So I figured it was probably time for an update on Al's status!
After about a week of recording Al, it looks like we are starting to get a really good handle on his anxiety. Yesterday was his best day yet without so much as a peep. The only sounds he made were the sounds of him drinking, playing with toys and jumping up onto the couch where I can only assume he was sleeping by the nest he made out of all of his blankets.
Things seem to be rolling along in a positive direction now which makes me really happy since separation anxiety is known for being one of the most difficult things to iron out.
I feel pretty stoked that I was able to make good progress on this since I was really doubting my abilities as a trainer when it comes to small dogs. Big dogs have never been as big a problem for me and now I know why! Despite the fact that I preach to people that little dogs should be treated like dogs and not little people, babies or toys, it looks like that may have been what I was doing... FOR SHAME. Now that I see this fault, I have been working to correct it! Don't get me wrong though! He's still my little guy and gets tons of cuddles and lots of love and affection, but only after he has had exercise, discipline and is in a calm state of mind.
I am going to continue recording him a little longer to make sure that things continue to roll along smoothly and then I will post a detailed explanation of everything I've done in the hopes of helping others out there to avoid the same unfortunate problems!
Happy Tuesday!
After about a week of recording Al, it looks like we are starting to get a really good handle on his anxiety. Yesterday was his best day yet without so much as a peep. The only sounds he made were the sounds of him drinking, playing with toys and jumping up onto the couch where I can only assume he was sleeping by the nest he made out of all of his blankets.
Things seem to be rolling along in a positive direction now which makes me really happy since separation anxiety is known for being one of the most difficult things to iron out.
I feel pretty stoked that I was able to make good progress on this since I was really doubting my abilities as a trainer when it comes to small dogs. Big dogs have never been as big a problem for me and now I know why! Despite the fact that I preach to people that little dogs should be treated like dogs and not little people, babies or toys, it looks like that may have been what I was doing... FOR SHAME. Now that I see this fault, I have been working to correct it! Don't get me wrong though! He's still my little guy and gets tons of cuddles and lots of love and affection, but only after he has had exercise, discipline and is in a calm state of mind.
I am going to continue recording him a little longer to make sure that things continue to roll along smoothly and then I will post a detailed explanation of everything I've done in the hopes of helping others out there to avoid the same unfortunate problems!
Happy Tuesday!