min pin training

Question
Dear Ms. or Mrs Spoolman,

My uncle has a two yr old min pin. when he leaves for work each day he has to put him in his cage because he will tear the house up? we love him and do not want him to be caged up? please help! what should we do?
Thanks!
                               sincerely,

                                                                                  fellow
                           animal lover

Answer
Hi, Your uncle's min pin is suffering from a condition called separation anxiety where a dog basically panics whenever the owner leaves and becomes destructive to try and relieve the anxiety.  The best thing for a dog who has that condition is better off mentally if they do stay in a crate or cage because they look to the crate or cage as their den, so they feel secure in it, which helps to relieve the anxiety feeling that is overcoming them everytime the owner leaves.  He is not suffering, and is basically better off mentally as he will feel more secure being in his crate/cage.  Hope this helps,

Dawn