Getting a new FULL TIME job, and just got a dog... HELP!

Question
QUESTION: So here we go. I have been wanting this specific job for years. After so much time, I gave up hope on getting the job. I decided to get a dog and work part time. I rescued an AMAZING 50lb Lab/German Shepherd mix... He is 5 years old, but seems older. He sleeps most of the day and gets really tired after about 3 miles of walking. He is extremely trainable, with great manners. However, if I leave him behind a baby gate, for more then five min... he destroys the baby gate and lays in front of the front door. (I have video taped him, so thats how I know he is okay, once he is out of confinement). WHAT DO I DO? I will be gone from 730am-530pm m-f (that includes commute time)... and cannot afford Doggie Daycare... yet. Plus, he was apparently left behind, in a house, by his previous owners. SO that may have something to do with his anxiety? I don't know what to do. HELP!

ANSWER: Hi Tiffany.  It's great that you're able to video him.  It gives a lot of insight into what goes on when you're gone.  From your description, it sounds like he is fine in the house without being gated.  What's the purpose of putting him behind a baby gate?  What type of anxious behaviors are you seeing when you watch the video tape (besides tearing down the gate#?

Give him a nice walk in the morning before you leave to tire him out.  Leave him with some puzzle toys that you can fill with kibble and treats.  He can work to get his morning meal out of a puzzle toy to keep him occupied just after you leave. #Here's a page with some ideas:  www.petexpertise.com/barbgadola).  Get a Comfort Zone DAP diffuser to plug in the room he spends most of his time.  Check out the CD of acoustically calming music just for dogs.  It's called "Through a Dog's Ear".  You can google these products to find out more about them.

Please get back to me with some more information and I'll see if there's anything else specific I can suggest.

Barb

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I would love to just leave him free in the house. He does not chew anything, he barks a little (only when there is a reason), he has NEVER gone to the bathroom inside. So I feel comfortable, just leaving him free in the house. I just heard its dangerous, due to electrical cords and things. However, if he has never touched a thing (besides his own toys), I don't feel like its much of a risk. So if you think its safe, then I would just leave him. He is the most amazing dog, to think that he was abandoned is just mind-boggling to me. He is EXTREMELY smart and good hearted.

Also, what are signs that a dog has been abused before? When we get stern with him... he closes his eyes, puts his ears back, and lays down, showing us his belly... its so sad. He is loosening up, realizing that we would never harm him.

Answer
Starly slowly then.  This weekend give him free run of the house while you go out for an hour or two.  Close off the bedroom doors, clear the countertops and tables (take away temptation), put away anything that appears hazardous.  Get down on all fours and examine the room from his eye level.  Have a special chew toy like a bully stick or a puzzle toy that will occupy him while you're gone.

He sounds like a sweet submissive dog and you don't have to be overly stern with him to get your message across.  If you catch him doing something you don't like, just give him a verbal interrupter (uh-uh) to get your message across.  The way to gain his trust will be through positive interactions like training.  It will also help him build his confidence.  If you're interested in finding a good trainer in your area, let me know where you live.

Good luck.
Barb