Poor little thing. I'd suggest crating him when you need to be out so he doesn't destroy the house or hurt himself. I had a friend stay with me for a bit who had a German Shepherd with similar issues, and the dog jumped through my closed dining room window when left alone for the first time, and hurt himself in the process.

You don't think crating him will upset him even more? I am trying so hard to do whatever I can to let him know he is safe here..

Good morning MO-MAMMA. I am sorry to hear that you lost your dog, but I am glad to hear that you have taken in a needy pet. If the dog is pulling down curtains and knocking over lamps when you leave, that is a concern and a bit beyond what would be considered as a normal reaction.

Hopefully, the separation anxiety will improve in time as the animal adjusts to his new home and begins to feel more secure in his enviroment, but be aware that this may be an issue that will not be resolved quickly. Until then, I do agree that the best solution for now is to crate the dog while you are away, (for his own protection and to preserve your home).

Severe separation anxiety may require prescription medications to treat. But for now, begin getting the dog accustomed to your departures by briefly leaving, (with no attention or fanfare whatsoever). Simply walk out the door without even looking at the dog. Stand outside for a minute or two and walk back in, again with no reaction. After a few minutes and when the dog is perfectly calm, only then give him any attention. If you react while the dog is in an anxious state, it will reinforce the behavior. Continue the training, increasing the length of time you are outside.

To introduce your dog to the crate, first leave open it in the area where you will be leaving the dog. If you are using a cage, it may be helpful to cover it on three sides, (to simulate a "den"). Place toys and favorite foods, (lean cooked meats or treats), inside the crate and allow the dog to explore the crate. The longer you have to work on this before you actually have to confine the dog, the better. After he seems to be comfortable with the crate, close the dog in the crate, (with treats), for a few minutes while you briefly leave the area and return, (again no reaction). When the dog is calm, let him back out. Continue this, increasing the length of time that you leave.

Eventually, the dog should become more comfortable with the crate. If he is having difficulty you can try giving him the antihistamine benadryl at the rate of 1-2 mg. per 1 lb. of body weight for a mild tranquilizing effect that may help him to relax. While most dogs have no problem with benadryl at all, do be aware that there a few that may react adversely, (as with any medication), and some can actually become more excitable. If you opt to try this, do so while you will be home for a time.

If you find that the dog is not progressively improving, contact your veterinarian and discuss this issue with him. There are anti-anxiety medications, (such as are prescribed for humans), that can help in these situations. Obviously, these medications should only be used as a last resort after all others methods of training have been tried.

Ideally, one would hope for a smoother transition for the dog to begin a life in a new home, but he may improve in time. Until then, I would definitely not leave him loose in the house while you away. Hopefully you will notice some improvement soon, if not contact your veterinarian. Good luck and best wishes to you and your new pet, MO-MAMMA. --PetCaretaker

Thank you dear as usual and I am sorry to bug you with my pet questions but I really want this little fellow to feel happy and at ease with us. He seems to have gotten very attached very fast, he follows me everywhere and cries if I am out of his site. I hope this is not a bad sign of some emotional problem and just that he thinks I'm an awesome new mommy to him...

You don't have to ever be concerned that you are "bugging me", MO-MAMMA. The reason I do this is to be a help to someone else... I do think it is a good sign that the dog has taken up with you so quickly and obviously he adores you. I would be concerned if he seemed detached or timid or aggressive. However, it does sound as if he does suffer from separation anxiety which may be an ongoing issue that you'll have to deal with. Hopefully with the training exercises to desensitize him to your absence, he will improve in time. It is also possible that the stress of going to a new home has intensified his whatever issues he had before coming to your home. Just be certain not to pet him or give him attention when he is anxious. It is a natural reaction to try to calm him down, but when dealing with dogs it will only confirm their fears and reinforce the behavior. Be totally nonchalant and act as if there is nothing to be concerned or excited about. Good luck.-PCT