How can I stop my dog from crying and howling whenever I walk away from him?
Sounds like separation anxiety and getting another dog is NOT the answer – not until you sort out the first dog’s problem. Take the drama out of your leaving routines, e.g. when you leave the house, are you rushing around looking for keys, bags, jackets etc? Your dog will know your “leaving” routines much better than you. Don’t make any kind of fuss of your dog. Don’t even say goodbye when you leave. Try leaving for just a few seconds, so that the dog starts to learn that even when you go, you always come back. Gradually increase the time you leave the dog. A few treats in a kong-type toy can distract your dog for a few minutes, giving you time to make a clean getaway! I have 2 dogs and one of them has separation anxiety. The presence of the other dog does not stop him crying and making a fuss. But, the good news is, he only cries for a few seconds now, and not the hours he started with. Patience is the key, and understanding neighbours!
