Jasper has some separation anxiety with my shepherd Xander. 😅
I’ve tried several tricks that I knew but nothing I’ve tried has really worked... he still howls and try’s to rip the door open to find him. I know he has a ton of fear issues and, i’ve been working really hard desensitizing him. So far we’ve had a break through with strangers, other dogs, and loud sounds. He just clings to Xander so much at home, and it’s really hard to separate him because of this issue. I’ve had to replace my front door frame twice now... 🤦‍♀️ thank goodness I’m pretty handy around the house...

Things I’ve tried so far:
- Removal training: I have Jasper in the house, and Xander on a leash with my brother. I’ll have him remove Xander to start his anxiety attack, and I try to correct him. Either distracting him by calling for him, redirecting him for a toy, or treat. Sadly he just ignores me.
- Leaving him Xander’s things: Xander has a few toys and his working vest that I’ve tried leaving him to help. It works for a little bit, but he sadly goes back to howling and ripping up the door frame.
-Walking him before taking Xander out: I take both on my dogs on runs every day. On days off I take them twice. I’ve even tried walking him abit extra to really tire him out. So that with most of his energy gone hopefully he doesn’t stress. Though it helps with the chewing some days, but he still howls.
-Crate training: He has ripped apart 5 wire cages. I sadly don’t have the money to replace it every time.
-Leaving him in the back yard: I have a beautiful fenced in yard. With plenty of shade trees, a kiddie pool, a sand pit for digging, in ground rope toys, and even a dog house. Though it’s just a new door for him to try to rip up, and the neighbors complain about his howling.