Quote:

..... When she first meets them...she acts as though they're a long lost friend whom she's known her whole life. Then, soon as they leave, even if they were only here 5 min, she cries and goes nuts...

This makes me think of something related to an earlier reply: Are you 100% consistent in *not* rewarding this behavior with attention? Attention to unwanted behavior of this kind, IMO, is rewarding it. And soothing, stroking, or soft reassuring words will really reinforce the behavior.

When I first got her, I would correct her, I'd tell her 'no'. That was probably the first week I had her, my vet recommended ignoring the behavior altogether, so I have been doing that the last 3 1/2 months. Now when she whines and cries, I won't even look at her...and won't associate with her whatsoever till she has calmed down and maintains it for at least 10-15 minutes. When I picked her up from the breeder she acted the same way, when we went to see her we were overcome with how she attached so quickly to us.

A couple of things you can try...

One is to let your dog get used to a schedule. i.e. you leave at 10, you stay away until 3. She's old enough to hold her bladder that long--so no one comes in to play with her and reassure her. Let her whine for as long as she wants to whine--don't change things because of it. When you come back from school, take her out to play, you and her time alone, always. That way she realizes her whining isn't bringing attention or help but at the same time she's not going to be 'abandoned' because she knows you're going to play with her at certain times.

Another thing, you mentioned how friendly she was to everyone, perhaps she is insecure. One of my dogs is like this. What you can do is bond with her by doing obedience or other sorts of activities, just stuff she finds fun that she does with you alone. We do sport tracking with our mini Dachshund. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Show her that you're the pack leader--be confident and certain, sort of a "I know what I'm doing" attitude, this often helps dogs 'calm down' when they realize you're always going to take care of things. Whenever she panics over things like people leaving, give her a look, as if to say, "Okay, so, what are you trying to accomplish?" then go about your business as if nothing's happening.

I didn't know if this has been suggested already, but also try leaving for short periods of time. Leave, let her scream and yap all she wants, come back, do something and ignore her, then leave, then come back again, etc., sort of give her the impression that, "I'll deal with you when I'm ready." Again the pack leader attitude. If she will cry in the crate while you're there standing in front of her, stare at her while she does this for a while, then turn your back and ignore her. When I used to do this to my GSD pup, he will often give out a low groan, which signals to me that he HAS noticed my indifference. He's still a yappy pup now, but nothing serious (only if I'm being unfair and he stays in the crate overtime)...if he wants something he'll give a low, non-annoying bark to get my attention. This I respond to, but it's something he earned. If he abuses the privilege it's back to stone-cold me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

This is not something I would drug a dog over.

Then obviously you have never had a dog with a very severe problem that couldn't be helped by behavior modification. I did mention medication only if behavior modification didn't work.

 Quote:

Then obviously you have never had a dog with a very severe problem that couldn't be helped by behavior modification

No, I've never drugged a dog for ANY behavior. I just fail to see, other than the neighbor aspect, why this is a situation that warrants drugging this little dog, with all the known side effects of these drugs...all to make it shut up???????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I'd take the dogs somewhere else during the day if it's a problem for the neighbors before I'd pump it full of chemicals so it's a cute little zombie. I just get so frustrated with drug companies and vets and doctors wanting to medicate for every little thing: oh, you're checking account's low? There's a pill for that! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

 Quote:

Then obviously you have never had a dog with a very severe problem that couldn't be helped by behavior modification

No, I've never drugged a dog for ANY behavior. I just fail to see, other than the neighbor aspect, why this is a situation that warrants drugging this little dog, with all the known side effects of these drugs...all to make it shut up???????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I'd take the dogs somewhere else during the day if it's a problem for the neighbors before I'd pump it full of chemicals so it's a cute little zombie. I just get so frustrated with drug companies and vets and doctors wanting to medicate for every little thing: oh, you're checking account's low? There's a pill for that! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

The OP used the word panic. If the dog is truly having a problem with panic, just behavior mod may not fix it. It's not an option for most people to have a dog they can never leave alone. Medication can help the dog calm down enough for the behavior mod to then work. If you had ever had a dog with a severe problem you would understand. It's easy to judge when you have no clue what can happen to a dog that truly panics.

Connie gave some good advice, I think. The the most important criteria when crate training is to always feed the dog in the crate and to always ignore the dog while it is in the crate. And, always means ALWAYS. At least, that is how I do it and it works. Some take longer than others but they all get it in the end. Good luck to you.

Jeanne, I wasn't judging anything...you took my initial comment *way* too personally...

"Panic" would seem to be a nerve issue, possibly genetic, that would take far more investigation. I was only pointing out that barking when home alone isn't the most serious of offenses, and I think drugs on a puppy should be an absolute last resort.

 Quote:

oh, you're checking account's low? There's a pill for that

There is!!??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Set me up!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Pfizer is working on it as we speak, Hank. Oh, the miracles of modern medicine! I'm hoping they release it before Caleb's surgery-my checking account will most definitely be in need. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />