Does this sound weird to you?

[tl_ashmore]

Ok, I read on some website, that if your dog suffers from separation anxiety, that you should call your house and talk into the answering machine. It sounds weird huh? But, I guess it would make the dog feel better to hear their owners voice. What is your take on this?

 

[Doberluv]

I think it might freak 'em out....confuse them, get them all excited that you're somewhere around, but they can't figure out where. I think it's better to just get them slowly use to you being gone...like leave for a short time the first time you leave them and gradually get them used to longer periods. It's also good not to make a big fuss when you come and go.

 

[bogolove]

Yes, I think it would be confusing to them too. Brady is usually out anyway during the day, but the cat is inside so she would probably hear it, but she could probably care less. I would just be interrupting her nap.

 

[smkie]

My friend Kelly has been reading the Dog whisperer book..she said there is a unique approach to anx..she was telling me about it but i don't want to try to recall the info i might screw it up..something about not seeing u as the leader so when they are left alone..i am not sure i agree with it...but still it might be right and worth a try. Mary had severe seperation anx. She would shred things and panic racing from room to room she even fell into the 50 gal fish tank. That is when i started having a sitter for her. It didn't matter if i left her with her doggy mom and dad..she still panicked. we started out slow in her training..i would at first just shut the door between us and talk to her..then leave for a couple minutes only..then stretched it out..lots of praise..She outgrew it by the time she was about 4. Aaron says she still moans when i leave, even if he is sitting in the car with her, but the shredding is overwith. (thank goodness)

 

[BaileysMom]

It seems like a little strange to me, too. Bailey has some seperation anxiety, which he is gradually getting over. I just started leaving for longer periods of time, slowly. He seems to be getting the hang of the idea that I WILL come back and he IS going to be okay alone.

I am fairly sure if I were to call the answering machine while he was alone in his crate, he would freak out. If I am in the other room talking to someone while he is in his crate he gets upset since I think he feels neglected. I think the same thing would happen with the answering machine.

But, I'm not a dog expert. And all dogs are different... Who knows!