I have a beautiful 13 month old male CKCharles called Monty. He is so loving and has made our lives complete ( we already have 2 children ). The only problem we have ever had is when he is left while I go to work. I work school hours and leave home at 8:45 and get home at 3:30. I work 2 minutes away so am lucky enough to come home for an hour at 1:00 ( I didn't work this many hours when we first got Monty but circumstances forced an increase in hours ). When I get home he has chewed whatever he can get his teeth into ( lino, chair legs, sofa etc). I have tried everything I can think of, including Kongs, Biscuit balls, loads of chewy toys but nothing works. I tried confining him to one room, that didn't work and nor did giving him the run of the house. I know his problems aren't due to boredom because I can't even leave him for 15 mins without something being chewed ! He follows me everywhere when I am home ( including the loo ! ) when I go into a different room he follows me. My husband can't even leave the house to go to the shop without Monty pining at the window sill, looking out for him.
I go back to school in a week ( after 6 weeks of Monty having me and kids at home ) and I am dreading what I will come home to, please help.

HI

Monty sounds lovely :)

It does sound a little like separation anxiety from what you have said. Does he ever choose to be away from you, as that would indicate some degree of independence. Often dogs destroy things within a few minutes of the owner leaving the house rather than sysematically chewing all the time but it does depend.

If you visit www.pets.f9.co.uk (go to Shop and Books) there is a good booklet for just £3 on separation anxiety. As Peter Neville says, the behaviour is a case of failing to learn effective coping strategies when faced with social isolation. He has given suggestions for modifying the behaviour for the pet owner.

Hth

Lindsay

hi why don:t you get in conact with his breeder for advice he sounds like a lovely dog

Hi :)

We had a similar problem with our 8yr old schnauzer, Untill he was 6 he was my mothers dog and she was at home all day, i lived at home and without realising we never left the dog alone....there was always someone in at some point and the dog was never alone.

Our circumstances changed and when i moved out and bought a house with my Husband Boston came to live with us...Our neighbours complained that he howled non stop from the moment we left untill the time we came back and we also found that he would pee inside (something he never did!)

I did some research and started some training....The whole point is to ease the anxiety the dog feels. When you leave he doesnt know when you will be home or if you are coming back! It took us a couple of months but now at nearly 9yrs old he can quite happily be left for any period of time and he will occupie himself (quietly) untill we get home (and he is clean too)

Simply you have to leave the dog for short bursts, i started with 3 Mins....put him in his 'place' if he has one just like you would when you go out and do all the normal things (alarm, lock the door etc) wait outside where he cant see you and return 3 mins later.....only give gentle praise if he has been good (dont want to over excite him - just say hello :)) and ignore any wrong doings...continue this buy extending the time he is left alone....next try 5 mins, then 10 mins etc, untill one day you will realise you have been out for 3 hours shopping or whatever and you come back to a tidy house :)

Hope that helps, it cant hurt to try - It may not work for you but i thought i would suggest it as it has worked wonders for us (who said you cant teach and old dog new tricks lol)

Good Luck!

Roxanne

Hi All

I have the same problem with my 17 month old shar pei ZENA when i leave her on her own she will self hurt herself by biteing and scratching she has been in a right stste as she hurts herself untill she is bleeding.

the problem has started since i left college and been off college for about 3 month and done the wrong thing of not leaving her by herself. all she dose is hurt herself she wont chew any thing else or wet/dirt.

i have bought some dog shoes and they are helping.

any help would be great?.

thanks stephen