5 month old jack russell - possible seperation anxiety

[PuppyJackRussell]

Hi, I have a 5 month old JRT whom I have owned since he was 8weeks. He is crate trained and sleeps all through the night in the living room (despite barking until let out around 6am every morning, this is a whole different issue). He is great and over all well behaved puppy. He is well socialised and gets a good walk in the park everyday and lots of interaction with other dogs. The problem is, he hates being alone!! He is only ever left for a maximum of 4 hours (including travel, sometimes the odd varied day it could be 4 1/2 complete maximum and hasn't ever been done 5 hours). He is walked before being left, fed, leaving radio on, rice bone to chew, a toy and a kong filled with tasty treats. His crate is sufficiently sized perhaps even slightly larger than required and he always does his toilet business before being left alone. We know all the usual things to help him get used to it, by leaving kong etc, lots of short periods, clicker training, positive reinforcing, never letting him out whilst whinning or barking, was just curious to see if anyone has any sneaky tips and tricks to help, we also ignore him before leaving and coming back.. And he has improved slightly but is still always crying/barking when I arrive home from work. Which isn't ideal for neighbours (we live in a flat) any advice, please share!!! :- ) thanks in advance

 

[gypsysmum]

Is he barking the whole time you are out? It may be that he is just excited you are home?

If barking works to, as he sees it, bring you home then he will continue to do it.

All you can do is go back to basics and leave the room for a second and come back in to him before he barks. Then two seconds then three seconds etc until he realises that lying quietly brings you home to him not barking. In the meantime do as you have been doing and pay him no attention until he has been quiet for a while. Only quiet dogs get attention.

 

[PuppyJackRussell]

I believe it's just periodically until he gets bored/no longer tired and then barks and barks until eventually I am home, we can here him in the close before even opening the front door so I believe it's not completely out of excitement. He more whines when he's excited to see you for a good 15 mins after arriving home. Thank you, this is what I have thought is best solution for it, only life has to go on in meantime!! If only there was a miracle... A lot have said hel eventually get used to it.