Toy Fox Terrier Dupree has a high-pitched, fervent and piteous whine that his owners are really, really tired of. It happens whenever one of them leaves Dupree’s sight, like when, say, a visit to the bathroom is in order.
Think of your average weekend day and the number of times you might go to: the garage, the laundry room, the yard, and yes, the bathroom, yet again. Thus there are numerous opportunities for Dupree to vocally insist that you DON”T GO.
But, since you MUST GO, Dupree will loudly demand that you COME BACK.
NOW.
Unfortunately, Dupree has learned that his mournful screeching works. That is, who ever had the audacity to leave always returns, maybe not immediately, but certainly it appears to Dupree that filling the air with relentless noise causes the desired effect – his precious owners come back to where they belong.
So our goal is to teach Dupree that he can survive quite happily even if he can’t see his human pack members. We also have to convince him that his owners will return when he is quiet.
Let’s equate this with the raising of children to be independent adults.
You know YOU could fill out the part-time employment form better and faster and in neater hand-writing. But your son needs to do this on his own so he will learn first-hand about an essential requirement of adulthood. It’s hard for both of you, even though you both know its the best thing to do.
To teach their dog to be more independent, Dupree’s “parents” are doing the following;
1. Ramping up exercise first thing in the morning keeps Dupree tired out for most of the day, and not as likely to even notice brief disappearances;
2. Giving Dupree food-based puzzle toys (like a Kong or Tug-a-Jug) keeps him busy when they are out of sight;
3. Practicing very short intervals of separation, and rewarding Dupree for quiet behavior by appearing and by giving praise;
4. By not playing with or petting Dupree every single time he demands attention, he will learn to amuse himself and be able to watch his family leave without protesting.
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