toy chihuahua with seperation anxiety?

United States
November 29, 2007 8:58pm CST
i have a toy chihuahua that ive raised since its birth( he was actually born on my lap on the way to the vet) and every time i leave the room he follows me (EVERYWHERE) and i cannot even leave the house without him whining and crying for hours and getting into things.. i am at my wits end!! is there anything i can do to stop this???
2 responses
• United States
30 Nov 07
Most people don't treat toy sized dogs like dogs. They treat them like little dolls. They always are holding them, carrying them in a purse. When the best remedy is to raise them like a normal dog. Make them sit, stay, etc, and let them walk on their own. I think you should invest in a small dog crate - line it with soft blankets and when you are not home or when you are doing something where its best he is out of harm's way - you can put him in there. It will prevent him from destroying things and if done right, he will see it as his den/cave and a positive place. Also, the biggest problem with seperation anxiety is up. The second we come home, we kiss and hug our dogs, and usually are dogs are all excited, so we are in essence rewarding and praising them for acting hyper. What we need to do is completely ignore them when we come in the house. Don't make eye contact. put down your keys, put down your bags, take off your coat, put down the mail and do what you need to do to settle yourself in the house. When the dog has settled down a bit THEN pet them. Then they will associate calm behavior=good. And eventually they won't get all hyped up when we are not home.
1 person likes this
@lizabeth (666)
• United States
5 Dec 07
That was well said. And so true!
@lizabeth (666)
• United States
30 Nov 07
How old is he? I have a chihuahua also and they can be very demanding. I would get a small kennel for him and try putting his toys in there and him for small amounts of time when you are home. I'm sure he will whine alot until he gets used to it. Sometimes once they get used to it they find it comforting. Hope it helps.