| Re: Need help Putting your dog in the crate when you leave may help. If it's a wire crate, also place a blanket over at least half the crate. Dogs often feel more secure when the crate is partially covered. Some dogs are soothed with soft music as well. Your dog sitter must have scared your dog, so he may associate your leaving with the arrival of this "evil" person. You might want to initiate the crate by doing practice runs, where you're only gone for 5-10 minutes. Keep departures very calm, no drawn-out good byes, just matter of fact. Make it a ritual, and say the same thing each time you leave (i.e., be good now, I'll be back), then calmly leave. Upon returning, don't go immediately to the crate; go about your business for a couple of minutes, then walk over the the crate, open the gate, and walk away.
Good luck to you! |