Separation Anxiety

Lucy is ok when we all get off to bed and she sleeps in her crate no problem. However, if we have to leave her during the day for a short while she seems to sense we have left her and panics a bit. We have only had her for a few weeks but she was abandoned overnight in a park and left out all night at 5 months old. Whether this plays on her mind we don't know, does anyone have any suggestions?

Exercise her before you leave and make sure she has something to chew on. A frozen stuffed kong works well. Start with 5 minutes or so and just keep increasing the time.

This link may help as well

http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/separation_anxiety

As J has suggested just pop out and dont make a fuss just say see ya later and dont pet her. Keep doing this whilst increasin the time, again dont make a fuss on return either.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ill-Be-Home-Soon-Separation/dp/1891767054

This book may be helpful for you

My boy suffered from this after he was abandoned outside the animal shelter. We started with a crate which made it worse. I made sure he was tried out after playtime or walkies and left a stuffed kong to keep him occupied before i left. I didnt say bye or make a fuss when i came back. doing this consistently and gradually increasing the time away from home should help you out

Well I have read the books, recd good advice, tried different ideas, after about 8 chewed dog beds, one hall stand chewed, one armchair destroyed, chair chewed. Our dog is a staffy cross, came from a refuge ,abandoned left in a park with her 4 puppies scattered around the park...Starving and 12 months old, so I am not surprised she has separation anxiety..We have had her for 12 months now. My solution has been to clear all cushions and chewables.I  put a small bucket on the back of the armchair, she is afraid of this, I then make up her kong and also I leave the cardboard centre of a toilet roll for her to chew..plus a rope..She has now got used to us going and before we fill the kong, she is sooooo delighted with the kong , I think she wants us to leave as soon as poss, so she can get into the Kong..!! Its been a slow process , 12 months to get to this stage, I don't think there is a quick fix for this, but there is light at the end of the tunnel..Never give up on your staffy..and good luck..

Thanks everyone for your advice which I will take on board as it can only come from experience.