My sympathies go out to you. I have had a dog with severe seperation anxiety in the past and, regrettably, treatment is very long and sometimes (as in my case) without success. My rescued lurcher of a few years ago saw three different animal behaviourists, we tried everything, including crating (which we eventually stopped using as he pawed at it so much he tore his feet to shreds). The most useful means of dealing with it is to use rigorous conditioning, which involves de-sensitising a dog from being on his own. However, this only works if it is done consistently and according to a set plan. So, week one, you go out for no more than 5 minutes, you also rattle keys and put shoes and clothes on as if you are going out, but don't actually go out at all, and various other techniques and routines. If after week one the dog has stopped panicking, you up the anti by extending the period of going out to 10 minutes, and so on.
I tried this for 7 months with my dog and it worked well for a while, but then he slipped right back again and I just couldn't afford the time or energy to go through it all again, so I re-homed him. I learned later that the new owner couldn't cope either and he was eventually put to sleep, which to this day makes me feel very guilty for having failed him.
On the other hand, I have heard some wonderfully successful stories from people using the exact same methods, and it certainly seems to be more successful than any other treatment regimes. It is hard work - and it can only really be done if you have the time, energy and motivation to complete it through to the end.
If you want any further guidance please ask. I am very happy to take you through the process in more detail. Tony
The dogs have a large backyard to run in and we take them with us on our daily walks as well. We have avoided the local dog park because they have gotten sick everytime they have gone. We can't leave them outside when we leave the house however because we live in the desert and the heat is very harsh. On top of that one of them has proven his ability to jump the fence into the neighbors yard. When we are home they get lots of time outdoors to play and run. The only time that they are confined to crates with closed doors is when we have to leave, other than that they have access to their crates to lay in and relax if they choose so that they won't associate the crate with us leaving.
If your dog is large and in a small area, there is a problem. Large dogs need room to run. How often do you walk this dog? This dog needs to be walked at least twice a day. I mean long walks too. If there is a pet park near by, you can let them run loose too. This dog is large and needs room to run. You cannot leave a dog in a small area and not let them have some
freedom to go on walks and maybe run and play each day.