Hey everyone, I really need help with my dog, Pugsey (we call him Pugs). He’s 14 months old, a mix of fox terrier, pug, and poodle. He whines the whole time I’m out, which is about 3–3.5 hours daily. I’ve tried the ‘leave for short periods and gradually increase time’ method, but it doesn’t seem to have worked. We recently moved from a 10-acre property to a residential area, so now the neighbors can hear him and they’re complaining. Any tips on how to get him to chill when I leave? 
Have you tried leaving him with something to do, like a puzzle toy or a Kong filled with treats? That might help.
SarahMiller said:
Have you tried leaving him with something to do, like a puzzle toy or a Kong filled with treats? That might help.
I haven’t tried a puzzle toy yet. Do you have any recommendations for ones that work well for dogs his size?
SarahMiller said:
Have you tried leaving him with something to do, like a puzzle toy or a Kong filled with treats? That might help.
Yeah, there’s this Kong Classic that you can fill with peanut butter or treats. My dog loves it and it keeps him busy for ages.
SarahMiller said:
Have you tried leaving him with something to do, like a puzzle toy or a Kong filled with treats? That might help.
What’s a Kong? Sorry, I’m new to this whole dog parenting thing.
SarahMiller said:
Have you tried leaving him with something to do, like a puzzle toy or a Kong filled with treats? That might help.
No worries! A Kong is a rubber toy that you can stuff with treats or peanut butter. Keeps dogs entertained while you’re gone.
Since you recently moved, it might be anxiety from the new environment. Have you tried desensitizing him to the sound of you leaving?
diane said:
Since you recently moved, it might be anxiety from the new environment. Have you tried desensitizing him to the sound of you leaving?
I’ve done the ‘leave for 10 mins, then 30 mins’ thing, but it didn’t seem to help much. Any other ideas?
diane said:
Since you recently moved, it might be anxiety from the new environment. Have you tried desensitizing him to the sound of you leaving?
Hmm, maybe try pairing your leaving with something positive, like giving him a high-value treat right as you go out?
My dog had the same issue. A white noise machine helped. It masks outside sounds that might be stressing him.
Cyra said:
My dog had the same issue. A white noise machine helped. It masks outside sounds that might be stressing him.
Interesting, I never thought of that! Do you leave it on the whole time you’re out?
Cyra said:
My dog had the same issue. A white noise machine helped. It masks outside sounds that might be stressing him.
Yeah, I just leave it running in the background. It’s calming for them and blocks out noises from outside.
Have you considered crate training? It can make them feel secure when you’re not around.
Junita said:
Have you considered crate training? It can make them feel secure when you’re not around.
He’s not crate-trained yet. Isn’t it too late to start that now?
Junita said:
Have you considered crate training? It can make them feel secure when you’re not around.
Not at all! It’s never too late. Start slow, make it a positive space with his favorite toys and treats.
What about a dog walker or daycare? If it’s just a few hours a day, it might solve the whining problem.
andy said:
What about a dog walker or daycare? If it’s just a few hours a day, it might solve the whining problem.
I hadn’t thought of daycare! I’ll check out the options nearby. Thanks for the suggestion.