I'm looking for advice on seperation anxiety. I adopted a 1 yr old male Pug about a month ago and he is suffering from a severe case of seperation anxiety.

I cannot leave him alone for a minute or he cries like the world is coming to an end and even howls. 

I left one evening for about 15 minutes, he cried and cried while I was gone and went crazy when I came back; crying and jumping all over me - I did not give him attention b/c I realize this is like an invitation for him to continue behaving this way...I simply said "Hi" to him and ignored him until he calmed down.

Another time I left him alone while I was at work (he now stays at my moms house during the week because if I leave him at home in the crate it sounds as if someone is abusing him and I also don't want to disturb the neighbors). I figured he'd be upset at first and eventually calm down and take a nap, but I don't think he ever went to sleep. I came home to find the wood paneling (on the side of my front door) ripped off from him scratching at it so much.

I really love this dog, but this is a serious problem b/c I can't even go to the store without him freaking out. I have to have him stay at my moms house during the week (she has other dogs that keep him company and he doesn't cry when he's there) but this cant go on forever. I want him to be able to stay w/me all the time.

It's seriously like having an infant - I need help!!!   Any suggestions?

Thank you!

As a foster mom who deals with dogs who have all sorts of issues, SA is one of the worst! I searched and searched for an answer. Everything said to leave for a few minutes at a time until the dog gets accustomed to you leaving. That's all well and good, but it's simply not practical for someone who works full time.

Mine is a Coonhound (notorious for SA b/c they are bred to work in packs) who came from a kill shelter in very poor condition (also a SA inducer). At first, he didn't even acknowlege that I existed. As soon as he realized that I was good to him, though, the SA kicked in FULL FORCE. Daily urination in the crate... howling, barking, crate destruction, wouldn't touch a food-stuffed Kong left in his crate, etc. FINALLY, I found a unique suggestion and tried it. It worked! I've now dubbed it "Independence Training", and here's how it works.

WHILE you are at home, you have to teach the dog to be independent of you. I had to resist the urge to spend all my time at home with him making him feel loved and special. Instead, I made him go outside in the fenced in yard and play w/ my other dogs. I stopped allowing him on the couch with me. Most importantly, I crated him WHILE I WAS HOME to get him used to being in there. I stuffed a Kong and gave it to him in his crate while I ate supper. BEFORE he could finish the Kong and get stressed about being locked away, I let him out. This helped him get used to being by himself while he knew I was in the next room. That made it easier to be left entirely alone.

I also did Dr. Karen Overall's Protocol for Relaxation with him in his crate to help him learn self control (should be avail. if you google it). It wasn't overnight. It took some time, but he is now fine with being left alone. No more coming home to clean a urine soaked crate and walls and dog!!! No more coming home to frantic barking and howling. He's stretching from a nap when I come through the door. And, he can get on the couch with me now w/ out it being an issue. So, spending less time with your dog in the short run will help you both in the long run.