How can I help with my dog's separation anxiety?

Question

My 1 year old min pin gets really mad when we leave. She will yelp really loud when she even hears my boyfriend and I putting our jackets on. Also she will tear up things she can find like paper or receipts. She is only home by herself 1 hour a day 4 days a week. And we bring her with us when we can. We thought maybe to get her a little doggy friend but I'm afraid it may make it worse cause she is so clingy to us especially me. What can I do to ease her? I hate seeing her get so freaked out!

Answer 1

Don't add another dog it won't help.  I would get a crate for it.  I had to do this while my dog was young.  Now I leave her run loose without a problem.

Answer 2

Practice doing what you normally do when leaving...

Like....Put on your jacket, get your keys, and go out the door

Close the door, then immediately come back inside

Repeat this action over and over, and the dog will soon learn that when you go out the door, you will come back, therefore, it won't worry :)

I learned this from Victoria Stilwell's very reliable show on Animal Planet, It's Me or the Dog.

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

Yeah, getting a crate will be a good option.  If you feel guilty, get a larger crate. You can get metal crates that fold out and fold in so that they don't take up as much space - my uncle's dog has one.  If you go the crate route, make sure you provide food, water, and maybe a toy to curb your dog's loneliness and boredom while you're away.  Make sure that if you don't use a crate that you don't leave stuff around that your dog can get in to.  You don't want to help him destroy your house.  I know that my neighbour's dogs get mad when she leaves, even to the point where they will purposely p**p on the floor to spite her.  Make sure that you get mad if your dog makes a mess in the house while you are out, or else he will think he has control and he will think it is an okay way to get you to stay home.  Another option is to somehow block your dog into the kitchen, or some more dog-friendly room.  That way he has a lot of space, and there isn't paper and things for him to make a mess of.

Plus, your dog is young.  At one years old, make sure you exercise your dog, and then maybe he won't have so much energy for making a fuss when you leave?  I know this sounds like a lot of work, but its worth it for all the tail-wagging and sloppy kisses, right?

But most importantly of all, make sure you train your dog.   Let him know who's boss, and let him know what you will and will not put up with.

Answer 4

Check this place out: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/hum...

It's very interesting and WILL answer your questions. As for destructive chewing and ripping, dogs do that when they aren't walked the length of their satisfaction.

Minipins are very loyal, and my research tells me that they are brave and a little stubborn.

One reason for seperation anxiety is when a dog becomes confused of who's the pack leader. Read up on the article. It says it there.