Leaving Puupy to go to Work

Question
Hello,

I have an 11 week old puppy at home who gets left at home with my cat for about 9 ours tops a day. I have tried penning her in the kitchen with all her toys and water but she starts barking and stressing out and eventually gets free. If she has the run of the house she won't bark but she won't paper train either (when you try and get her to pee on paper she stresses out and starts panting and yawning again) so she pees everywhere and since her toys are in the kitchen she chews anything she can get her teeth on. I now put her in her kennel which she has no problems going into for her treats during the day and you can close the door when you are there but when I leave she freaks out. She is so stressed when I leave I feel bad but I don't know how to calm her down.
Please help
Jenna

Answer
Separation anxiety is a common issue. It can be addressed in tow ways.  First, self confidence building through training, using agility equipment, what is called rally obedience is offered by better professional tainers. It consists of regular obedience training socialization with other dogs and the use of agility items to give opportunity for praise when the dog masters going over, under or through items. The barriers, especially the tunnel offer short periods of separation and when the dog is confident enough, longer priods when it cannot see or hear you but is not anxious as it works its way to the other end and greets you again. Thus you didnot "dissapear" while the dog was not able to see you. This can be done at home by using a towel or other cloth to cover a chair, then have the dog go through the "tunnel" to get the reward on the other side. Once the dog can be inside by itself for 5 seconds or longer we consider the dog desensitized to a short separation. Usually the dogs find it fun and want to go through the tunnel to get a treat, ball or self amusement.

Once the dog is comfortable on short "free" periods, then crate the dog for longer and longer periods. Do not respond to the dogs whimperings. Provide it with a chew toy, dog puzzle (food in an object) so it has something to think about beside your absense. Increase the periods untill you can reach 30 minutes. Then feel free to leave without guilt.

Regards,

Henry Ruhwiedel
www.dogkennel.org