My dog barks and scratches when I leave. Is it separation anxiety?

Question

How can I stop my shar pei from barking constantly and scratching when I go out and leave him. Pet's info: Dog | Shar Pei | Male | neutered | 5 years and 7 months old | 38.14 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

This behavior in Buster could actually be due to separation anxiety. I would recommend crating him when you are gone. The crate will provide him a small space where he can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can also fill a Kong toy with peanut butter and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety.

My dog barks and scratches when I leave. Is it separation anxiety?

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