Hi All A friend has a 8 month old shih tzu that has never been left alone (never) The dog constantly follows her around the house sleeps in the bedroom and when they go out the dog is taken to her mothers house. I have explained that there may be circumstances when the dog will need to be alone and should learn this but would apreciate other advice?

I agree with you that all dogs should learn to be left, even if it's just for half an hour. What if her mother has to be rushed to hospital? Who would dog sit then? I would start (if she is willing to try it) by going in and out of a room, shutting the door behind her, but ignoring the pup when she goes back in until she has sat down. Then she can build up the time out of the room until the pup can be left alone without any worry.

Dont want to appear rude anworth but if its nothing to do with you and they are happy with that arrangement then why get involved?
Yes there may be times that the dog needs to be left alone, but to be honest if he's ever been left alone for 8 months they are obviously the sort of people that are always around. I wouldn't interfere, just leave them be. Give them advice if they come to you and ask for it

She did ask for advice thats why I'm asking.:-) She works for 4 hrs a day and the dog geos to her mothers for that period, I think her mother thought the arrangement would be on a more temporary basis not for the forseeable future! Her mother is booking her hols and won't be around for 2 weeks She was asking about boarding kennels and this is when it came out that the dog hadn't ever been left alone. I pointed her in the direction of a doggy day camp that will resolve the issue short term (whilst her mother is away) but surely the dog should be able to cope with being left for short periods without getting stressed? which I feel in these circumstances he would. As Lindy lou said there will be other times in an emergency that he will need to be alone.
Angela

Oh ok :-)
In that case they have got a lot of hard work and consistency ahead of them as they have made a rod for ther own back. Have you done a search already for this sort of thing-have read lots of good advice on champdogs r.e. leaving dog / seperation anxiety / how to train them to be left.
Basically leaving the dog for seconds at a time and building up to a minute then 2 then 5 then ten minutes etc etc. First shutting the door and going to another room, then walking out the door into the garden progressing to walking to the corner shop and going to have coffee with a neighbour to eventually "venturing out" properly. Is going to take them a while to accomplish though.

Or they may just be lucky and find that he doesn't mind being left, if they have never tried they won't know if he will get stressed, though as dogs like routine it is likely.

Best tip for getting them used to being alone is when you come back from a walk at first. Make sure they have a bed that they love and every time they settle in it even when your in the same room [I think the kitchen is best] give them a treat but ignore them if they jump out. They soon suss out lying down in there bed calm means treat. First after long walk/play about to tire them out leave them for 5 minutes by the end of the week might only be 20 minutes. Best not to have them in the bed or around when in the bathroom. Maybe invest in a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs. With lots of toys and a radio on even he/she should easily get used to the new regime  

Hi Thanks All for advice. She has booked him into day camp while her mum is away and has left for 5 mins yesterday with no problem so hopefully they will be OK. :-)
Angela