Separation (probably FOMO) - I’ve found a solution, touch wood.

[Boogie]

FOMO - fear of missing out. I’m not sure it’s that but it’s not anxiety, as far as I can tell, it’s just a ‘I WANT TO BE WITH YOU! problem.

I mentioned on the adolescence thread that Spencer is fine being left alone if we are leaving the house. But, if I’m popping to another room he goes crazy. Barking, whining, stealing things, jumping on the table etc etc.

I thought maybe the stealing and table jumping was him trying to get something which smelled of me. So I tried giving him the hand towel from the bathroom as I left. It worked! So I’ve put a pile of washing I don’t mind him snuggling with before washing (pillow cases etc) ready for room leaving.

So far it’s going really well - he’s beginning to wait for his ‘stinky snuggler’ when he sees I’m popping out. Hopefully this will get him out of the habit of worrying - not become a long term solution.

 

[FayRose]

Sounds like FOMO, particularly if he's OK when he knows you're leaving the house completely. Could it just be his age and that he's yet to learn that there's nothing he needs to think he's missing when his person nips to the bog or whatever?

 

[M.F.]

Snowie is totally fine being left alone. But MUST be with me when I’m home. The breeder told me all her boys like to lie at her feet, but the girls are more independent and will lie outside. Have you noticed any gender differences with all your puppies?

 

[Boogie]

Snowie is totally fine being left alone. But MUST be with me when I’m home. The breeder told me all her boys like to lie at her feet, but the girls are more independent and will lie outside. Have you noticed any gender differences with all your puppies?

I have found the boys more keen to stick by my side - just like human boys. Then, when human boys leave the nest they are much worse at keeping in touch than the girls!

Tatze doesn’t even open an eye when I leave the room!

 

[Stacia]

@Boogie, what a brilliant thought out solution