new separation anxiety since new home

Question
Hello,
We have always left our (now 10 yr old) shih-tzu in our closed bedroom when we are at work or out and she never posed a problem with this method.  However, ever since we moved to a new home, she when we take her upstairs to the bedroom (we have to carry her in this situation as she will not come when she know we're leaving) she trembles tremendously.  We then leave her in the bedroom and close the door as we leave (and she shakes).  At times she eliminates in the room...but another thing she has been doing is either clawing and/or biting at the door and crown moulding around the door...we find paint chips and wood shreddings everyday.  The past few days we have given her the run of the house as we cannot bear to see her tremble.  We think she may still be going up to the bedroom and claw at the door as we've found more wood shreds on the carpet.  Do you have any advice....we feel so terrible and hate to think of her so upset.
Thank you in advance for your time and attention.
Tobi K.

Answer
Dear Tobi,
Thanks for the question. First rule out any medical issues by taking her to your vet for a checkup. Separation distress takes some planning and time to cure.

The general concept is to teach your dog to relax - then to relax when you are gone for a few seconds - practice leaving her for seconds at first then minutes then more minutes then hours. Each time you leave and return make the departures and the arrival non eventful. In other words, don't fuss over her.

The main problem is that you need to prevent her from practicing the anxious behavior - while you are working on teaching her. This means, you can't really leave her home alone - for she will always have setbacks from the progress you make in the evenings.

Buy the book  - I'll be Home Soon by Patricia McConnell. She gives step by step instruction on how to help anxious dogs. Thanks for writing and good luck.