Gracie update

[gapeach]

Hey everyone, I know I don't get online much so i haven't met very many yet but have had some great advice here so wanted to update. Gracie has no more trouble with the submissive peeing. We are still working on learning to go potty outside alone in the dark, although at least she has recently started hurrying things up a bit. However now we have a new issue... seperation anxiety. Which is all my fault, when she was smaller I was crating her during the day some while we were home, so she would not have these problems, but gradually I just stopped ( yes I know not very bright) and started taking her with us more ( to my mom's) Now everytime we go she cries. I read in my book to fix this I should crate her some while we're here ( like I was) and then when there is a break in her crying go in walk around few minutes and then let her out. And gradually work up to longer periods of time. But during the transition what do i do about crating her while we have to go somewhere? I alos need to buy her another kong as we can't find the 1st one, that seemed to be helping.

[Rivsky]

Besides what you're doing with her (crating her and releasing her when she's quiet) I'd take her out for a walk or a run before you go out so she's tired by the time you leave. It's much easier on them if they're ready for a sleep when you're leaving as they're more relaxed then.

Also in the 30 minutes or so before you leave start to ignore your dog while you're still at home - don't make a fuss over her. Then by the time you actually leave there's not as much difference between you being there and not really interacting with her as much while you're home.

Could you perhaps give her a treat or something when you go to keep her mind occupied on something else instead of focusing completely on being left behind?

Keeping a radio or TV on is also great - doesn't make you leaving quite so abrupt as the house is still "noisy" to some extent.

Hope some of this helps!

[gapeach]

Thanks Rivsky I will try the tiring her out before we leave also (can't yet as she was just spayed yesterday) I definitely need to get her another kong to put some treats in, we have been giving her a treat before we leave and don't make too much of a fuss about leaving. We are also trying to figure out how to crate her. We would like to leave her in our kitchen but she jumps over the babygates. She broke her current crate (although it was very old) Hopefully one my sister has will be a better fit for her and cross my fingers will be escape proof.