Bentley is a one year old German Shepherd mix. He is very well socialized and follows basic obedience commands really well. Bentley has the misfortune of having a severe case of separation anxiety which he demonstrates by chewing and clawing doors and window moldings when he is left alone. Bentley has never been crate trained. At this point, the level of separation anxiety that he experiences would make it quite dangerous for him to begin crate training. Until Bentley has achieved several weeks of rehabilitation he has been prescribed some medicine by his veterinarian to help him relax until his owners return from work.
Bentley first level of training will begin by him learning how to lie down and stay for ten minutes each day out of his owners sight in different locations. He will also be learning that hearing keys jingling and seeing coats being put on are not cues to have anxiety, and that his owners are calm and matter of fact before leaving the home and when returning. Luckily his owners love him dearly and are willing to do whatever is necessary to correct his fear of being left alone.
