Separation Anxiety Help

Hi, im a new Staffy owner, we rescued our Staffy a few weeks ago. Male approx 1-1.5 yr old. He is a dream at home when we are around, friendly to people and dogs alike, never barks or cries, so we are very lucky!

The only Issue we have is when we leave him at home, he cries and barks A LOT and also scratches the carpet next to the door and the door itself. I set up a camera to record how he behaves when he is on his own and for the majority of the time left alone he does not calm down for more than a few minutes. I've left chew toys out including a Kong which he uses when we are with him but doesn't seem interested in when we go out.

ANY advice would be great as its causing us and him stress and would love to feel comfortable knowing that he is ok when we leave him alone and we can be relaxed too!!

Matt

have you tried a crate they generally feel safe and secure in one especially if its covered with a quilt/blanket

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Try to build up the time he is left alone very gradually just a few minutes to begin with. Just go and shut yourself away in a room away from him and listen to what he does. Then try to leave the home for a few minutes then come back in, again build up this time very gradually that you are away from him.

Are you able to leave a radio on for him just on a talking station, radio 4 should be fine for this.

A good long walk before he is left should work too, he would probably go and have a snooze while you are away.

Kathy wrote:Try to build up the time he is left alone very gradually just a few minutes to begin with. Just go and shut yourself away in a room away from him and listen to what he does. Then try to leave the home for a few minutes then come back in, again build up this time very gradually that you are away from him.

Are you able to leave a radio on for him just on a talking station, radio 4 should be fine for this.

A good long walk before he is left should work too, he would probably go and have a snooze while you are away.

This is the best way to go about getting them used to being on their own. Just takes some time and patience. Since he is a rescue it could also be he hasn't completly settled into his new home as well

Maybe you could come and introduce yourself

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f7-new-member-introductions

Thanks for you advice everyone. Have been trying the going for a short time and coming back over the last few days, with Classic FM on. Also getting him used to his crate, feeding him inside it and covered with sheet... not left him in it properly yet.

when you come back... do u come back into same room and ignore him or just into the house so he can see you?

We don't really crate we just let Suki have the run of the house. We come back into the same room and do a small task or two and than give her attention