My two dogs suffer from this badly, they do not get left for too long periods but get incredibly stressed no matter how long they are left. They get very distructive also and have caused quite abit of damage. I normally put them in the empty utility room when i am out, with there bed and toys/chews etc, one of them has managed to open the door now, a little party trick. A secret apposable thumb i think because they can open drawers too. Got into the baking cupboard and i had flour and sugar all over the downstairs. Another time they got out shredded the sofa and another totally ransaked my bedroom ate all my teddies chewed shoes etc.

They do get stimulated mentally and physically both get regular exercise, i just think they miss me too much. When i visit family and go out, my mum says they pace up and down they will not settle and often pine for me. I have tried chews and food to occupy them when i am gone but they just ignore them totally. I  think it is partly my fault with the dog because i was off when i got him as a pup and he didnt spend anytime alone for 3 months. I have not had the bitch from a pup and she used to live outdoors. What can i do? should i crate them? they will not fit in the same crate so will have to have seperate ones, will a crate even be big enough for one of them? I would like to buy a new sofa soon, but i cannot have the dogs rip it up. Should i start from scratch and detatch myself from them an hour at a time until they get used to this, how can i make sure they are not being destructive yet i want them to think i am out. I am not quite sure what to do and i hate them being stressed when i say bye to them because they know i am leaving, and if they get out its what mess can i come back to and what if they swallow something bad. In the room they are in they have started on the plaster board and mason makes these i call them seal pup yelps, not proper barking. Would a baby gate help so they can see i am definately out. and they are not so much prisoners they can see. Any advice welcome, thanks in advance

Louise

I'm not sure what to suggest as neither of my two have suffered to this extent.  When I got my boy I was off work for his first year but made sure he was left on his own for a bit every day, even if I just nipped round to my friends for a coffee.  It is difficult striking the right balance.  I would highly recommend a proper large dog gate (I've found ours invaluable and should've got it from him being a puppy).  I'm assuming you're not making a fuss of them when you leave and come back, i'm not saying ignore them, just quiet, calm departures and arrivals.

The usual, sensible advice coming, go and see a reputable behaviourist as it really isn't practical not being able to leave them, even for a short time!

Good luck.

I wouldnt recommend crating them as this will probably make them more distressed further and doesnt actually solve the problem.
How about doing as you do with puppys and building up the time they are left alon. literally putting on your coat, turning off the tele etc (as you would do when leaving the house) leave the house, lock the door etc then walk to the front street and back again. Lavish them with praise and reward them when you come back in.
Next day do the same again but walk outside for 2 minutes. Build it up really gradually and reasure them lots when you come in. This way they will asossiate you leaving with coming back soon with a treat and a cuddle. If this time is slowly built up then they wont even realise and within a few short weeks it could be half hour with the promise of building up for longer.

Big question:

Are the this way when you leave the house only or do they act this way even when you are in the house in another room?

How to deal with the problem depends on the answers to these questions.

If they are ok if they think you are in the house....change your leaving routine...get all dressed up to go out and then run the hoover...get a cup of tea....anything really...then go sit and watch the tele.  Make a Recording of your voice pehaps you on the phone or upstairs (if you have one) and lay the speaker side down on the floor ABOVE the room the dogs are in. Play this recording when ever you leave the dogs in the chosen room.  Wear a t-shirt for a few days and leave it outside the door to their room. When you leave make sure they don't hear you. Get them eating a tasty treat perhaps leave the tele on...run the CD of your voice running on repeat  maybe put some hoover noises on it( So it sounds like you're in the house). Leave the shirt by the door so it SMELLS like you're in the house...go out as quietly as you can for a few minutes without the car just a short walk....go into the house quietly and get a cuppa from the kitchen...do some tidy-upping and the go see the dogs....walk into them as if you had been there the whole time.

just suggestions.....

If they can't be left anywhere away from you...then you would need to start a programme of teaching them to be apart.  Starting off by tethering them just out of paw reach (if possible) so they can see but not touch. When they relax..praise them. Work up to a physical barrier like a drape of some sort. They can see smell and know you are there but can see you. Praise when calm and quiet. Give them attention on your terms not theirs.  Increase the distance slowly until the door is the barrier with you just outside it. Over time they should be good knowing you are in the house but not near them and then you can do try the above  suggestion.

I am no expert and am only makiing suggestions based on my limited but increasing knowledge.  Any other addtions to my idea welcomed as I love to learn new things.

Cheers

No help really but just for the benefit of anyone reading. 

I think it most unwise to ever shut more than one dog in a crate except if your there to supervise them.

As for the separation anxiety the usual methods are to cool your relationship with the dogs so they are not so over dependent and to build the length of time they a re not with you by very gradual steps, and after they are ready to rest, after walks training etc.

Also using baby gates so they can see you but not follow you about.

Hi its the same if im in the house, and they cannot get to me in some ways, like if i leave them in their room until paws are dry from walkies etc they cry, if i leave the living room and shut the door behind me they cry but not as much. but if i go for a shower they are fine, chill on their beds in my room and sleep dont make a peep, but i guess this is because they know im going for a shower and not leaving them, but if i leave them in my room to go out there wud we lots of damage. I have recently got a baby gate its at the dining room door so they cannot get to the upstairs or living room. i left them there this morning when i went to get washed and dressed brush my teeth etc and they calmed down after a while. i think i will have to wean them from me a little, but i dont think i could ever leave them with objects especially within reach of the sofa lol. i might move the baby gate to their room so they can see me leaving and they are not fretting that i am still in the house and just ignoring them.

Think i will try tonight, i will watch dog borstal and leave them behind the baby gate for an hour n give them a treat on my return. be nice not to have 3 shadows whilst im making dinner too, put them on the otherside of the baby gate when im in the kitchen too.

Thanks Folks