Date: Sun, 30 Nov 1997 12:27:33 +0100 From: "Jennifer Mader" Subject: SV: Dog with sep. anx. and homebound owner > This is for the lady who is at homebound because her dog has severe separation anxiety and she is afraid to leave him alone. Here is another possibility to check out - boredom. Thanks Heidi - word gets around I guess, as I didn't actually post my problem on the Click-L list!  > The behaviorist asked her to tape the dog for a day I have recorded him on a audio recorder - I don't have a video camera. He's howling for as long as the tape lasts (45 minutes) and there is no sign of him stopping. If something happens, like the phone ringing or somebody walking outside, he barks a few times and resumes howling. I asked a neighbour to bang the wall when he howled - he stopped for a few minutes and then started again. > Then she brought out the LIFESAVER - a Kong which she proceeded to stuff with peanut butter and a few broken dog biscuits. Never thought of the peanut butter! I have tried with different kinds of treats, also using a Buster cube, but as soon as he's finished (even if I put a lot of goodies in the Buster cube and it takes a while) he starts howling. This dog is PERSISTENT! But - getting back to OC - would it be "right" to go back and reward him for being quiet when he´s working on his kong? Or would it be redundant as he already has a reward? BTW - I have managed to watch him through a window when he was howling - he seems not to be sad and lonely, standing there tail up and making a lot of noise. I have a feeling he's saying "get me out of here NOW" rather than "I'm so loooonely". Regards Jennifer Mader Strängnäs Local Kennelclub Sweden

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