jenn8

Awesome! Maybe they will learn something beneficial and set a standard for the rest. Jenn

I think they key is to leave your dog in an area where he wants to be (i.e. where he would normally choose to hang out) and then do some alone training there. I have never had to deal with a serious case of separation anxiety but there is not doubt that we would have a problem if I crated them or put them in a room they aren't used to being in for an extended period of time. Jenn

To krey1025, I see you are new here. If the suggestions don't work and you need some help, be sure to let us know and welcome to GreyTalk. Jenn

How long did it take to train him to do that? Jenn

Have them try it without the kennel too. Alone training is also a must. Jenn

What Sheila said. Jenn

Try playing fetch with her in your yard. Onyx was very shy and that was the one activity that helped him relax and have fun. Jenn

Onyx's arthritis did seem to be worse at night. I don't know if it was the lower temperature or inactivity or me just being more aware of it without anything else going on. Just F.Y.I., we tried several different NSAIDS and finally saw an improvement with a combination of Rimadyl and Tramadol. One is for imflammation and the other for pain. I also gave him Longevity by Springtime, Milk Thistle and Duralactin, plus a Pepcid for his tummy. Oh, and a bump is not an injury but just another dog bumping her out of the way. It happens all the time. Jenn

Another allergy sufferer here. I agree 100% with the above. Allergies can also crop up at any time. An interesting example is flax seed. A highly recommended ingredient for dogs in general. I developed a terrible allergy to it myself just a few years ago and now cannot tolerate the tiniest amount. I can't even touch it. I noticed that Natural Balance came out with a new flavor of kibble called Bison something or other. The ingredients were identical to their other kibble except the elimination of flax seed. I called and asked them why they did that and was told that some dogs have the allergy as well. For them to create a whole new kibble, there must have been some significant problems for the few dogs affected. Jenn

You might be able to get a better idea if you could set up a video or web cam. Jenn

Aha! So you are the one who ratted on me. Jenn

I don't think 11 hours alone in a crate every day would be good for a greyhound. Housetraining from the get go is the best way to avoid a mess but accidents are more likely to happen because of the length of time he would have to hold it. I am glad you are putting a lot of thought into this but it does not sound like a good situation for the dog or for you. And this doesn't take into account the possibility of SA or some other special need requiring more of your time. How about a parakeet? Jenn

Aww, he wants to snuggle with his family. How about a night light at the stairway? Then give him some time to find his favorite spot. Jenn

Wow, a pair of teenagers. What fun! Just imagine they are humans in a room full of bubble gum, iPods and brat dolls. They will play with the stuff as long as it's there. For the time being, I think you will have to dog proof rooms and close doors to other rooms so they can get used to a not so fun home life. If they can't find new things to play with, they will eventually stop looking for them and you won't have to be as cautious. I would also keep whatever toys they can have in one basket or a designated spot to show them where they can grab them from. The more exercise they get, the better. Jenn

I must be the odd one out. I don't want to use the hair towel on my hoo hoo. Jenn

Pain can also cause anxiety and panting. Deramax is for inflammation and Tramadol is for pain. They can be given together if your vet recommends it. Jenn

When he lies down, you can click and treat too. Are you wanting him to offer the same behavior, over and over again? My dogs will stand there and look at me too. Sometimes, you just have to wait it out and give them a chance to make their next move. It's really interesting to see the wheels turning in their heads though. Like they know they are supposed to do something, but what? Make sure the treats are very tiny pieces so you dog will keep wanting more. You might want to switch to something else really good too. Also, are you clicking at the exact time that he does the thing you are clicking him for? Hope that made sense. One other idea is to go ahead and assign a command to the behavior and see how that goes. I am not sure if any of my suggestions are by the book but they worked well for us. Jenn

Try Clicker Training. It's easy to learn and fun for you and your dog. Jenn

Cardboard, plastic, shoes, stuffies, plus nearly everything "chewable" or edible (especially in the kitchen) are all items a dog will get into when left alone. For the time being, you will need to keep this stuff out of reach. The newness should wear off after some time and he may settle down but certain things are just too hard for a dog to resist If you just recently got your dog, he would also benefit from alone training if you haven't done that already. Plus a good walk to tire him out before you leave for the day. Jenn

I am gonna keep my fingers crossed for you and you pup. She is lucky to have such a caring and thoughtful mom. Jenn