1. eve w - 5:30AM on 06/16/08

How do I break a bad habit? I made the mistake of letting my dog sleep on my bed now I can't get him out of it, how do I break this habit? Thank you Eve

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2. Susan - 5:46PM on 06/16/08

It's called tough love! As Cesar would say, you have to own the bed. It's your bed, not the dogs.. so project that to the dog and tell him "off" and really mean it. You can't be wishy washy about it. If he still lays there, move towards him, staring at him. If still no movement take hold of his collar and escort him off the bed. Block any attempts to jump back up. The best resolution would be to give him a bed of his own, maybe a crate? This way he would have his own space, you would have yours. The important part is you need to be firm and not give in to any attempts to be back on the bed. If the dog gives you any agressive behavior then you need to seek the help of a professional to re establish your position as the pack leader.

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3. Cha-Cha - 7:29PM on 06/16/08

Eve, never mind the crate and crying. If you want more room in bed, buy a bigger one. I just got a California King and, problem solved. The bed cost the same as the dog so it's worth it.

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4. Donni-Jay - 8:49PM on 06/16/08

You did not say how big or small your dog is, although I presume you now have a partner and do not want the dog in the bed. If this is not the case and you have a small dog, you could get one of those Portable Pet Home, which are small enough not to take up much more room than the dog. I have two tiny Poms, under 4 lbs in weight, and I have two of the mini size. Both beds are at the top of my pillow, so I have just moved down a foot. My 6ft hubby lies next to me and is not bothered by the dogs, as he has his full amount of space in the bed. We only have a queen size bed at the moment, and there is enough room for all of us. If privacy is needed, the portable beds have a door which can be zippered up for as long as necessary. There are vents on each of the four sides, (that includes the zippered mesh panel at the front) so it stays cool inside. Of course, if you would have to get the large portable bed you could share your own space with your dog sleeping in that. Or, if you sleep alone, you could share the space, but have peace in not being shoved around by your hot pooch. If you just want the bed to yourself you will need patience and keep on telling your dog it has to sleep in its own bed!

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5. ladydillypickle - 7:31AM on 06/17/08

Goodbyes are not the issue, barking is the problem. How do we break our dachshund of barking while we are gone? As it stands, we can never travel with her anywhere that we may have to leave her in our motorhome or a motel room. We REALLY don't want to use a shock collar, but would welcome other suggestions :)

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6. Walking_In_His_Steps - 7:43AM on 06/17/08

It sounds like Eve is looking for help on breaking her dogs of sleeping on the bed, not suggestions on how to keep them there. I agree with Susan, Tough Love. Obviously the longer the habit is there, the harder to break, but dogs are pretty sharp and will soon adjust to and probably enjoy their own "den" aka, crate. We give our dog a couple little treats at bedtime, a small bowl of water (attached to the crate so it cannot spill) and she happily goes to her "den" which is partially covered with a blanket to make it feel more like a typical dog den.

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7. kp - 9:17AM on 06/17/08

I'm with ladydillypickle. My dog gets very agitated and will bark if I leave. How do you correct your dog or keep him calm if you're not there to do it? I've tried doing the gradual time length away and he hit a wall with 15 minutes. I know it's takes time, but I feel like either he's making no progress or I'm doing the wrong thing.

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8. Susan - 1:33PM on 06/17/08

I know for my dog, I make sure I leave the TV on for her and she's kept in one room in her crate. If she can hear dogs barking outside she will bark back. The sound of the TV camoflages the outdoor sounds. I also cover the back and front of the crate to cut down on the visibility of where I am and what I'm doing. This way, she really doesn't know when I leave. It may help to practice this with your dogs. On the flip side, if you have a dog that enjoys the sound of it's own voice you have to be practicle. There are instances where this kind of behavior could cause eviction from an apartment or neighbors calling animal control. As Cesar has demonstrated on his show, a bark collar or shock collar, used properly can be an excellent tool. They are not to be used 24/7, but as a correction device. I wasn't a fan of them until my sister's boyfriend got one for thier dog. He was barking unecessarily while they were gone. After a short time of using the collar, his barking has significantly decreased so that now they don't put the collar on him most of the time while they are gone.

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9. kimberley r - 11:49AM on 06/18/08

I have very good luck with no touch, no talk, no eye contact. But the strange thing I do go thru is if my windows are open, breeze coming thru, and curtains move my dog runs out of the room. Now I take my dog to work every day, so sound is not the issue. Can anyone help on this?????

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10. Susan - 2:53PM on 06/19/08

Kimberley r- I can only comment on what I've seen Cesar do with dogs that have unusual phobias. He doesn't allow them to run, he makes sure they are leashed and submit to what they fear. In other words he makes them face their fears to see that there isn't anything to fear. He also says very little to them... just projecting calm assertive energy. Then he also challenges them by putting them in this situation over and over to reinforce there is nothing to fear. I mean, what is there really to fear of a curtain blowing in the wind? There isn't, so maybe duplicating this with a fan blowing on a curtain and asking him to lay down in the midst of all that, leashed of course. Normally after the dog is calm in the situation, he is then praised and given affection to reinforce his calm energy. If you feel you need help, I would search for a trainer that adheres to Cesars rules. Anyone else have anything to add? Good Luck!!

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11. martinmllr - 9:29AM on 06/25/08

hi, i dont have a problem with separation anxiety with me, my problem is i have other dogs and he is very nervous around them, only when they go outside, he is relaxed in the house, but when they come in he gets nervous and goes and lays in his crate, now the other dogs try to control him, bite at him, growl, etc, this may sound odd, but he is a german sheppard and the dog that treats him and he is scsared of is a 8 pound yorkie, what do i do?

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12. rockntfarm - 7:17AM on 06/29/08

Reading some of the posts here I am, once more, struck by how important it is to set boundaries and establish rules even before you bring your puppy home. I have 3 German Shepherd Dogs, an 11 year old male, 10 year old female and 15 week old female puppy. I am currently teaching the 15 week old the ways of our world. She is comfortable being alone, walks nicely on leash and shows little concern with new experiences/people/dogs. She has shown some odd fears – fire plugs, wooden lawn ornaments and hay bails – but I always help her face the fear, talk in a firm, but kind tone, and offer a treat when she approaches the object. Gradually, she is learning to trust me and not to avoid fearful objects. Of-course, it helps that the older dogs show confidence and behave well in all situations. But, it is a daily job raising a puppy and you can never forget that they look to us for leadership and also for protection. I’m a strong believer in using crates and in making the crate your dog’s best friend and safe place. My puppy goes into her crate without hesitation and seems content there. When left alone she doesn’t howl, fight or get into trouble. In fact, as near as I can tell, when alone she plays with her toys for a bit and then sleeps. Of-course, she also gets a lot of exercise everyday, which may be why she usually sleeps when left alone

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13. suzi1996@att.net - 6:49PM on 07/01/08

I have a question about separation anxiety. Is it better to have a home sitter, which I have used in the past or is it better to use a boarding facility? My 5# pom actually goes into withdrawal, refusing to eat, drink, hiding under the bed and not coming out-only by force. In using the home sitter she is still left alone much of the day but at least I know she is safe. Yet, boarding she would have more human contact. what do you recommend. I travel several times a year and this situation is preventing me from traveling (many travel destinations don't encourage dogs unfortunately).

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14. jodie6037 - 7:02AM on 07/02/08

I have been battling what has been diagnosed as severe clinical seperation anxiety for the last 16 months, and everytime I think Ive solved it he regresses again. Is it possible I will never get him over it? I have tried every single trick in the book and some things has alleviated it but nothing stops it completely.

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15. sfdmr1 - 6:03PM on 07/02/08

we have a 1 year old lhasa apso who likes to roll in cow poo in the pasture behind our house. why does he like to do this and is there anything we can do to solve the problem?

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16. Laura - 9:11PM on 07/06/08

I have 2 shepards one is 2 and the other is approx 10-11 (he was adopted from the shelter about 5 yrs ago), he is a well manared mild old man. He has recelty started breaking through the underground fence. I think it might have something to do with my husband leaving for Iraq since he didn't start doing this until about 3 wks after he left. Well today was really bad we were at church and I had 2 VM asking me to come and get my dog because he killed the neighbors cat. Thank gosh they seemed to be very understanding but I just don't know what to do about his behaviour. Also he knows that they are not allowed upstairs, I don't know how many nights he has come up and woke me up, if it wasn't for his tags he would be sneaking up the stairs. I need help please.

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17. New dog mom - 7:18PM on 07/08/08

I just adopted an 8 pound black long hair chi mix I was told she was found lost in Fontana CA the beginning of June. I took her away from them as she was going to be put down. She is a great little dog even of not housebroken. If anyone knows someone who lost a dog please let them know. and a 2 month old who knows what mix. The puppy cries any time she is alone, sounds like she is being hurt. She even cries when left with the other dog. Does anyone know how to crate train a dog? I have never done it. And how long does it take until I can shower without a screaming puppy. As much as I would love it I can't be with the puppy 24/7.

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18. jeni.edwards - 8:31AM on 07/11/08

We just adopted an Aussie shepherd mix (he's almost 3 months) and he is having a hard time relaxing when we leave for work b/c he refuses to exercise with us in the morning. He starts out excited about the walk but about 20 steps in its like we are forcing him to go on walks and practically have to drag him. This then leaves him not well exercised and his pent up energy while we are gone leads to barking. We've tried the collar high on the neck with consistent corrections while walking but he refuses. any ideas/suggestions?

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19. plwfong - 12:05AM on 07/20/08

Once I started the routine of exercising my dogs Cesar's way in the morning (leader-follower position), feeding them Cesar's way, and staying calm and assertive before leaving (instead of emotional hugs and kisses), my German shepard no longer cries or howls. He also does not chew up the floor and barriers (most of the linoleum is gone from before). Just follow Cesar's advice to the letter on a regular basis, be consistent, and see if your dog will relax when you leave. Constant barking? Maybe your dog is not tired enough from the exercise. Make it more vigorous. Look for the episode on separation anxiety on Dog Whisperer (it's probably listed in the Ultimate Guide to the Dog Whisperer, first 3 seasons). If I can do it, anybody can do it! Be the pack leader!

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20. plwfong - 12:30AM on 07/20/08

After reading some of the previous comments, seems like we need to keep on watching Dog Whisperer, read Cesar's Be the Pack Leader, and watch his DVDs. Go to cesarmillaninc.com. I know Cesar would say that if you practice exercise, discipline, and affection and establish yourself as the pack leader, your dogs will clearly know their position when you are away. I think if you exercise your dogs properly walking with you as the leader, and them as followers, and are consistent with rules, boundaries, and limitations, your dogs will not fight while you are gone. As for the dog that doesn't like to walk, maybe you can entice the dog with food in front of him, or something else that will motivate him to move. There have been a few episodes of Dog Whisperer that showed Cesar inspiring the dogs to keep moving forward. He even changes the type of collar being used. And I know from experience that I need to keep reestablishing myself as the leader day after day as a reminder to my dogs. We always start the day walking Cesar's way. It's amazing how my dogs and I have transformed. Again, take Cesar's information and internalize it. Live in the moment and create what you want, as Cesar says. It takes patience, calm-assertive energy, and persistence.

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