One of the hallmarks of the goldendoodle breed is that they tend to prefer being around their human family members instead of amusing themselves. Of course, it is impossible to expect a family member to stay home with their goldendoodle at all times, and some dogs will handle the separation, however brief, better than others. In the worst cases, dogs suffering from separation anxiety will destroy whatever they can get their jaws on, or worse, hurt themselves. Recently, dog expert Brian Kilcommons tackled this issue on dogchannel.com and suggested introducing a crate to help combat doodle separation anxiety.
Why a crate? While it may sound like punishment, the truth is that a crate can become a safe haven for your goldendoodle, just as we humans have our own rooms to relax in. Crating works best when the dog is introduced to the concept when he’s just a puppy, but you can make it work with older dogs if you are patient and follow these simple steps.
First, it’s important to remember to introduce the crate in a positive way so your goldendoodle will enjoy his time inside. Make sure it is large enough to be comfortable and include some soft bedding to lie on. You can encourage him to go in the crate by throwing in treats, adding a piece of your clothing so he has your scent, or even feed him there. Once he starts feeling comfortable in the crate, you can practice leaving him there for a few minutes at a time.
However, don’t make the mistake of only using the crate when you leave the house. In order to help him gain confidence that he is safe, use the crate when you are home. Simply close the entrance and leave the room for a few minutes and see how he reacts. When you feel comfortable that he can handle being alone, run an errand outside the house. You can even leave a tape recorder behind to see how he handled your absence. Gradually you can work your way up to longer periods of time.
Keep in mind that crating is only a part of the solution. Making sure your goldendoodle is getting enough exercise and is properly trained are also important parts of curing separation anxiety. For particularly strong cases, you may wish to speak to your veterinarian about medications that can help calm your dog while you work on crating. Speak to a local trainer or your veterinarian for more information.
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