Dog Community

Anxiety issues - Excesive whining when I'm not home.

Posted : 10/23/2011 2:01:10 PM

Although this is my first post, I have been lurking around these forums for a while. Recently though my dog started showing this behavior, and so I decided I needed a forum account so I could get some help. She's a healthy 1.5 years old Parson Jack Russell Terrier. She is extremely loyal, cooperative, obedient and loving. No mischief, no chewing, no bad behaviour, etc. Except for the fact that whenever I go out, she cries like she's being butchered. Seriously, it's painful to hear. I have no clue how to correct a behavior that will only manifest when I'm not around and she's completely alone! Things I have tried are not paying any attention prior to leaving so as not to cause an exited state of mind and then leaving. I have also tried leaving some of my worm clothes near the door so she can feel more comforted, as she will sit by the door and not move anywhere else. I also try to not make a fuzz when I come back home, so me coming back does not become a big deal. None of this has worked, and she will still do it, it's been going on for about 3 months and I haven't been able to do anything about it. She is extremely attached to me, as I live by myself and work at home so she's around me all day long mostly, and she also sleeps with me, even though I have tried to stop that, I always wake up cuddling her as I'm a heavy sleeper and she seizes the opportunity to jump up in bed and snug with me. That I don't mind at all, but I'm mentioning it to emphasize the fact that she's very attached to me. (And I to her lol) Any help would be highly appreciated!

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/23/2011 2:14:39 PM

Some of the others better at training will be along to help.

Essentially you have to 'set her up' so you can "leave" but not really leave. But demonstrate that you **will** be back.

Also -- make sure you **tell her** in words when you're leaving and something about where you are going. They develpe a bigger vocabulary than you'd think and some of that simply becomes "commands".

To mine "Mom & Dad are going out for supper" means we'll be gone about 2 hours and probably will come back with a white box for *their* future!

"Going shopping" an indeterminate amount of time but not the whole day.

"Going to work" for me (which is an every day thing) means this is a day like no other -- will be back before supper.

Develop just a couple of phrases that will work for you. She doesn't need "in depth" -- she needs something that's typical that occurs over and over.

Be cautious not to fall into the trap of "Oh you POOR baby -- I am SO SORRY I have to leave". That only sets them up to be more upset and reinforces the unwanted behavior.

Everyone else will do a better job than I will of spelling how how to positively desensitize the behavior.

JackieG

Posted : 10/23/2011 3:46:33 PM

I recommend you get the booklet "I'll be Home Soon" by Patricia McConnell and follow the protocol. Basically what you need to do is counter condition her and this will tell you step by step how to go about that. I love JRT's and have one too. He's very attached to me and I understand just how devoted the breed can be to their human. It can become a problem with any breed but it's not unsurmountable by any means. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain if you get this booklet and follow the protocol. Your dog will be so much happier and so will you when she learns that she can be comfortable home alone.

Good luck and welcome. I'd love to see a pic of your girl and know her name.

Mormoran

Posted : 10/23/2011 4:51:24 PM

Thanks for the replies so far, and I'll try and get that booklet, might prove to be difficult since I'm in a third world country, but I'll try. And pics! Yes! I tried a couple times but my internet connection is not the best and it failed to upload the pictures 3 times yesterday, let me try that again! Oh and her name is Kimi. No particular meaning, I just made it up, then later someone told me there's a F1 pilot called Kimi Raikonen, and another person told me that "kimi" is a way male boys call their girlfriends in an amorous way in Japan. Sort of fitting, since I do love her so very much! Right, let me get on with the pictures.

Jewlieee

Posted : 10/23/2011 4:54:47 PM

Agree with jackie. You need to read up on separation anxiety and learn the tools to counter condition from professionals.

JackieG

Posted : 10/23/2011 8:06:03 PM

Mormoran
I'll try and get that booklet, might prove to be difficult since I'm in a third world country

dogwise.com will ship to most countries and I know they have that booklet.

netwarrior007

Posted : 11/14/2011 7:59:50 PM

I think you could do with some dog training tips, so you can find something to occupy your dog while you are away, you can find some ideas at Life Of Dog , good luck.