Hi all,

I have 2 dogs, a 1.5 yr old Maltese x CKCS and a 6 month old CKCS. My younger pup has always been around people or other dogs, and hates being left alone. Thing is, I'd like to teach her to be okay with it as she barks, scratches and causes a major fuss every time I walk my older dog. How do I teach her that being alone isn't the end of the world without her feeling it's a punishment? I can also foresee problems if for some reason she had to be left at the vet (touch wood) or any other situation where she'd be without human/canine contact. She has the run of the house and garden when left, with plenty of toys but she just sits at the front door and yowls.

Can anyone help?

Start off by making sure she hasn't got a free run of the house when you are there. I have found a stair gate invaluable with this, put it across one of the doorways, ie the kitchen or the lounge depending on how your house is designed, so she knows you are around but is not in a position to follow you everwhere. Just for 10 minutes or so at first, if she is quiet then let her out, but don't make a fuss of her when you do so.

Gradually build it up, if you go and have a bath, put her the otherside of the gate, eventually building up so you can pop out to the shops and she settles knowing you will be back.

Important thing to remember is not to make a fuss when you leave her or when you return, then it won't become an issue just a normal part of everyday life.

Good luck
Sandra