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Obedience problems with my pom

19 17:16:51

Question
My girlfriend and I just acquired an 11 month old pom from an animal shelter. We know that his previous owners' kids abused and injured him.  We have had him for about a week, and he seems more attached to me that to my girlfriend, who is the dogs "real owner".  When i leave the house, he sits in front of the door and barks for about an hour. My girlfriend is home at these times, and he will not obey her to be quiet or simply pay attention to her at all.  But when i get home, he acts alright and lays on her and somewhat listens to her, but not nearly as much as when i tell him to do something. I know of no previous training for him, and I was given advice to crate him 24/7. Also, when we both leave the house, we confine him to the kitchen with a baby gate, and he just yaps and barks nonstop until we get home.  What should we do?

Answer
Hi Brad,

Since this puppy has had a rough start--being abused and then rejected, it's going to take some time to get him to totally trust you.  Who told you to crate 24/7?  How stupid!  Why would you do that??  

He barks when your gone because he has separation anxiety.
Check out these sites for help with that:
http://www.doggiedoor.com/sepanx.shtml
http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/anxiety.html

Here's what I recommend to get the puppy to bond to your girlfriend.  First of all, I think he sees the pack order like this: You, him and then your girlfriend--that's why he listens to you, but not her.  She should hand feed him every meal.  (Feed him twice a day.)  If possible have her feed him a meal right after you leave.  If not give a few treats but only after telling him to be quiet and he obeys.  You should ignore him for awhile.  All love and attention should only come from your girlfriend.  This is just temporary until he bonds with her and respects her as alpha dog.  After he starts responding to her, I suggest she take him to a dog obedience class.  It will build his confidence and the bond between them.

Let me know if you have any other questions.  I am sure he will be a wonderful and loyal pet for her!  

Best Regards,
Carrie
PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS.  

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