dog anxiety problem

Hi we own a 2 1/2 yr old golden retreiver. When we go out at night and sometimes during the day after an hour he starts to whimper and bark continuously and tries to eat our fence. This has become a concern as it is annoying our neighbours. He has recently been desexed as well. Can you please help as we are not sure how to tackle this one. He has another dog with him for the company but still continues.
Posted: 20/05/2008

ANSWER: anxiety problem
Separation anxiety is something WE humans create. Have a transparent hierarchy with our dogs and they see us as the leader. As we do not have all the facts advice is very generic. Dogs will eat their way out of anything, fences, plaster board, door frames etc ? it is serious! Be a firm transparent leader, so the dog can see that he does not have to be the leader. He is worried about you leaving and wonders if you can cope. That is why they want to break out. Suggest you leave without any interaction. When you come back NO interaction. Ignore the dog at least 15 min and when quiet call to give some attention ? never over do it. Build the dog's confidence. If persists, I strongly recommend you see a qualified behavioural trainer as this can easily get a lot worse if not addressed properly
Posted: 20/05/2008