I've been on maternity leave for the past three months and my OH has just had 5 weeks of leave. Ella used to spend some time alone when we were both working but in recent months she spends nearly all of her time with us. We've noticed that she has become very clingy and whines whenever we leave (go to the toilet, out to the bin, one of us gets out of the car at the petrol station etc.). She can have people around her and even playing with her but if my OH or I step away she tries to follow and whines. I'm worried that she needs to learn to be comfortable being away from us again. I'm thinking a few play dates with her buddy Hamish (our friend's 4yr old choccy lab) as they have a fantastic relationship. Maybe I can stay while she gets settled then pop out while my friend, and Hamish, can keep an eye or her. I guess I'm just trying to confirm that her change in behaviour would be due to the extra time we're spending with her and not something like her age (nearly 12 months), the fact that we have a baby now, an illness or something else...
My husband is a teacher and we definitely notice a difference in the dogs when school starts again and they spend more time alone. When my spaniel was young he would get shouty when I left the room. Someone suggested that I just leave the room for just a second then come back in and gradually build up the time. This definitely helped. You can also give her something to occupy her like a Kong. Start off giving her Kong when you're around so she learns to enjoy them and then leave her briefly when she's occupied. I would add that if any of the above prove difficult you may want to look for professional help in the form of a behaviourist who will observe your dog and help you face to face. Your vet should be able to recommend a reputable one.
It might be for a range of factors, but I certainly have to rework Charlie's ability to settle at home alone while I work quite often. We too have been at home more than normal, and with Easter hols etc. Charlie hasn't been alone much. I work through a routine of pen, kong, leave for 30 minutes etc. and so on. Faster than with a new pup, but with the same aim - letting my dog know great things happen when I leave, and I always come back.
Thanks so much for the quick replies Sounds as though it's fairly normal so we'll work on gradually introducing some alone time and if she drew doesn't react well then we'll seek professional advice. I'll start all of this tomorrow though as I'm too busy enjoying cuddles on the couch at the moment (yep, I'm making the problem worse but who can say no to couch cuddles??)
