Stormsone]

What sort of dog and how old? Its natural for a dog to be anxious at first in a new home so give them time to settle in. Don't respond to the whining or barking or youll be teaching the dog it can get attention that way. They will soon get the idea that you'll be back in the morning. Same goes for going to work. Its a little too long to leave the dog alone but see how it goes, get a good play/exercise thing going before leaving and do the same on your return. That will satisfy the dogs exercise and stimulation needs and also give the dog something to look forward to upon your return.

 

[gypsysmum]

You are very lucky to get a rescue dog when you work such long hours.

Try not to let your dog get over bonded to you. This causes them to get upset when separated from you. It is very difficult with rescues because they worry that they are going to lose you all the time!

Don't let the dog follow you around or rest touching you all the time as this makes it difficult for them when you are not there. If they can be independent when you are there it helps them to cope when they are left.

Lots of exercise and some training to tire the brain will help.

If thing get really difficult then consult a behaviourist from either COAPE or the APBC. It could be a really good investment.

 

[laura301091]

He is a Jack Russell and is 1 and a half. From posting my question on Monday there has already been a change in his behaviour at night. He still whines for about 15 minutes when we go to bed and then he quietens down. We do walk him before we go to work and as soon as we get back in plus he gets another walk after dinner and before bed, so he is definitely getting tired out which is possibly why he is a bit quieter. Now we just need to train him to walk properly on the lead and how to socialize with other people/dogs. I just don't want him becoming overly anxious/stressed. But so far he is improving and doing well.

 

[gypsysmum]

Glad to hear he is settling in a little more.

For training and socialising I would contact a trainer that belongs to the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). They are all very well qualified and keep up to date with all the modern methods. If he is not ready for classes yet they will give advice on what you can be doing in the meantime.

With the socialising, try not to tighten the lead when you see another dog. It does look as though we are being bad owners and not controlling our dogs if we do not pull them back when they are at the end of their lead and barking etc at other dogs. Try, instead, instead to move away to a safe distance and feed him treats while the other dog goes by. This will make him anticipate treats when dogs approach. This is just a general tip because lead tightening is one of the things that makes anxious dogs worse when they meet other dogs. They believe that we are worried about the other dog.

It will take time for your dog to settle. Dogs love routine and find it comforting.

 

[laura301091]

He is definitely settling in and must be getting used to our routines. He has stopped whimpering at night when we leave him. I had read online to hold his lead with two hands and gently tug and call his name when he pulls/misbehaves and it has certainly worked. He still gets excited and curious when he sees another dog but he is no longer barking/jumping at them. He is a very fast learner which is always good. Only thing that he is doing now is he seems to not be eating when we aren't there, I leave him a kong toy filled with treats when we are out but he doesn't go near it until we're home. I've just started taking it off him and not letting him have it until the next time we go out, not sure if that is the best thing to do or not though.

 

[gypsysmum]

I would leave him something to chew on while you are out. He may be relaxed and not wanting to chew or he may be tense and listening for your return all the time. Tense dogs cannot eat as their tummy gets very tight. Keep your fingers crossed that he is relaxed and not interested in his Kong rather than tense.

If he is getting tense then be careful to make departures and arrivals very low key. About ten minutes before you leave him, give him the Kong and then completely ignore him. Just get ready and go. If you make a big deal about leaving him it will enhance your absence.

When you come back home - be cool with him - just act as though you have just been out to put the rubbish out. After he has settled then go to him and make a fuss of him.

If he has been at all naughty don't make the mistake of getting cross with him. This adds to any tension associated with your absence. Dogs don't have a conscience and so it is useless telling them off for something that they may have done soon after your departure! If you think he looks guilty it is not that, it is fear of your anger that he is showing and anxiety he is feeling, which is not good!

Glad to hear he is settling in. It is still early days in his journey though