Re: seperation anexity

In Reply to: seperation anexity
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  genevieve platt
Posted on:  May 09, 2003 at 14:32:14

: I have a very small female JRT (5 lbs) who is 6 mos old. When I leave her at home, she barks and cries non-stop, believe me I have tried everything on this web site to help her with this problem but it has not worked. The only thing I was unable to try is the one where I ignore her for 2 weeks, I cant do this as I live alone with her and have to feed her etc..So a friend offered to take her for the 2 weeks, but I wasnt sure if this would have the same effect? Any ideas?Thanks
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Response:

Dear Genevieve,

How do you know that she barks/cries non-stop after you leave and until you return? And why do you assume that the reason she fusses at being left alone is "separation anxiety" rather then a pup's basic need to interact with it's human?

Ignoring her for 2 weeks wouldn't work even IF you didn't live alone because sending her off to another household won't change how YOU treat her. Weighing 5 pounds at 6 months of age doesn't mean your pup is "very small" -- she is neither too delicate or fragile (in body or spirit) to be taught to handle being alone. Please stop under-estimating her... :-)

I suggest you read through the information in our FAQS regarding separation issues (links below) and dedicate several months to training yourself to train your pup.

Good luck,
Leslie