Maltichon pup – Everytime I get home his soaking wet on his paws and beard area

[Guest]

Hiya.. I'm after some advice. I had a near 5 month old maltichon pup. I go to work weekdays for 5 hours a day. Everytime I get home his soaking wet on his paws and beard area...

I'm guessing it's separation anxiety and it's not getting any better. He has free roam of my house when I leave. But it's really not great.

I have also got a camera I bought so I can talk to him through it if need be...

Does anyone know how I can help his anxiety as its so upsetting to see him daily like it.

TiA..

[Sheila]

He needs to be with someone who is home and doesn't work. It's hard on you both.

[Sarah]

I would crate him if possible and see what he does on the camera. Talking to him through the camera might make him worse and make him look for you where man you are not there.

Do you have water out for him? Any chance he is drinking it an making a mess?

You can talk with your vet about calming medications if needed.

Can always give him something fun/snack or what not when you leave to distract him so he associates it with something good as well (make sure pet friendly and he won’t chew it up).

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[Maria]

Could you not put him in day care ...or get a friend.

[Anita]

You can try interactive toys or lickmats to keep him busy while you’re gone. I would think about crate training as others have said.

[Mikayla]

Crate while you’re away and slow feeder/enrichment toys!

[Diane]

You need to crate him.

This is very important for so many reasons. It gives him a safe place to go and will keep him safe from chewing on things that could hurt him. Start with the door open. Toss treats in and reward with lots of praise when he goes in. 5 hrs maybe too long for him.

Can someone check on him after about 3 hours and take him potty? Can you telework or bring him to work and keep him in a pet stroller?

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[Shelly]

My dog was like this and it took a long time to get him calm but it can be done with patience and time. I started going out the front door for 5 mins at a time and slowly increasing it bit by bit. Don’t make a fuss of when u r leaving or when u return just keep it calm.

Do this over and over again and then go out for 30 mins and slowly day by day extend it. My dog is now fine on his own for 4 to 5 hours no problem.

It’s all about building their confidence and them knowing u r going to return. Hope this helps

[Kalee]

Bichons are the best! Ziggys been my best friend for almost 7 years now.

[Vanezza]

You should get a pen and kennel. Also be sure to be boring and monotone before leaving. Babying and being loving will only make them more anxious.

[Ashley]

You can get him an anxiety vest to wear that calms dogs down. Amazon and chewy have them and I think pet shops have them as well. You can get calming meds as well.

You can hold them snuggly and walk around with him doing different things inside or outside so like a baby carrier you wear would help.

It slowly lets him get used to everything around him.

Don't let him run and hide talk nice and get him out but make sure you have him right by you. Slowly introduce him to people. Maybe someone else give him treats with you by him. And slowly distance yourself after awhile till he gets used to it. It will help him a whole lot.

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[Janie]

He needs a safe place such as a kennel. Puppies need someone to be with them or a safe place to go while you are not at home.