What can I do to help calm my dog while I’m at work?

The dog's best interest should come first. So, 1. Leave it with you parents, where the DOG can be happy 2. Do not get another dog in your present circumstances,that only adds more problems.

You'll survive, and when your circumstances change you can get her back.

When dealing with a dog with separation anxiety the biggest clue is to teach the dog that it is okay to be alone and that you will in fact return. However, it's easier said than done. Keep in mind that moving to a new environment can be very stressful for some dogs. She may need weeks or even longer to acclimate to being in a new environment, and being alone in a new environment.

Doggie daycare may be an option while you're working on this issue, or maybe your parents or a friend is available to take care of her while you're at work.

I suggest starting by leaving her for an amount of time that you know she will tolerate without barking. Do this often, even multiple times a day if she only tolerates a few minutes alone. Gradually increase the time you're away.

Prior to leaving her alone make sure she's well exercised and tired. Give her something to keep her occupied such as a Kong filled with frozen treats or a treat-dispensing toy. It must be something you know she values.

When you leave and also when you return, don't make a big deal of it. Ignore her for a few minutes before you leave and as you leave. Give her the chosen distraction (e.g. Kong or toy) several minutes prior to your departure.

In the beginning, if possible, it can be useful to keep her in an area of the apartment where she cannot see or hear you leave. You can also try playing "Relax My Dog" music on YouTube for her for a calming effect.

Working through separation anxiety can be challenging for everyone involved, but I think it's beneficial for every dog to be able to stay home alone without experiencing anxiety.

Good luck!

Enrichment!!! On days we go to work, we only feed Chester right before we leave. We’ve gotten rid of his food bowl and replaced it with puzzle feeders. This has been a game changer for my separation anxiety prone dog. We change it up every day. Sometimes we hide kibble around the apartment. We freeze wet food (or peanut butter / meat broth) in a kong for Chester to work on. And we have several toys (like balls and wheels) that we fill with small amounts of kibble in each so Chester has several puzzles to work on. He also has a bone always. I’ve found this calms him and he isn’t so anxious when we leave because he knows us leaving = food to find. Good luck!

My dog was getting a little fakey because my wife and I would leave for work early in morning before 7am and return 4pm to 5pm. We went ahead and purchased a second dog and he was fine after that. The 2nd dog turned out to be a fantastic dog (as well as the first dog) - double the joy.

Play the radio on low or a tv show while you gone. It makes dogs feel more comfortable when they can hear a persons voice. My dog has gotten used to the morning radio talk show guys voices that I bet if they were to walk in my front door randomly, she wouldn't even bark.

Before you leave the house, take your dog for a walk. ... No touch, no talk, no eye contact. ... Say goodbye to your dog long before you leave. ... Stay calm and assertive! ... Start out small by leaving your dog alone for just five minutes. ... Leave your dog with a good audiobook.