Q: 11 mth old Cavoodle not wanting to be left

Question: Charlie's behaviour
I have a 11 mth old Cavoodle not wanting to be left by himself. Once I leave the house I see him almost panic, trying to scale the fence,climbing up a mesh capping on the fence with his front paws and teeth. My section is becoming a mini fort knox but still he escapes and up until yesterday had been very lucky with the traffic. Yesterday he chewed and broke a hole through a trellis gate and was hit by a car on a busy road nearby, he is still recovering but thank goodness will be ok. I love him very much and feel he has used up all his chances. I know I am addressing the symptoms and not the problem. What am I doing wrong?

Answer: Charlie's Behaviour
Augh, well yes - I am currently helping one of my clients Cavoodles who has the exact same problem! I'm sorry to hear Charlie was hit. It does seem that Charlie's behavior is putting him in danger, I think you may need to talk to your vet about some drug therapy. Use the medicated time wisely and introduce crate training, enlist a professional trainer, and maybe a dog walker would be a good idea? In the next year he should calm down a little, but he may need a lot of help to get to that point. Golden rule - Charlie needs to know you are in charge. Be firm but loving with him. Ignore him 20 minutes before you leave home and 20 minutes after you return.
Posted: 09/03/2006