Seperation Anxiety - Another Question

[Michelleva]

Hi Guys,

Some of you may remember me, I have a rescue cav that lived his first 7 years outside, before becoming a much loved member of our family. We've had some behavioural issues, which has improved greatly in the past few months.

Our biggest issue we had with Jake is that he despised being outside and would bark continuously demanding to be let back inside with the family. This problem has almost been rectified now. I can put him outside and leave him there for a short while and he will be relaxed and calm. I've even seen him acting like a dog and barking at the little dog on the otherside of the fence, with his tail wagging happily.

The only problem we seem to have now is, he will still bark if he's outside and he can no longer see me. I have to say though, the barking is maybe 25% of what it was 3 months ago. I've taken on the leadership role, and now he has to play by my rules. I now decide when he goes out, when he comes in, when he's allowed to sit on the couch, etc. In the beginning these descisions were 100% made by Jake. Simply by being a better leader, he's learnt to cope and accept that he will be allowed back inside.

Where I am now, Jake can't see me, and he is letting out the occasional yap, but if I leave him he will get more worked up. When he gets to that state, he starts running to the laundry door and looking for me there. I try to avoid letting him get to that worked up state.

I'm after some more suggestions, to help him stay calm whether he can see me or not. Like I said I'm very proud, we've both worked really hard over the last few months and had some major successes, I think this is the final hurdle.

Thanks in advance.

[laffi]

I am not sure but I think Health/Nutrition/Grooming is not the best forum for your question. Maybe you can move it to General or Training?

[Michelleva]

Thanks, thats where I thought I put it.