HELP: What to do with a dog who misses their owner A LOT?

Rover just sent an e-mail the other day titled, "How to Hypnotize Your Dog". Long, gentle strokes down the back seems to work wonders for my dog. Find this pup's weak spot: behind the ears, down the back, his underside, and see if that relaxes him.

In addition to the above suggestions, I recommend confining the dog while you are asleep or away, because anxious dogs can really hurt themselves and cause damage to your house in their distress.

Did the owner bring a favorite toy, dog bed, dog blanket or something with the owners' scent? For first time stays I Always insist the owner bring a worn but not washed T-shirt, sock, etc, something with the owners' scent. It really helps new stays settle in. When anxious they will sniff/snuggle in/on it. It is a reassurance for them. Even some of my repeats bring a toy, dog blanket or their dog bed. I have watched new and repeats sniff a T, lay on their toy or blanket for reassurance. Depending on the size of the dog, it may help to put on soft music and snuggle with the pup.

Often the best solution is exercise (ideally a long walk). However, that doesn't always help dogs settle down right away. At this hour, can you try a game of play? You may want to just send a quick message to the owner that their dog really misses them, you really want to make their dog comfortable, and ask if they can provide any suggestions.

There was a similar thread to this thread a few weeks ago. My pup pretty much behaves the same way. It can be stressful seeing an animal go through this but just give him time and space. Make sure he has access to food and water and leave a toy nearby as it may smell like home. Dogs are also super sense sensitive, so the more comfortable you become, the easier it will be for him to calm down and settle in (which can be hard). Hopefully he feels safe and comfortable soon.

All the best.

If you haven't already go watch youtube video on separation anxiety by Zac George. I can't post the link here but it would be the top result on youtube or google with the keywords "separation anxiety by Zac George"

That's called separation anxiety; normal dogs will miss their owners for 5 minutes and then understand they're coming back. Dogs with separation anxiety are freaked out when owners leave, depending on the level, nothing helps. Good luck!

See if the Owner will let you give the dog Melatonin https://wetnosedogs.net/can-give-dog-melatonin-help-anxiety-issues/

It works wonders on some dogs. I had a new client who herself was a nervous wreck about leaving the dog which I suspected would translate to the dog being nervous. I asked in advance if it would be OK. She didn't seem to think it would be necessary but had no problem with it. Two nights into a 9 night stay I knew I had to try it. I double checked the dosage and voila! all it took was two nights of giving it to the poor little guy and we were both better off for it. Once he got used to falling asleep in my house I think that assuaged a lot of his nervousness.