Whippet With Separation anxiety... nightmare!

[Beth.W]

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I've had my new whippet for just under a month, he is 8 months old. Basically any time I walk out the room, regardless if someone else is there, he will bark like crazy, at night (he sleeps in a crate) he has got a lot better, only barking for half an hour or so before going quiet (most of the time). He has destroyed about 3 beds already, he gets himself in such a panic and ends up panting like mad. It's getting ridiculous, it doesn't matter if we leave the house for 5 minutes or 2 hours, he gets in such a state. We've already tried slowly building him up to it, we give him his kong any time he is left in the crate. Please help!

 

[robandkay]

Under a month isn't a very long time (though it may feel like it!) He is still settling down and getting used to a new routine. Being uprooted at 7 months old and placed in a new home, however loving, isn't a great start for him and he's probably still feeling quite insecure. Do you know if he was left alone a lot before you got him? If so he's just putting the sum of his experiences together - you go out, he's all alone, doesn't know when or if you'll be back, - in fact you've probably gone forever! Remember you may know you're only out for 5 or 10mins. but he doesn't, so to him it's best if he follows you everywhere and doesn't take his eyes off you!

Just give him more time to settle and he'll begin to realise that you always come back. Try and stay calm and don't give him clues when your about to go out which will make him anxious, - put on coat, pick up keys etc. The kong is a good idea and you could sprinkle a handful of kibble around the room/s to distract him and give him something to search for, also perhaps leave some (old) clothing that you've worn in his bed so he doesn't feel so alone. Try to keep the trips short to start with so he doesn't have so much time to panic and gets the reinforcement of you coming back quickly. Let him follow you around at home but just get on with what you're doing as if he's not there. He'll soon pick up if you're getting anxious and panic himself so try and stay calm as much as you can (whatever you're feeling).

He's still a baby and so afraid of losing you. With time hopefully he'll come to realise that you're for keeps and he's not going to be uprooted again. Remember you're the only constant he has right now, the centre of his world and his only source of food and love so of course he doesn't want to be parted from you. Be patient and try to give him a steady daily routine that he can feel secure with and just take one step at a time. Good luck with him, - he'll be worth it in the end. :luck:

 

[Beth.W]

Thank you maybe I am expecting a bit too much of him too soon, I know his old home was with a lovely old couple who just couldn't give him the exercise and stimulation he needs, thankfully I have plenty of time and work for a dog walker so he comes to work with me and has a nice long walk with lots of other dogs

 

[KateandSam]

One of my dogs hated being left and so as well as the excellent suggestions and advice given , I also used to leave a radio on when I left him .