hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn March 2014 | Page 20

Tackling worried howling
If you’re a new dog owner a pressing worry
can be about leaving your friend alone for
too long.
A recent TV programme featured the
problem of how many dogs start to bark,
howl and pace endlessly up and down after
you leave the house. Some chew things
out of anxiety but many more settle down
contentedly for a good doze, a feed and
occasional looks out of the window.
When you first leave your dog alone in
new surroundings, he will have no idea
when you’re coming back, or even if you’re
coming back. Short trial separations are
essential. Settle him in his new resting place
(bed), give him a chew or toy, and then leave
the house for 10 minutes
or so. This length of
time can slowly be
increased as time
goes on.

If your new dog follows you from room to
room, it should be discouraged. Try shutting
a door between you and him for 10 minutes
or so. Otherwise he will become overly
dependent on you and, consequently, may
suffer separation anxiety when you leave
him alone.
Leave him with a toy that will occupy him
and doesn’t require your interaction. Toys
such as Kong (with a snack stuffed inside),
a hide chew or Buster cubes will keep him
occupied and stimulated, as he works to get
at his reward.
Depending on his background, don’t cuddle
or handle mature rescue dogs too much
during his first few days in his new home.
Having been kennelled for some time, he
may not be used to very close interaction
with humans. Give him time and space for
a few days to allow him to get used to new
surroundings.

IIf you’re looking for a new friend come and see us at

Stokenchurch Dog Rescue. We’ve lots of dogs, in all
sizes - and advice.
Tel. [phone]. Geoff Perfitt, SDR publicity officer.

PUPPY & DOG TRAINING
CLASSES, 1-2-1’s & BEHAVIOUR

In High Wycombe, Beaconsfield & surrounding
areas • Small classes using reward-based
methods • Qualified, experienced instructor
Member of APDT & CAPBT

Tel. [phone]
www.suzannebullworthy.weebly.com
20

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