Help with my Aussies fear/high anxiety and me leaving the house

Question
Hi. I have a 2 year old Aussie who has had high anxiety issues from very early on (we got her as a young pup). She, like most Aussies, is very attached to her family. But she is particularly attached to me because I work from home and I'm with her all the time. So when I do need to leave the house she goes crazy, like it's total devastation for her. I have to have someone stay with her if I leave so she doesn't tear up a door or something. Of course, the only people I can have watch her is one of our immediate family members that she has known since a young pup. But even with her other close family members at home with her she is not at ease until I get home.

Wondering what would be the best plan to deal with this issue? I thought I should crate train her (which I have never done before). If that is a good idea, then how might I go about it? She is very intelligent. If she were to ever feel like being forced in a crate, even once, then she will never go in there again.

People have recommended I try calming supplements. Is that a good idea? If so, what kind?

I have trained her to sit at the door when I walk out. There is a window on the door so I was able to give the hand signal and praise her when she just sat there and didn't jump. But if I turn my back then she jumps back up. As soon as she sees me turn where I can see her again then she sits again. I can't get her to stay seated when I'm not looking. This is our typical day when I try to get the mail. I really need help with this before she ruins the door. Thank you for your time.

Answer
All dogs should be comfortable in a crate, whether you use one regularly or not.  You never know when the need will arise and the dog will have to be crated (weather emergencies, veterinary stays, kenneling, etc).  Since you'll be starting from scratch, I highly recommend Susan Garrett's Crate Games.  You can Google to find some video links on the web, but buying the CD would be the way to get the best information and see the whole process.  The dog truly comes to love their crate, which is what you need.

Your more serious issue, of course, is the separation anxiety.  I'm going to give you the standard information I provide everyone that asks about this, but, honestly, I feel that you may need to see your veterination or veterinary behaviorist for medication.  I think from what you've described, an OTC calming supplement won't be enough to help.  If you're in TX, there are a few good Veterinary Behaviorists I can refer you to.  I know there's one in Dallas (who I consult with), in Austin and in Sugar Land.  There may be others and your regular vet would know for sure.  There are medications now specifically designed for this issue (Reconcile, Clomicalm)and your regular vet may be comfortable in prescribing or may want to refer you out.

Here is the best information I've found on the web that deals with separation anxiety:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1502
http://www.wagntrain.com/SeparationAnx.htm
http://petcentralpawsitivepetcare.wordpress.com/2010/04/23/home-alone-calming-fo

I also highly recommend Thundershirts for anxiety:  www.thundershirt.com

Instead of a formal stay, I would encourage you to practice a Relaxation Protocol, developed by Dr. Karen Overall:  http://www.dogdaysnw.com/doc/OverallRelaxationProtocol.pdf

Let me know what part of Texas you're in if you're interested in a Vet Behaviorist referral.