Besides working with him and making sure he is tired. If this is getting worse has the times he is left increased or is something changing in him? Has the neighborhood changed? Construction? Someone pregnant? Someone sick? Dogs notice weird things. Mine knew I was pregnant before I did.
Have you tried a DAP? I have found this really works quite well with many dogs at my boarding kennel. It is a plug in. I use the Comfort Zone brand and find it best. There is also Rescue Remedy that may work. Once he has some success he may turn around.
The other thing that I was wondering is is there a physical reason that he has gotten worse lately?
It does sound like separation anxiety to me. There are some behavior-mod exercises you can do, like the 'Rockstar Routine.' This entails coming and going (getting prepared to leave the home just like you normally would - jacket, purse, keys etc) and then returning (jacket off, purse down, etc like you normally do) about 25 times per day. Don't greet the dog when you come home - Minimum of five minutes with no eye contact, touch, or voice when you come home. Don't make a fuss when you leave, either. Coming and going should be completely un-eventfull for the dog, so as not to build up the dog's anxiety in prep for your return, or in anticipation of you leaving. I have seen success by using the combo of behavior-mod and meds (clomicalm), and sometimes with behavior-mod alone. I've never seen success with meds alone (just FYI if you're thinking of going this route). Meds are a last resort imo.
I had a client named 'Superstar' that would scrape the pads off his paws, lacerate his nose, tear his nails, and break his teeth, even when we put him in a hardcore K9 crate. So, we taught him to down-stay in his 'place.' It took a long time - you have to build duration of any behavior. But, now Superstar will maintain a 4 hour down stay in his place without destruction, stress panting, or vocalization. We did this in combo with meds, and then weaned him off the meds as the behavior strengthened.
We would prefer not to go to meds if possible. The rockstar training seems like a good idea. I know the kids would enjoy the game.
I wouldn't mind the isolation training, but I think with the 2 small kids we wouldn't be able to actually pull it off properly, and I'd be afraid of doing more harm than good.
Sonya to answer your question, we have not had any major life changes since our son was born. The neighborhood has been the same, with the same neighbors the whole time. No illness or anything like that. I am rarely home, but that has been a given for Vinnie's entire life.
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