Poppy won't touch treats until I return

When I leave Poppy (6 months old) alone at home I always leave her with chew toys and a treat, such as her Kong stuffed with titbits that I know she really likes. She is generally very food oriented and loves her treats, but for some reason she will not touch her stuffed Kong until I return. I use her crate when I go out, as I think she could possibly be a bit destructive left in a room (every time I think I've puppy-proofed a room, she finds something to chew or shred that I hadn't thought of!). She doesn't like being put in her crate, but she doesn't whine or bark once she's there - she just sits, looking balefully at me. She's not afraid of her crate, as she often goes in there of her own accord when I'm home (and it's where I put her toys at the end of the day). When I return, she's still sitting quietly - treats and toys untouched (though sometimes she's had a wee in her crate, even though I take her out before I go). The longest I've left her so far is an hour and a half. Do you think she's not touching her treats because she's very stressed?

I watched a TV programme a couple of weeks ago about how stressed some dogs become when left alone - it was awful to see how unhappy they were! I don't make a fuss of Poppy before I leave, and sometimes I leave her in her crate for one or two minutes when I return, before just opening the door 'in passing' and going about my business. All text book stuff! Am I worrying unnecessarily about her?

Some dogs do get stressed when you go out, and won't eat because of that.

Have you considered leaving a radio (talk station) on quietly when you go out?

Hi Caryll, thanks for your reply. I usually leave the TV on for her! I hate the idea that she's stressed, but I have to get her used to being left for short periods on her own. I'd never leave her for more than 2 hours (I always sort out a dog sitter when I go out for longer).

I'll persevere....but feel SO GUILTY!!

We often leave biscuits for Rocky too when we go out but when we return they are always still there untouched.

Thanks Kathy - it's reassuring to hear that others' experience is similar. BTW, your Rocky is a very handsome boy!!

Poppydom wrote:Thanks Kathy - it's reassuring to hear that others' experience is similar.  BTW, your Rocky is a very handsome boy!!

Ahhh thanks hun, I would tell him but it will probably go to his head  

Darcy is the same won't touch her kong while we're out, I like you leave the TV on and no fuss either, and she's fine we've leave a recording iPod to listen to her when we're out and she's as quiet as a mouse.

Thanks Hayley - phew, what a relief!! Good idea to leave a recording device on - I'll try that too.