crating

[TBeau262]

Hi everyone! Thanks for all of the helpful advice in the past. Here is a new question for you all. My Matilda is crate trained and does not mind being in there. The problem I have is she had some problems with diahrria early on so beings I do not work I never made her stay in the crate and go somewhere(just in case she NEEDED to get out) Now she is just fine but How do I start to leave for a bit like to get groceries or something? Do I put her in crate with toy and just leave? Or do I start out very small and just go outside for a bit? Also do I say anything like I'll be back? She is really attached to me. When I do leave on the weekend and my husband is home with her she just walks around the house crying and looking for me. He has tried many things like a walk, a special treat etc. She will be ok on the walk but as soon as they get home back to crying. I just want to be able to leave her for a bit and not have to worry about her crying the whole time. Well thanks in advance for the help.

[brunie's mom]

Raising a well balanced dog you need to teach puppy how to be alone. If you don't they may well start with separation anxiety.

If she was fine in the crate before...just start putting her in the crate again for short times and build the time up. You really should give them some sort of command or say something when you leave...so that they do know that you will be back. You can say "I'll be back later"...or what I always say to my dogs when leaving is "take care of the house".

Give puppy a treat and a special toy...and leave her crated. Try crating her even if you are home, but you are busy vacuming or taking a shower,etc.


Gina