seperation anxiety dilemma

[tompatros]

We have a three-month old Boxer with a serious case of seperation anxiety. Whether it's in his crate while we're at work for the morning, or tied up out back for ten minutes while we bring in groceries, he screams bloody murder. He does quiet down fairly quickly when we're away for extended periods (we've timed him), but we're trying to figure out a solution to keep him from freaking out when we leave...

We're currently trying the "leave-for-a-few-minutes-and-come-back-and-repeat" game, but it's slow going and we have yet to see improvement.

Does anyone else have advice out there or have dealt with a similar situation?

[gravy]

You've tried giving him toys right? i read on this site that Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter keep them happy.

Also the t.v. or radio on may help.

Gravy

[BrunosMom]

Where are you located?
When did you get this dog (how old was he)?
Do you let him out when he's crying?

[tompatros]

To answer all the questions collectively:

> We live in Corning, New York. It's on the southern border of NY, about 1.5 hrs from Rochester.

> We got Pollux when he was 10 weeks old from a breeder.

> We never take Pollux out of the crate when he's crying, as it seems it would only make matters worse.

> Pollux listens to NPR when we are away (we're convinced he's going to be more informed of international news than us very soon)

> He definitely has lots of toys, but we've never tried a kong. Do you just fill it with PB? Is that safe for dogs?

[melanie]

Do you excersise him alot?? when my dog had this problem (She doesnt have a crate and roams free so took to tearing up the house and yard, including destroying a backdoor to get in when i was away) i found a really good excersise session in the morning and night worked wonders. i really pushed her hard to tire her out and found that she seemed alot happier. Also i have been told to not make a big deal of leaving or coming home, as the dog has signals to set them of. So when you leave, do it calmly and quietly and dont return for forgotten things etc. But i strongly reccomend alot of excersise (this seems to keep the dogs brain occupied and contented) Good luck, It is a really annoying problem.