Duncan's first time alone
We had to be gone for a few hours today. Duncan has never been alone before. We set up the video recorder to see how he reacted so we would know how to handle any problems. He was perfect. He ...
Forum Discussion
campn4walleye wrote:
Alfred, how does your goldie react when you take him in the car and leave him for a time? What does he do when you leave? Do you video him? Might try it and as he starts to bark/whine, walk back in and say "no bark" and give him a treat. You have to do this over and over and lengthen the time. You can also go through the motions of getting ready to leave, but don't leave.
Another tip, take him for a long walk/run before you go out. A tired dog is a good dog.
Hope this helps. It's nice that you're patient. He must have some bad memories he has to overcome. I wish you and him the best.
Thanks SO MUCH for your kind note, Campn4walleye. Sam does fine in the car and can wait in the back seat for an hour or two without problems. He was born on a farm and was an outside dog for almost a year. Then the farmer needed to move into town and could not keep Sam - he went to a Vet where he was kept in a kennel for 2 solid weeks after being neutered. We got him shortly after that - he avoided our kennel at home for the longest time. We gradually got him used to that and he is very comfortable in the kennel with the door open or shut - as long as he knows we are around. But, an empty house gets him very worried - he stands, pants and drools. We are slowly training him and making it a happy time (you should see my treat, peanut butter, and cheese grocery bill!!) for him. We have gotten assistance from our vet and from a certified dog psychologist. They say he may never be able to stay home alone in his kennel and be comfortable - but we all do the best we can. I agree with you - slow training, a step at a time, is best. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
