Bentleys questions

**deidra** · 07-12-2011, 09:48 PM

1. I think he has a one person seperation anxiety problem. I can leave the house and as I am going I hear him whinning and barking and crying. It makes me feel bad but I have a life outside of my home. Even if everyone else is in the house he will FREAk if I leave. He does not do it with anyone else but me. It was not to bad untill I left for colorado then things got worse. Does he think if I leave I won't come back? I have even left for a couple minutes then returned to teach him I will come back but he still flips out. I am leaving for Missori for a family vacation and the dogs can't go this year. He will be home with my dad and my sister. I am afraid he will go crazy! What do I do? I am at loss.

2.He also is terrified of little dogs. It takes him a while to warm up toa dog his size even. I am working on his socilation (as he is scared of new poeple to) He is like me and runs from little dogs. I am terriefied of them! He was attacked by that pom. Could that of triggered it? We have a couple little dogs come over and he hides in between the couched till the leave and I do not think that is fair to him.

**BauersMom** · 07-12-2011, 10:05 PM

I would keep leaving for a couple minutes and coming back; over and over several times a day. Bauer is also afraid of little dogs, it's sad. He doesn't hide, but he tucks his tail between his legs and sits down. He refuses to interact. We have part time ownership of a French bulldog, and he loves her. I dont have any friends with small dogs, so when we see small dogs on walks/runs or in the park I reward and treat him, hoping to desensitize him. I think you said that Bentley isn't food driven, so you would have to try a different reward.

**hmhershey** · 07-13-2011, 12:11 AM

My Bentley does the same thing when I leave. maybe its a Bentley thing lol jk. Even if I just go to the car, where he can see me through the window, he freaks. I don't know what to do either.

**dweck** · 07-13-2011, 08:47 AM

They need to learn that when you go, you come back. So yes, step outside several times per day, out of sight, and then come back in. And also, don't set yourself up for a big emotional farewell before you go: "Oh, shmoopsy. Momma's going to miss the heck out of you. mwah mwah mwah here are a dozen kissy-wisses to keep you from missing Mommmy-kins..."

Bleh

A pat on the head in the crate and "Be good" and out you go.

**SharonaZamboni** · 07-14-2011, 09:49 AM

I also don't make a big fuss when I come back home. Just "Oh, hi Dog". When I'm home, Bean follows me everywhere, even the bathroom LOL. But he doesn't whine when I leave, thank goodness.

**deidra** · 07-14-2011, 11:06 AM

I will kepp doing what I am doin. With me leaving again tommrow though I am afraid he will get even worse. He used to whine for 10 minutes then when i got back from eing gone for a week it turned into 20 minutes. Even then he is pacing the whole time.

**HeySquirt** · 07-14-2011, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by dweck

They need to learn that when you go, you come back. So yes, step outside several times per day, out of sight, and then come back in. And also, don't set yourself up for a big emotional farewell before you go: "Oh, shmoopsy. Momma's going to miss the heck out of you. mwah mwah mwah here are a dozen kissy-wisses to keep you from missing Mommmy-kins..."

Bleh

A pat on the head in the crate and "Be good" and out you go.

Every time I leave I say "I love you guys, be good" if someone stays at my house to watch the dogs... They get the script. My GSP has SEVERE Separation Anxiety and I have found that he does best with routine...