Separation Anxiety Problem?

[Mumscats]

Hi there,

I have a 2 and a half year old girl and I had trouble about 18 months ago with a neighbour complaining about her backing, I did have an older dog who was put to sleep last week. My girl basically stays in the house because after I had trouble with the neighbour complaining about the barking I was advised to crate her up which I have done whilst I go to work if I go out. Since I lost my older girl last week the younger one is very reluctant to go outside and be a good girl first thing in the morning and if she is left outside for a period whilst I am at home she jumps up on the window. She does not bark. I would like to get her out in the yard whilst I am at work as that is healthier for her. I noticed a couple of days ago when I was out the front talking to someone that she started barking at me from inside the gate. She also barks if I am on the phone for too long. Could this be separation anxiety and how am I going to break her out of this. She is not quite 2 and a half. I have been doing obedience with her for just over 2 years.

Edited March 2, 2012 by Mumscats

[Guest lavendergirl]

Hi Mumscats

There is heaps of advice about separation anxiety on this forum if you conduct a search. You might also elicit more response if you post in General. Have you tried setting up a cosy sheltered area outside for her with something with your scent on it to comfort her when you are not there. You could also put some treats in there such as a chewy or kong and leave her in there for short periods of time at first and then gradually build up the amount of time she spends there? Some dogs do not respond well to being left in crates and leaving them in there when they are stressed may make it worse.