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Our Saluki-x seems to be scratching madly at the front door when we leave him. He's been exercised that morning and we never leave him for more than a few hours. We've had him for the last 6 years and he's never done this before. We leave him to have the run of the house, leave lights/TV/Radio on for him. He's really freaking himself out judging by the state of the paint work on the door. Worried he'll hurt himself if this continues. Apart from that, he's his normal fruitcake self. Any suggestions?
Separation anxiety can start at any time and it appears that is what it is. It sounds like it's only started recently which is good because you can do someting about it before it develops any further. He needs to know that you are only leaving for a while and that when you return he gets lots of praise and maybe even a treat.
I shall not go into what you need to do but you need to begin training him immediately. there are a load of websites dedicated to solving this problem but make sure you only heed the advice from those who promote positive reinforcement. anyone else is a charlatan living in the dark-ages.
anxiety attack possibly, any changes recently? you could try one of those dog pheromone thingies sold in petsathome etc possibly or starting some training around separation anxiety.
could something be happening in/around the house whilst you're away that's changed? heating clicking on and making strange noises, postman coming later in the day and freaking him out a bit? new neighbours with different noises?
I shall not go into what you need to do but you need to begin training him immediately. there are a load of websites dedicated to solving this problem but make sure you only heed the advice from those who promote positive reinforcement. anyone else is a charlatan living in the dark-ages.
+1
although the instant praise/treats upon returning can sometimes backfire as dogs can learn that the anxiety type behaviour (Scratching, barking, whining etc) will cause you to reward that behaviour with treats on returning.
we had great success with returning and ignoring the dog for a short while before giving him praise etc, randomly leaving the house and walking straight back in through the back door or leaving it a couple of minutes and coming back through the front door.... leaving from the back door. getting ready to go out (coats, keys etc) then just sitting down and carrying on as normal to break the learnt routine of when we would leave.
Have you left him alone at night recently? Ours hates being left but is worse at night as he associates It with fireworks
DD, I thought you guys had a border, no?
DD, we do but also Snoopy Doggy Dog 🙄
i trained my dog to be happy when we leave him home alone - attention and treats and then leave
and then try to ignore him on return
making a fuss on your return is a no no . ignore them and carry on as if its nothing for you to go out or come in to the house.
Second what TAFKAS says. Something has happened while he's been on his own recently I reckon. And my first guess would be fireworks or something like that.
As others have said, no fuss when you come in. No fuss when you go out. And vary the routine. Does he have a favourite blanket or toy? You could try spraying it with DAP when you go out if you're struggling to get him to "unlearn" this behaviour. Poor fella though 🙁 Hope it works out.
As above, practice coming and going, no fuss. Can you also vary the route out? Sounds daft, but maybe the back door or even a windows, just while you are working with him.
Just as an aside, our 16 year old Kelpie suddenly developed a similar anxiety, and it was diagnosed as the onset of dementia. Sadly with her things went downhill after that. Assuming your dog is younger I am sure this wouldn't be the issue, but if you don't get anywhere with training then it could be worth a trip to the vet to check him out.
+1
I have a dog of erm, limited intelligence, and a dog of pretty good intelligence.
The clever one doesn't mind, and understands, never really seems to be bothered by anything.
The erm, not so bright one has terrible separation anxiety and he was a rescue dog. BUT, ignoring him when you come in (over a few weeks) has made a decent enough improvement. Put it this way, the clever dog looks less stressed when we come in, suggesting that the numb dog is not running around the house like a looney and winding him up, therego it must be working (at least better than before).
We left him for quick pint tonight so we were less than one hour. Front door heavily scratched and he's obviously even slobbering at the front door and he's panting like mad, bless him. Wish he could talk to us. One possibility is that he's not well and he's not eating very much either. Trip to the vets on the cards. In the mean time we'll take him with us. Cheers all...