- Dog who used to destroy house is happy to stay home alone (with food)
Does my previous service dog, Max, look happy in this photo? You bet he does! He’s happy because he is about to stay home alone.
This wasn’t always the case. Max used to destroy our house when he was home alone. He’d go into such a panic that he’s ruined floors, walls, doors, door handles, etc.
Max was a service dog and he was with people ALL the time. When we adopted him, he totally freaked out when we left him home alone. We were totally unprepared but if your pet has this separation anxiety problem, there is hope.
Today, Max is smiling and tail-wagging when he sees that I’m about to leave him home. One of the biggest contributors to the transition is food. Yes, food plays a major part in management of this dog’s separation anxiety.
Our dog Max rarely is fed when we are home with him. If he is fed, Max is getting his food out of a toy that makes him work. The bulk of Max’s food, and especially yummy food, is delivered to him as we are walking out the door. He’s been conditioned to expect that food time comes when he’s home alone. And it works!
So what’s that in the photo you ask? Well, Max has gotten so good at manipulating his food that we’ve upped the challenge. Earlier, as Max’s separation anxiety improved, I started freezing food in Kongs for him. Now, I also freeze the Kong so Max has a block of ice to work with too. This was especially handy in the summer as I knew he’d enjoy the ice.
Time to run, Max will soon be nudging me to the door so he can stay home alone!
Labrador Retriever Puppy Training…
Here’s where you can find out all about obedience training for dogs….
Here’s where you can find out all about obedience training for dogs.
Hi there – I came across your blog and wondered if you could let me know the name of your vet (offline to my email address is fine). I’m in Birmingham and am having trouble with my 7 old pup an axiety issues. I’ve tried a lot of different things on advice of different trainers, but it sounds like you’ve been really happy with your vet there. I’m getting overwhelmed, so any good resource is appreciated!
At least your dog will stay in a crate. Max busted out even when we padlocked the crates shut. Luckily our days of destroyed drywall and doors are over!
Max has had no problem at all with the collar. We know it works because he gets more anxious if we don’t change it right after 4 weeks is up.
I’d try the DAP collar and only giving food when you’re gone (unless you’re home all day). Max can’t wait for us to leave now; he’s come along so far!
There is a link to entirely pets, an online store, on my blog. When I researched the collars, they were the cheapest and I know their brand works. If you click on my link to their site, I get a tiny commission which I would appreciate. I’ve been very happy with their service. I purchase all my collars and Squirrel Dudes through them.
Well, we had a consult with Dr Deporter today and hopefully we’ll soon be on our way to less anxiety for our pup when we’re gone. Lots of work to be done, but it’s nice having Max’s story to inspire
Good luck to you. Dr. DePorter is wonderful; you’re in good hands.
It takes a LOT of effort but if you follow through, the behavior modification will pay off. Max is living proof!
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Valuable thoughts and advices. I read your topic with great interest.
Good luck to you. Dr. DePorter is wonderful; you’re in good hands.
It takes a LOT of effort but if you follow through, the behavior modification will pay off. Max is living proof!
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Well, we had a consult with Dr Deporter today and hopefully we’ll soon be on our way to less anxiety for our pup when we’re gone. Lots of work to be done, but it’s nice having Max’s story to inspire
Great post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
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