Hi all!
So about 4 months ago, I adopted a lab mix from the shelter. Originally, they said he was 1 years old, but upon getting to know him and running a DNA test, it’s estimated he is closer to 5-6 years old. He was in the shelter for 30 days, and prior to that, I have no idea what his life was like prior to adopting him.
When I am with him, he is a calm and loving dog. I work for 8 hours in person, and so he is alone for that time. We go for a 20-30 minute walk before I go to work and then when I get home we either go for another walk, or go to the dog park for him to run and socialize. On top of this, he goes to a small “doggy daycare” where he basically hangs out with a few dogs and a woman for the day, just to keep him socialized and give him a day outside of the house.
I am seeking advice on how he is when I am gone. I’ve tried a lot of different crates, anxiety blankets, chew toys, etc. If he is not in his crate, he ends up breaking things because he will jump up with his front paws onto every surface. I would love to get to the point where he is able to maybe just hang out in my bedroom, just to have a little more space. He loves to sleep mainly, but he is so anxious when I’m gone he rarely does that.
I have invested in a very nice crate that he cannot hurt himself in. There’s a blanket over it, and I leave on my TV in the other room as well as a white noise machine in the bedroom he is in. But once he is in, he barks the entire time. Or cries. Or just alternates between the two.
I have someone come by mid day right now to let him out and hang out with him for an hour or two, but he is still constantly barking and upset that he is in there. It is still better than him being out and even more anxious, but I was seeking any advice anyone may have on this particular situation! I would love him to be calmer.
submitted by /u/arianator34
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