How to deal with your dog's separation anxiety

"Sometimes, when guardians leave the house, the dog will chew up and destroy objects. A common misconception is that dogs do this because they are bored. That is not the case.
In this video, I will show you my method for showing the dog there is no need to destroy anything when you leave - no gadgets, tools or demands involved. I hope you enjoy and let me know in the comments if you have any questions!
** PS: I NEED YOUR HELP **
My goal is to better the lives of #onemilliondogs in my lifetime. It is clearly impossible for me to do this on a one to one basis. I have seen that with around every thousand views on my videos, I get a comment or email thanking me and letting me know the video has helped. So working on that basis, I have to make videos on how to address every problem
behaviour and accumulate ONE billion views in order to help 1,000,000 dogs.
You can help me reach #onemilliondogs by (1) subscribing to my channel and (2) give this video a thumbs up - so KZbin suggests this video to more dog owners and we can help 1,000,000 dogs all over the world. Thank you so much!
** THANK YOU **
For more information on dog's behaviour and behavioural issues, have a look at the following links:
My website: www.thedogguardian.com where I can travel anywhere in the world
Or if you live in London check out my website dedicated to that area including West, North, South and East London dogtraininginlondon.co.uk/
My book: 'The Dog Guardian, Your Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Dog':
Amazon Universal Link: geni.us/nigel-reed
Canine behaviour courses:
· Online Courses: www.thedogguardian.com/online...
· Group Courses: www.thedogguardian.com/group-...
Social media:
Instagram: / thedogguardian
Facebook: / dogguardian
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---------------
About me:
My name is Nigel Reed, and I am a dog behaviourist and author with fifteen years experience addressing all types of problematic behaviour. My book The Dog Guardian has sold over 21,000 copies and I have over 2000 clients in the U.K and Europe. I hold qualifications and certificates in dog training and behaviour, animal assisted therapy, wolf studies and nutrition and health. Next to that, I am a regular on radio and television helping owners address their dog’s behaviour.
I believe the secret to helping you address your dog's undesirable behaviour is through detailed but simple advice that is kind, effective and easy to absorb. This why I have produced extensive online courses with how to training videos and created a book. This information will ensure I can suit your preferred learning style in order to help you perfect your relationship with your dog, wherever you are in the world."

[@nigelreed]

For more advice on separation anxiety or any other issue check out my book The Dog Guardian by Nigel Reed available on Amazon and many other places.

[@Rev-me6ml]

Hi Nigel, Can this routine be done with a 10 week old puppy? The noise he makes when left alone in the kitchen at night is ear pearsing and also during the day if somebody left the room. Is this separation anxiety? He follows everybody but when 1 person leaves the kitchen then he whines, barks etc.

[@nigelreed]

@@Rev-me6ml Any age it works but you have to get out and back in again before he panics and build up the time. My book The Dog Guardian explains it in more detail.

[@chandabrown3861]

Is it possible that my dog has separation anxiety due to my husband’s death? With him no longer being home our dog is overly protective of me and constantly follows me. My husband was definitely the alpha in the house.

[@nigelreed]

@@chandabrown3861 most definitely. And as you're understandably upset - he will assume the role. My book the dog guardian explains the process in full.

[@Dumchi22]

Watching this 10 years later to help my 11month pup.

[@amandaturton7017]

I am so glad I watched your video. Our dog has suffered severe separation anxiety for years. It has got worse since the lockdown and has barked constantly thru the night. We followed your advice and cld not believe how it worked from day 1. We have stuck to it ridgedly for the last 2 wks and he has not barked once thru the night! He is so much calmer and so are we. Thank you so much for the advice!

[@nigelreed]

I'm so pleased for you Amanda!!!! Well done.

[@mikealousi9]

My 8 month old puppy Hudson (chihuahua spaniel mix) is dealing with isolation distress. He gets plenty of exercise and nice long walks twice a day. When someone is home, Hudson is fine to be in his crate, wait patiently, or play with his toys in another part of the home while we’re in the bathroom or kitchen. Initially we believed him to have separation anxiety, but as we reinforced crate training and constant rewarding for being quiet when left the room, we discovered his issue is only when we leave the home. We approach leaving our house the same way we approached crate training and keeping him in other rooms (we call them “In and Outs”).. started with short periods of time, rewards when he was calm, extended to longer periods of time the more comfortable he got. When doing In and Out training, we can build up his time to hours in his crate, or 15/20 minutes waiting outside the house (it’s a cold winter in Canada, can’t stay out there long). The problem comes when we leave the house and Hudson realizes this no longer is a training exercise, he howls excessively until our return. He refuses to relax in his crate or take a nap. He once howled for 3 hours straight when we needed to go out. How am I suppose to reward a calm puppy for my return if he’s never calm and doesn’t stop howling? We need to eventually re-enter our home, but because he’s howling that means Hudson wins. We can’t do “In and Out” build ups everytime we need to go out to the gym, dinner, grocery shopping, etc. Please help!! Michael and Stephanie

[@nigelreed]

They carried it on when I was gone and started off in the front room. The dog learnt to stay in the front room with them and they built the time up themselves until they could go out for long periods.

[@lynnebailey6528]

Hi nigel, this clip is old but l hope your still training dogs. I would like some tips on training/walking/playing a 16 wk old pup with the mother dog. Do you have any videos? Thanks. Lynne

[@Petahx3]

I followed your instructions on your video how to train your dog to heel. At first it was horrible! I'd literally turn around step after step after step. But it was worth it! They walk amazingly now on small streets, parks not so great yet. One of my dogs has really bad separation anxiety and I'll let you know how this works out. Thanks for the video!

[@MrLuxint]

bloody amazing......just did it ten times with my dog...first four times frantic panting and wiating by door, by time 6 was lieing down and had head cocked up toward door by time 10 hardly noticed....extended last four from 3, 5,7,10 secs....may be on the road with practice: calmness, consistency and convincing.....thanks

[@babyfishmouth-sweepingnations]

I honestly, can't get past 10s and on the 2nd day of training my dog is back at square one..I've lost all hope :(

[@XAE_A_Xii]

@@babyfishmouth-sweepingnations the key 2 words is "2nd day". it needs 100s day

[@gabrielaburcea5734]

I love dog trainers... so calm, so confident. Although I am a cat person.

[@BritishInvasion91]

You explained the psychology of a dog perfectly. Great video.

[@MommyandMelanie]

We have a Pit Bull Labrador mix who also suffers from pack leader anxiety. She really thinks she runs the show and gets completely crazy when we leave the house. We are using your techniques and it is starting to make a change in her behavior. Also we are using the training on your video about dogs pulling when you try to walk them. It is amazing you are a true Dog Psychologist. I think Nigel understands dog's a lot better than Caesar Millan and it is a shame that he doesn't have more views.

[@michellebetrue2u810]

I've always had staffies, best breed ever IMO! it's been 13 years since I've had a puppy and getting a new baby in a few weeks, these videos are great to remind me what I have to do to keep my new girl calm, staffies are so human like 😀😁😂 very much a protector of the family 🙏🙏 thank you

[@ilyaschembri5267]

enjoyed this video, well done. it's much more realistic and actually easier to apply to your pet. then the popular tv shows we see

[@stevep6160]

Absolutely brilliant Nigel! You information is so well put across and I can't help but smile at the outcomes you achieve.

[@2littlebirdsboutique]

A great guide to dog training and it's really helped me with my own dog. Easy to understand and effective. Can't wait for the next video!!!! Nigel is a star in the making, finally some decent advice.

[@theblvckrabbit]

This really helps me understand how to figure out what my GSD needs. I always said that if I just knew what/how he was thinking, I could figure out how to help him and I feel like your videos really help me to understand better.

[@yowgyrl]

what is GSD?

[@susiefriesen2910]

German Shepherd Dog=GSD

[@nicolepillette6552]

Very interesting take on separation anxiety. Makes sense. I am a volunteer with dog rescue. We often have people wanting to surrender their dog because they are destructive due to "separation anxiety". I will definitely share this technique and hopefully keep more dogs in their homes.

[@nigelreed]

Lovely to hear you work in Rescue Nicola. The explanation is the video was over simplifies but the technique is the same regardless. Here is a more accurate explanation kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmi3qpWDrtGFb8U Best wishes on your journey helping dogs. I am sure you will help many.

[@kirkbrown8189]

Brilliant advice. Insightful and practical. Very helpful in increasing my understanding. Thanks.

[@nigelreed]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@angcho3]

Thank you for making this video... my pit bull suffers from separation anxiety and she has damaged the house pretty bad. My biggest concerns are taking her somewhere else and having to leave her there for a couple hours...it makes me terrified! I will definitely try out your techniques. Thank you for the different perspective; it totally makes sense!

[@nigelreed]

Pleased to hear it Peter :)

[@ltergilywamb8106]

Excellent lesson. Thank you!

[@leighd6409]

Great advice!! My dog won't eat or drink when I'm gone, she doesn't really chew anything, but when I'm home she does! Especially when excited; however, she will listen when o correct her

[@lilamacguinness1232]

Excellent video so simple yet so effective thank you for sharing 💕💕

[@nigelreed]

Thank you Liam

[@Katarina010]

Oh, thank you! All the best, Kaća and Bolt. :)

[@nigelreed]

That's very sweet, thank you Angela! The views will come as I make more videos I am sure :)

[@GraceFooWaiSan]

I'm here more than 10 years later... You explain it so well. I see so many tips and tricks elsewhere but watching this makes me understand the psychological reasons behind those tips. Thank you!

[@nigelreed]

Thanks for commenting Grace. Glad you find them helpful :)

[@GraceFooWaiSan]

@@nigelreed I just purchased The Dog Guardian! Prepping ourselves for a pup

[@nigelreed]

Thanks Grace - I hope you like it

[@nigelreed]

Hi Pippa, don't worry you are on the right path, If the dog starts up at 10 minutes then be back again at 9 mins as many times as needed to break the pattern and build it up. Sounds like you are making progress but it needs to be built up more and more slowly. If you get home and something is broken, do not say anything, just carry on ignoring and then speak to her when you are ready. Get the book or dvd The dog listener by Jan Fennell for more info as this is only part of the answer! GOOD LUCK!

[@beastyboyBlue]

Thank you Nigel,I have a staffi that is like that and I am working on it!! 👍👍I have watched this video twice!! 👍👍

[@nigelreed]

Fantastic!

[@jasminnapuli2081]

Thank you, Nigel! I will give this a try. I'm trying to manage a "biting" dog. He's very territorial. I put him in a big cage but he cries at night. Your videos give me guidance as a dog owner. I appreciate it a lot.

[@nigelreed]

Wonderful!

[@feurigerStern]

Thank you for explaining. I am absolutely going to change who the leader of the pack is with my current boxer who barks when I leave. However, I believe my 1st boxer had separation anxiety because I got him at 4 months. I learned that dogs adopted before 8 weeks and after 3 months are more inclined to have separation anxiety. All 3 of my boxers have had separation anxiety. My first dog was a service dog, so would go ballistic when I had to leave her alone at home or a kennel. This usually wasn't a problem because she was with me 24/7. But when she had surgery and had to stay home in her crate to avoid her stitches from coming out, I literally had a physical wrestling match with her to get her to stay. All 3 of my boxers have had to be put in a crate when I left the house, or I would come back to destruction. Leaving them alone has not been the norm. I will certainly put your recommendations into practice for short periods of a couple hours. However, I now have a part time job which would leave my current boxer home alone for 16 hours during the week. I will send him to a doggie daycare to keep him stimulated and well exercised. 1 thing that has helped with separation anxiety is differentiating between the commands "stay" and "wait". If I say wait, the dog understands that they are not ordered to stay in one position, but can be themselves. This also assures them, that I will be back. With my current boxer, I have just commanded him to stop barking. In a few minutes he settles down and waits patiently.

[@3Dhyana]

My Rescue Cattle Dog is exactly like this. He's destroyed two crates and he's only 35 pounds. I will try this as he is trashing my house. He's a great dog otherwise.

[@stevenrodriguez2882]

How did it go?

[@menhera-chan2878]

The dog killed them.

[@kayhardie8549]

we're adopting a rescue dog this week and really really want to do good by her ..and us! We want a dog that is happy to walk, play, socialise with our friends (including their dogs) so watching watching vidoes and really like these. They look REAL to me!!

[@nigelreed]

:) - lovely to hear you are adopting!

[@yowgyrl]

I chuckled when Nigel asked how they go out to do shopping and such. My 8 lbs dog has me hostage in my apartment so much so that I actually put off doing anything because of the constant barking when left alone. The thing is, I have been doing the walking out without a fuss and coming back in without acknowledging her. Hasn't work in 4 months. I feel like I'm letting her down.

[@nigelreed]

There's more to it than this video. Check out my book The Dog Guardian for a holistic explanation.

[@Liam2621]

A lot of dog trainers just tend to crush the dogs personality, it's good that you get ones that listen to dogs now.

[@pjstar2009]

Great vid, Thanks, again. I like the way you pegged the owners as they kept looking at Roxy leaving and returning. It goes to show, it’s the owners. Also I don’t get the negativity against Cesar mentioned below. His techniques and love of dog is tested, true, and first on the scene, no need for bashing. New blood is good since the concepts and final results are good. There’s always room improvement for all and learners benefit from hearing different ways to achieve the same result ... for love of dog.

[@vvalle3318]

I love your beautiful video!!!!!!! Wow howI never seem this beautiful channel before????

[@nigelreed]

Thank you :)

[@shelbydobrenz7006]

our 8mo german shepherd pup definitely has some separation anxiety, and while this video is helpful, we are not quite sure how we should be working with him. As a young pup, he hated being confined to a crate. He would go in voluntarily and even sleep in it as long as the door was open, but the second we shut the crate, whether we were in the same room (sleeping) or not, he would cry, After breaking out a few times, we decided to do away with the crate and left him alone in the living room instead if we needed to leave the house. He has never destroyed anything since we did this and seems fairly calm when we leave, but does wait by the front door until we return (even if that is 6 hours later). He is also extremely excited when we return. Another thing is, he does not like being in a room by himself, even in our small apartment. If I move out of his sight, he follows. He does not necessarily seem concerned, but if I am in the living room and walk into my bedroom, he follows within a few seconds. Is he doing this bc he feels he must protect me and I can expect this to improve as I establish myself as the leader, or do I need to shut the door behind me when entering a new room to prevent him from following me?

[@nigelreed]

Yes it will improve once he understands he does not need to protect you. But you have to communicate your role in every area otherwise it will take forever.

[@bordercollie1140]

This guy is good.

[@AndrewTienNgo]

Wow this worked instantly thank you!

[@nigelreed]

Great to hear!

[@nigelreed]

Perhaps in some cases at the beginning, but it starts off in stages by just getting the dog to stay for five seconds, then ten seconds, fifteen seconds etc and building it up slowly until the dog does not mind you going out. In this case the dog just needed the lesson of being ignored to settle. (looking is communication, not looking is saying I don't need you. These owners constantly looked at the dog hence why she always followed. Now she does not and they can go out stress free.

[@kimmartin3669]

Hi. I have been following your advice for seperation issues but progress was very slow. Other problems have been. happening seems my hound is determined to behave like a toddler having tantrams if he does not have his own way. Addressung this seemed to me to be the key to improving his seperation anxiety. So I bought your book and implemented the three strikes and your out. He sulked but by day two his tantrams improved and he has shown a more relaxed body language when practicing the lessons for seperation anxiety. So many thanka.

[@nigelreed]

So pleased to hear that Kim, well done!

[@welsh22princess3]

Erm, some points i agree with, some not. Not going to go into all of that we'll be here ages. The general desensitization technique is good. However, saying that the difference in this vid was cuz of them walking in and out isn't true. They told you they always leave one person with her to keep her calm, and YOU are sat in the room. THAT is why she is calmer. You should have shown them by ALL of you going in and out to be more representative. Still, the end result will be the same I guess.

[@JA-hg6ee]

damn you're right

[@OveToranger]

welsh22princess3 he’s not part of the pack though...so not her “responsibility”

[@49ersAreTheBesters]

Hello Nigel, I just came across your video and watched it. I recently rescued a 6 week old puppy (terrier mix) named Pono. I know Pono is too young to be away from its mother, but there was no other choice for this pup, so I took him in. However I work two jobs and my husband works grave yards so during the day he needs to sleep and rest. I've set up a cozy corner for Pono, with is kennel, bed, toys, dog bone, water, and pee pads on the other side. Pono is showing signs of SA (will cont)

[@taylorlorei6819]

Hi Nigel! Love your videos and training philosophy. Ordered your book, beyond excited for it to be delivered. I'm trying this technique with my newly adopted rescue boy. I go in and out often without eye contact (inside the house and front door) but he never settles. Follows constantly and waits by the door no matter what, ignores toys, treats, food. What can I do?

[@nigelreed]

Hi Taylor, thanks for getting the book. If you move 5 meters and he gets up, you have gone too far. Achieve the shortest distance, note what you are able to do and build on that. The book explains in more detail. Best wishes, Nigel

[@LeonBosset]

This sounds logical and I'm going to try it with my schnauzer mix. I wish Nigel hadn't been with the dog though. I'd like to see the dog alone.

[@nigelreed]

Great. Best of luck. Same outcome will happen The same with lessons.

[@Helen-np5ob]

Great video! Thank you for the video. I have a west highland terrier, and he barks for a long time every time I leave home. And I have tried to give him treats, toys when I leave, nothing works, he won't even chew on his favorite treat until I come back home. I think this may be helpful, I am going to try out this!

[@nigelreed]

Pleased to help Angela!!!

[@BarnesGirlie1989]

Okay, we're agreed :o) Agree to disagree and all that. It has been an interesting debate but we will only end up exhausted. Good luck with your book.

[@AMC-SQUATCHER]

Great videos, advice and logic, I just discovered you on youtube. I don't have a problem as such, we have a very well mannered and trained, 2-year-old, uncastrated Vizsla. We live in Austria and are very active on a daily basis, hikes high in the mountains, forests and lakes but one thing that seems to persist, even though my girlfriend is well integrated into and trains on a bi-weekly level with him at the city's police dog training school, where he's currently halfway through his "companion dog" certificate, is that if I'm alone with him and another dog comes and their both off of their leads, there's never a problem but when I have to put him on his lead, out of respect for another dog approaching that has his lead on, he'll start getting defensive, barking and pulling but only with me and never when my girlfriend walks him alone. She's most of the time with him, goes with her to work and training so could it be that he sees me as less of an authority even though I follow the strict rules we apply? Would be great if you have a tip or an idea for me to work on here as we both haven't a clue why he does this :) Thanks and greetings from Austria.

[@nigelreed]

Hi there, soon as he is on lead he feels restricted as he cannot choose flight and run away. The tension builds and he chooses the freeze response i.e barking, to say to the other dog to stay away. Try getting in front of him each time and stroking the other dog to show him it is okay. I have a book out called The Dog Guardian that explains this in much more detail. Also my latest vid is similar to this issue but more extreme.

[@AMC-SQUATCHER]

Thanks very much for replying, I think you maybe correct and have already tried that with ever more sucess.

[@nigelreed]

This has been an interesting debate but will have to leave it as we will not convince each other and I am not looking to either. I am writing a book at the mo and must concentrate on my goal and not get too distracted. Alpha is a word I do not use any more because of the negative connotation but a dog with an over developed sense of responsibility that is fearful of the owner leaving will try and stop that. A job of a human parent is to protect, find food and to nurture the young.

[@vickygillman1119]

hi pleeaasseeeeee im at my wits end my staff is 15 months old with severe seperation anxiety im now faced with the fact tht i may have to give him up due to this as i cant even go to the shop without him i cnt meet my nan for a coffee without him i love him dearlly hes my life but i dont know what else to do he is controlling my life and i need to get back to work but i cnt even leave him for a hour its breaking my heart xx

[@nigelreed]

If a leader is not doing it then the dog will have to. Then when they try to fulfil their own needs in a foreign world they come under trouble because they don't know how. You should make a video with your theories , using the monkey and person analogy, as well as your misunderstanding of the captive wolf study plus your theory on why a domestic animal still does not retain a instinctual safety need like a wolf and Why. I would be interested to see that in detail!

[@tellafong]

I have a shiba inu. We've never had any problems with him or previous shibas, but recently we've found him on the counters near our bathroom sinks, with paw prints on the mirrors and one day i even came home to a flooded room and him on my counter with the faucet on. He has chewed up almost every paper bag even in the shoe closet. I'm getting pretty nervous so I'll definitely try this out. Thanks

[@LizzS17]

tellafong He should be crated or else he could die from ingesting stuff.

[@jenniferrothschild4329]

GENUIS❗️

[@nigelreed]

:)

[@nigelreed]

@pbrown1907 Pleased to hear it, there are more videos to watch!

[@lordvoldemort4242]

I’m psychology major and i love dogs I would love to do some courses with you

[@nigelreed]

:)

[@lordvoldemort4242]

Gatomon And you don’t think it’s stupidity to be saying that to me? Where did I mentioned that human psychology and dog psychology are the same?

[@lordvoldemort4242]

Gatomon lol ok love

[@nigelreed]

It may be or may not. why your dog is barking, It is limited how much information I can give you without being there to see it for myself. Each video tells you a little bit about the subject but there is loads more to know. The videos are designed to tell you a bit on how to walk how to greet the dog but the key is to get every area sorted which people then call me in to help but that is obviously hard when they live in another country. The book the dog listener by jan fennell will help more.

[@nigelreed]

@88hrw all the time unless you are communicating with the dog and want something from them. There is lots more communication to do as well as the video is just a sample!

[@49ersAreTheBesters]

and he is even able to break out of the fence ive created for him. Please help with any advice

[@amy-louisewilliams9004]

We have started using this video and your video on dogs pulling on their lead 😊 just wondering how you build this up to actually leaving the house? Do you continue leaving the dog in the living room for example for longer periods of time and then start leaving the house for seconds then returning and repeating the process? Thanks.

[@nigelreed]

Hi Amy-Lousie, yes that is right. Build up the time when they are calm. Go out the front door fro a second and back in again etc.

[@nigelreed]

Perception is a funny thing, just so you know the dog in the video didn't always have separation anxiety like many of the dogs I have helped and worked with it learnt to with the wrong communication being done by the owners . Rather than use distraction methods or physical objects like a cage we understood that all animals have an inbuilt psychology and if you learn what the animals nature is then you can learn how to work with it rather than against it e.g cages

[@chouhetteb]

Nigel !!! i have a question im going back to school in 2 week i have a dog just got him for christmas ... i want to know leave him in the house but i dont want him to wonder were every on and how do he goo to the bathroom out side if the door need to be close ????????????????????????????????????????????????? HELP

[@AdamLunn08]

I have an 8 week old ESS who has been with me for 3 days. At what point should I start doing this?

[@salty2761]

I know I'm very late to ask, but I'm a bit curious... My chihuahua has a bit of separation anxiety. It's not as bad as it was a month ago; he used to follow us from room to room every second of the day, howl and whine when he couldn't get to us, but he was never destructive. Nowadays, he rests on the couch or in his bed for a bit, but he has moments where he gets anxious and will start following us around like he used to for 15 minutes or so (sporadically). I've been walking to and from the rooms he rests in when he does this without making eye contact and ignoring him at the same time. He always watches and trembles, but will somewhat settle after a bit. If I keep doing this, do you think he will improve?

[@nigelreed]

Yes the more lessons you put in the quicker you will get there.

[@salty2761]

@@nigelreed thank you!

[@vickygillman1119]

anything im soooo desperate ive tried so many training aids but its make or break now with him but it would kill me to give up on him but i do not know what else i can try ill try anything. he was a rescue and when i took him of my friends hands she said hes not to be left on his own i was his forth owner and he was only 7 months old so i put so much in to his training and hes now the perfect dog except this one thing he cant be on his own even if i have a doctor appointment he has to come

[@Katarina010]

I have a dog, he has 16 months. He is pretty good in walk, until he sees another dog. And than he starts to pull to the dog. Sometimes he barks, jumps... I can't control him. He doesn't notice the food, toys... I watched your videos, but i still don't know what to do. My dog doesn't want to bite or attack another dog, but i can't tolerate that behavior. He is very strong... My dog Bolt was once bitten by a dog, and after that, his behavior worsened. What should I do? Greetings from Serbia :)

[@jbaby007]

Day 5. No sleep. Trying this right now.

[@carolineburns9644]

My dog barks and follows us to the door when we leave, but is absolutely fine when we're gone. How can I stop him barking at us when leaving? Any help very much appreciated.

[@nigelreed]

By coming back in before he barks and building out the time to get him out of the habit. I sounds like he self soothes though so no big issue.

[@mandwhy77]

I just act the same when I go out as if I am going to take the bins out or get something from the car, my collie is fine but does get up to a little mischeif with things from the kitchen worktops, then again he just teaches us to be tidier :-) He's getting used to it, it makes things a lot easier if they have plenty of things to chew or play with. My dog likes mauling a bit of sheepskin, and he likes playing with a treat ball with variable sized pieces in it (bits of ham stay in there for ages!) plus a couple of rawhide chews. I absolutely cannot stand people putting dogs in crates and leaving them there for several hours, I think it is very cruel when they can barely turn round. If the dog needs restricting at least give them a whole room such as the kitchen and make it as dog proof as possible with lots of toys and appropriate chews.

[@py7751]

My dog has a habit of howling and barking whenever I return home from work, would this ignoring method work to fix that?

[@MorganWallaceMusic]

Would love some tips on this as well! We already know to ignore our dog when re-entering & making sure he knows we're the alphas, but if we're to ignore him, do we just wait out the howling dying down?

[@luchiadance]

We have 2 dachshunds and they are exactly the same. I cant go upstairs or they bark and scratch the door and throw themselves at it. I have tried a citronella collar and although it helps it doesnt stop them. If we go out even for just half an hour they wee and poo on the floor. I have always made sure i do not make a fuss going out or coming home and never make eye contact when doing so but its not working. One dog is 2 and the other one is 10 months. We have open plan kitchen/dining room where we leave them. I hate the thought of crating them and when i tried it with the first dog she continuously peed in it despite it also being her bed. Wish i had never got a dog if im honest.

[@nigelreed]

Sorry to hear this. This video is only part of the puzzle and when you have extreme cases as you do, it takes much more information. Rest assured it is possible to help the hardest of cases with the right info. If you subscribe there will be a video in which I help a person who cannot walk one meter without their dog following them, it took six days to get outside for one minute without the dog barking but he got there. It may take a while for it to be edited so if you got hold of the DVD 'The Dog listener' by Jan Fennell in the mean time it will really help. Best wishes

[@luchiadance]

Nigel Reed Thanks for your response. I really hope im up to the task because i love them dearly. I suffer from a mix of insomnia and being woken by a child and a husband with a snoring problem so energy and patience is low but ill stay determined. Ill subscribe thanks

[@nigelreed]

@AdzDoug Hi there, straight away as well as the walk the dog video I have done as well, get the communication in straight away so you do not have problems in these areas. Good luck :)

[@WorkingWeightsLLC]

You also mention a biologist agreeing with your new book. Congrats on a book by the way, what is the title? Top leading biologist of what? Wouldn't L. David Mech be the one you would want agreeing with you since it is his work that traditional pack theory is based on?

[@kimmartin3669]

Hi. I am following your advise on separation anxiety .However 3 days a week I need to leave home for 2hours which is too long for my hound to cope with. Will this prevent progress. When I leave I make him an enrichment box a stuff Kong and a lick mat.It stops him destroying household items but he still pees on the carpet. Days I do not have leave for 2hrs I follow your advise but wondered about if the days I have to go will prevent success

[@nigelreed]

You may have to go out so each time you do it will set it back. But don't worry just keep on putting lessons in again.

[@kimmartin3669]

Thank You for your kind reply. My husband had to go into care 3month ago so Otis is missing him. I have been able to leave Otis with a family member in the short term when I have to leave him the 2hrs three times a week. I am working on your advise daily and factoring in a dauky slot of fun activities with Otis and quiet quality time together. I only adopted Otis in February 2020 he had ni cincept of play however much to my delight i finally succeeded in encouraging him to play ball. I do appreciated yoyr reply to my post and would like to take the opportunity of wishing you a healthy and peaceful new year.

[@nigelreed]

That is kind, thank you. I hope your husband gets better soon and I am sure you will get there with the dog as you seem determined. Best wishes on your journey.

[@nigelreed]

see if they are okay because needs affect behaviour. Conditioning may help this to but it is a form of reductionism. This is the last thing I have to say on it as want to help many dogs and debating with you won't help that cause. Good luck in what you do but I would recommend that the study of nature leaves all trails of evidence of what is happening and the reasons behind it. Careful looking with the study of them in their natural environment provides great foundations to learning.

[@alasdairgaming3835]

I'm working this with my lil guy right now, he's not really destructive, but he lets out an ear piercing bark when I leave - Day 2 and I can get out of the house for 1 minute without the ear blasting barking, but he continues to whine/cry, and he gets very excited when I come back in the house. I don't look at him, and I stay in the house between 5-10 seconds before leaving again. Do I just need to continue what I'm doing and the whining will eventually go away? Or am I missing something? My neighbors probably think I'm nuts walking in and out of the house so many times

[@alasdairgaming3835]

Update 2 Minutes, but whining continues.

[@nigelreed]

If he is whining he is still not happy. You need him to be relaxed at each time before going forward. Ideally lots of very short lessons where you leave and return and he doesn't get up.

[@alasdairgaming3835]

@@nigelreed How can I ensure he is relaxed for this sort of training? Give him some food or a treat or something to chew/play with? He's pretty much attached to my hip, and I don't have anyone to help me. How can I convey that he doesn't need to worry about me, because I'm the one who will support and care for him? I'm keeping my eyes off of him, and being calm throughout the process, at best I put my hand down and out to let him know that jumping on me as I enter the house is not okay, otherwise I ignore him when I enter. I want him to be calm and happy, but without being forceful as much as possible. Stern, consistent, and confident I can be.

[@nigelreed]

No distraction needed. Just very short lessons where you leave and come back again and he doesn't get up. Start off at a second and build up.

[@BarnesGirlie1989]

Yes, but originally it was captive wolves that were studied. These studies originally came from a simulated environment, which is the wrong place, for a start. Dogs have changed a lot from wolves and although there are definitely still traits dogs have inherited from their ancestors, the have also changed a great deal too. A wild group of wolves form a pack to enhance their chances of survival. Why would domesticated dogs do the same? All animals have the same basic needs, that is a moot point.

[@sugaspice1721]

Nigel I need help. I have a 13 months german lab he is very sweet he loves animals and he respects humans dog owner but he hates people walking. I need help!

[@nigelreed]

How can I help? I have a book and online course coming in a few days if you're interested..

[@BarnesGirlie1989]

Oh I totally believe that there are certain behavioural traits in dogs that are hired-wired from wolves... That's not the point I'm trying to make. You've curved the subject. I was talking purely about pack structure in domestic dogs and what you regard to be 'alpha' behaviour, again, in domestic dogs. But that's what makes this subject interesting, healthy debates...

[@DF-te2vm]

Frikin fantastic, even 11 years later

[@nigelreed]

Thank you :)

[@nigelreed]

Not decided on the title. Biologist of wolves and feral dogs and a major one which will keep quiet for now, the book will tell all....... Traditional pack theory is based on wolves in a wolf park (dysfunctional wolves who fought a lot) Mech came up the term alpha which insinuated competing pack members to get to the top. As mentioned this is based on seeing leaders doing a job of fulfilling needs as parents would for a child and the language that goes with that - not competing but nurturing.

[@maryflannery451]

Nigel Reed oh thank you show me where you are anyway I understand I want to say thank you show me I did it all ok I got 8 and I wonder do the training with dogs that's all

[@nigelreed]

should be working, try again, If you type in 'Training your dog to heel on a loose leash: Dog training In London' there is another video :)

[@joediver7669]

5:36 Did you make kissy sounds to summon the humans?

[@edwinramos7848]

I’m gonna try this on my 5 month German Shepard

[@edwinramos7848]

Barbara Von Traumer he still needs training lol

[@edwinramos7848]

Barbara Von Traumer yessss

[@nigelreed]

PP.S If you believe that no human behaviour is comparable to apes and no wolf behaviour is comparable to dogs even though they a dog and a wolf can breed will limit you in your understanding. Yes language has been moulded to humans but are their needs the same?

[@annicecaldwell1271]

I think it's because the trainer is still there!!

[@nigelreed]

I don't think it is outdated, there are two schools of thought, don't believe everything you read. I don't believe in the bible even though I was told that was true. As Einstein said : The deeper you look into nature the more you will understand about everything. Environment affects behaviour hence the difference between a lion and a tiger, however do they have the same needs? Does a wolf have the same needs as a dog? The answer to all dog behaviour is in needs as that will dictate behaviour !

[@3Dhyana]

P.S. The vet put him on Prozac and all it seems to have done is make him sleepy. I'm not all that comfortable with the meds too.

[@nigelreed]

+Diana Daniels I would not use them Diana! Prozac, like many other ways to 'help' a dogs behaviour, is a case of treating the symptoms rather than the disease.

[@3Dhyana]

+Nigel Reed It seems to just make him sleepy, but he's still hyper anxious when I leave. I'm trying going out and coming back in, but he jumps on the couch and looks out the window. If he sees me outside, he's ok. I'm going to try closing the drapes, but he can push them aside too. He's a really smart dog and I'm becoming a hermit. I wonder about getting an even stronger crate might help. I'm sending him to a half-day doggie day care to see if that helps. I'm trying a lot of things.

[@nigelreed]

+Diana Daniels The trick is to go out and come back before he moves an inch, and then to build on the time slowly progressing as he calms. Best of luck.

[@3Dhyana]

+Nigel Reed Ok I'll try that. Thank you for the help.

[@sandracaster308]

Will this work with a deaf dog?

[@nigelreed]

yes :)

[@nigelreed]

The same as a wolf / dingo parent and what we believe is the same as a dog who has been communicated that they are in charge. Agreed dogs learn through operant conditioning as well as accumulative experience but we believe there is more to psychology from their ancestors and what dingos have gone back to doing than just pavlonian conditioning. We may have taken this animal out of its environment but the needs are the same. The dog is trying to keep the pack safe that is why she follows them to

[@nigelreed]

Who said anything about dominance? I have read peoples 'studies' which argue domestic animals do not regard humans as part of the pack which baffles me as I regard my dog as part of my family and I believe she looks at me the same, someone has to make the decisions to fulfil needs and if I am not doing it then she will have to.that in a world she does not understand. As you can see the dog and human end up communicating so the dog does not worry.All theories are subjective and nothing is fact !

[@llarraify]

Yes, we can call it anything, dominance, respect, etc until people can explain and communicate their dogs that: Okay, whatever you WANT to do it won't happen. My decisions will happen. And I cannot convince a lot of (mainly old) people that these are SMALL things. Like: Don't give dog snacks for nothing. Don't reward wrong behaviour with attention. Don't give upon your personal space, teach your dog respect. Don't give upon your "throne"/bed, that's your place. Don't let dogs near your food, that's YOUR food. And teach your dog to be calm before walk/feeding time - by stopping at that point when dog is excited. Calmness, respect, headstrongness (which means a lot of patience and consistency)

[@ColdplayLovee]

I got my first dog as a puppy and I've had him for 9 years and we could leave him alone without trouble. But he died two weeks ago and since we couldn't get used to not having a dog, we went to a shelter and adopted the sweetest Cocker Spaniel I have ever seen. He is gentle, well educated, and untill yesterday he had never barked. But when I left him upstairs yesterday so I could go out for 2 hours, he just barked without stopping for half an hour. And now he barks even when I just go to the toilet and close the bathroom door... It drives my dad crazy and he says he has to go back to the shelter and I REALLY don't want that.

[@mandwhy77]

He's probably still adjustng, my rescue dog did that a while after he had settled in. Try giving him a fairly long lasting treat and get up, walk around, when he seems ok, get up and leave the room for a minute and come back, extend to five minutes then up to ten. Two hours is a long time to a dog straight off. I would try to go in while they are not scratching or barking, depending how persistent they are but try to go back BEFORE the dog has become anxious, go in as if nothing has happened and ignore them, just keep doing that, once you get up to say 30-40 mins it becomes much easier to extend the time, mine does not behave any differently being left between an hour or five hours now. Show your dad some videos, since he is a family member I assume he consented to getting the dog too, and should therefor be prepared to work with you. Tripe sticks last a couple of mins, cows ears take my dog about half an hour if he is really into it, some dogs just like their toys.

[@ewelinaantczak1079]

If u need new star for video I have 3 months old boy I wish I can left alone at home but he cries if I just go to the bathroom and close door....

[@tinfoilghost]

O come on!!! The dog was never alone in this video! The trainer was alpha.

[@nigelreed]

Fair comment - the advice is the same for when I wasn't there and they had to build up to having no one in the home. I need to make another video on this topic.

[@tinfoilghost]

@@nigelreed please do! I'm struggling with myself. My dog certainly knows I'm alpha in every training aspect. So much so, that she is uncomfortable without a human present. Daycare is marginally successful IF there is a human outside with her. I'm an experienced dog owner but not with this! Medication has helped, but I'm a prisoner in my house and I've replaced 3 seat belts in my car. This is a great dog with a super sweet disposition, but whatever happened to her in the 11 weeks before I rescued her made this a serious problem.

[@BarnesGirlie1989]

My dog doesn't stay in a crate when I'm leaving the house either, but until you have full confidence in the ability to leave your dog without it, the crate is a good thing. Dogs learn through operant conditioning. Before, when the owners have left the dog, it doesn't know how to cope, tears up the house and barks and by doing so, in the dog's mind, the owners come back... But we're off topic... Explain to me what part of this dogs behaviour is alpha?

[@menhera-chan2878]

1:24 rawhide....?...

[@messengers4198]

Do you know who doggy dan is? You both are so much the same. 😂

[@nigelreed]

Yes we had the same mentor

[@messengers4198]

@@nigelreed Yay that's so great! I also train dogs like you two. You both are amazing people. ❤️

[@nigelreed]

You're very kind. Thanks for watching and great to hear.

[@irl8796]

Carson Wentz's older brother

[@BarnesGirlie1989]

Yes, a tiger and a lion can breed and produce fertile offspring too. I didn't say I don't like the work you do. I was only commenting on the fact that the pack structure and alpha theories are outdated... Everything else was good. I do not have your theory mixed up with Millan, I can tell the difference. Actually I originally thought you sounded a bit like a Millan fan when you started talking about pack structure and alpha.

[@BarnesGirlie1989]

Of course a dog does retain a need for safety. You see a dog that is acting 'alpha'. I see an insecure dog who has never been taught how to cope without her owner's presence. Crate training games and toys like Kongs will teach the dog that going into the crate is a good thing. Gradually building up the time the dog is in the crate too and having the dog in the crate, door open whilst the owners are in the room is also a good place to start.She just doesn't know how to cope on her own.