Is this separation anxiety?

So when we go out when we come back the cushions from the sofa are on the floor all the time, when my o/ h leaves the house nico goes nuts, throwing himself about scratching like mad for about 5 mins, apparently he does the same when I go out. He never destroys anything but this isn't usual is it? What can we do to help him out?

Ooh Kellie I don't really know the only thing I can suggest s go back to basics by popping out for a few minutes then returning. Do any of you make too much fuss of him either when you leave or return? Sometimes this can be more of an issue to them than we realise.  

Have a read through this kellie, hopefully it'll help http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/separation_anxiety

Whats your routine when leaving? do you say bye to the dog?

I was worried about Ronnie whilst I was out so last week my O/h downloaded free software onto the laptop that allowed us to leave the laptop on running the software through the webcam and checking him via our I-phone whilst we was out.

To my suprise Ronnie was overall goodboy, (he is still in his cage though) but he didnt see too bothered being left.

Would this be something you could think about?? At least you can see how he is when your out he may be ok whilst your gone and its just the initial leaving him thats worrying him - or if he isnt ok then at least you know what your dealing with - just a thought

I generally try and keep things very low key! I do sometimes give him a chew before I leave to occupy him as I go out! Because he follows us everywhere he sees me getting my bag, putting my coat on etc and he thinks he's going out..... I go into the sitting room with him then lock the baby gate as I leave. I'm gonna start doing short times with the gate open, we only use it because he was taking over our bed when we were out, don't want that! But as I say he's not destructive!

Don't think we could do the recording Ali, he's such a clutz that if we put the laptop anywhere that would be able to see him he would probably knock it over in his madness.

I'd just try leaving him for a few seconds, then a few minutes & build it up. Don't make any fuss at all when you leave (don't even say good bye) and don't make a fuss when you come in - just act as though it's the most normal thing in the world!

Yeah I think il try that over the next few days and il make up a bye bye kong as well. He's really food orientated so hopefully that should help.

[quote="winnie105"]I was worried about Ronnie whilst I was out so last week my O/h downloaded free software onto the laptop that allowed us to leave the laptop on running the software through the webcam and checking him via our I-phone whilst we was out.

To my suprise Ronnie was overall goodboy, (he is still in his cage though) but he didnt see too bothered being left.

Would this be something you could think about??  At least you can see how he is when your out he may be ok whilst your gone and its just the initial leaving him thats worrying him - or if he isnt ok then at least you know what your dealing with - just a thought [/quote


Name of software please sounds like a cracking idea

See the odd thing is, I've heard people say that you shouldn't say "bye" to your dog when you leave, but I always have done. My "bye" phrase is "i'll be back" and whenever I say that, Zeus kind of knows just to relax and doesn't go barmy. Most of the time he just lies down and doesn't bother with anything.

Rocky seems to know when me and hubby are going out without him, he will take himself off to his crate and just sit in there while we get ready. We haven't trained him to do this he did it by himself. We sometimes say "Just going shopping Rocky" and he will be in his crate. We don't make a fuss just leave, we always leave music quietly on in the background for him, he has he own selection of classics on the ipod.

Darcy does this too Kathy she sort of knows we're going out & we leave the tv on for her.

We leave the t.v on for the wee fella as well, I think this is just part of him still getting into his new routine so I'm not gonna worry too much just now, if it goes on longer term once he's fully settled and otherwise fully content and trained then il worry.

Broxi - it was I-Cam, first get the app first then it tells you what the website is. A bit fiddly and tiny bit of difficulty finding the right software but great when works.

I thought it was free but it did cost 4.99 for the app. Well worth it to watch what the dog & cat get upto in the day and gave me a piece of mind.