We have a high-energy and very velcro German Shorthaired Pointer. We’ve been leaving him in the crate every time we need to be away, for example when I’m working at the office. He didn’t mind being there too much but once he woke up, he started crying like crazy and we would hurry home to let him out. It’s been pretty difficult for us to deal with and I was so afraid that this will be my life for a long time. He is 11 months now and I decided to try leaving him in the living room/kitchen area with other parts of the house separated by baby gates. I set up the camera, ready to see crying, whining and destruction. Guess what, he just sleeps all day long, longer than he ever does in the crate. Of course I still go home during my lunch break and let him out to pee and take him out to exercise for an hour. Most of the time he doesn’t even react when people leave the house. It’s been perfect! Before I was afraid that he has separation anxiety but it is clearly just fomo – he didn’t want to be alone in a crate when something might be going on out in the living room but when he knows that nothing interesting is happening, he just sleep. This is a dog that until a few months ago wasn’t even able to sleep outside of the crate. I hope my story gives hope to people who are in a similar situation with their dogs. Try different approaches and it might just work out well!
submitted by /u/Constant_Grade
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