[Mochii]

My dog is a 5 year old German Shepherd and I love her to death. I’ve had her for 4 years now, but I have to leave her with my parents as I go off to college. She’s lived with the three of us, and won’t be switching homes so it’s not like this is going to be a big switch for her. Well, minus the fact that I’ll be in another state I guess.

She follows me everywhere. To the bathroom, the shower, in the car, etc.. I’ve done her a great disservice by not getting her used to being alone more, but for awhile she was going to be trained as a service dog. Because of that, leaving me wasn’t really going to be an option anyways, which is why it wasn’t worked on more.

But now, I leave for college in two months, and, since her service dog training was never completed, she can’t come with me. She whines whenever I am in an area she can’t reach, and when I put her in her crate at night (which she loves dearly) she whines whenever I leave the room for more than a minute even.

I want this process to be as easy as possible for her, but I’m not sure where to begin, or if it’s even too late. What should I do?

 

[parus]

The first thing I would do is make sure the crate or space where she'll be left when alone is safe. Don't want her injuring herself in an escape attempt, ingesting anything dangerous, or chewing her teeth down to nubs on wires. I'd also brush up on crate games to make her feel the confined space is positive and safe. When left in the space having something safe and appropriate to chew, like a frozen stuffed kong, is helpful, as is leaving on "voices" like a radio.

Secondly, two months isn't much time so you need to start now. Leave for short intervals building up to longer intervals. Don't make a fuss over her when you go or when you return.

Thirdly, start giving her as many opportunities to bond with your parents as possible. Have them hand-feed her her meals. Have them walk her and play with her. Encourage them to cuddle with her while reading or watching TV. Etc.

You may also consider asking your vet about anti-anxiety medication for her.

 

[Yingyang]

My dog is a 5 year old German Shepherd and I love her to death. I’ve had her for 4 years now, but I have to leave her with my parents as I go off to college. She’s lived with the three of us, and won’t be switching homes so it’s not like this is going to be a big switch for her. Well, minus the fact that I’ll be in another state I guess.

She follows me everywhere. To the bathroom, the shower, in the car, etc.. I’ve done her a great disservice by not getting her used to being alone more, but for awhile she was going to be trained as a service dog. Because of that, leaving me wasn’t really going to be an option anyways, which is why it wasn’t worked on more.

But now, I leave for college in two months, and, since her service dog training was never completed, she can’t come with me. She whines whenever I am in an area she can’t reach, and when I put her in her crate at night (which she loves dearly) she whines whenever I leave the room for more than a minute even.

I want this process to be as easy as possible for her, but I’m not sure where to begin, or if it’s even as you didtoo late. What should I do?

My dog is a 5 year old German Shepherd and I love her to death. I’ve had her for 4 years now, but I have to leave her with my parents as I go off to college. She’s lived with the three of us, and won’t be switching homes so it’s not like this is going to be a big switch for her. Well, minus the fact that I’ll be in another state I guess.

She follows me everywhere. To the bathroom, the shower, in the car, etc.. I’ve done her a great disservice by not getting her used to being alone more, but for awhile she was going to be trained as a service dog. Because of that, leaving me wasn’t really going to be an option anyways, which is why it wasn’t worked on more.

But now, I leave for college in two months, and, since her service dog training was never completed, she can’t come with me. She whines whenever I am in an area she can’t reach, and when I put her in her crate at night (which she loves dearly) she whines whenever I leave the room for more than a minute even.

I want this process to be as easy as possible for her, but I’m not sure where to begin, or if it’s even too late. What should I do?

Dogs are very resilient. If your parents treat the dog half as well as you did, it won't take your dog long to get over you. Look forward though to when you return how fast the dog will remember you, one of the best feelings, second only to winning the mega power ball lottery...