Separation Anxiety. That was the diagnosis. After much reading and research, I have it on authority from several different expert resources that Smoltzie has separation anxiety.
Thankfully, all of the sources gave the same advice for dealing with this disorder. I found that I've been doing everything wrong.
I'm not supposed to tell him goodbye or pay any attention to him right before I leave or for about five minutes after I get home. FAILED
I'm not supposed to get upset or mad when I've been gone and he messes up because that increases his anxiety. FAILED
I'm not supposed to give in to his cries for attention. FAILED
I'm not supposed to point out the things I want him to leave alone (even while saying "no-no"). FAILED
It's been hard for me to not say goodbye when I leave or talk to him when I come home. Usually I fawn over him with hugs and love as I leave, telling him to be a good boy and I'll be home soon; then I wave at him as he peeks through the window watching me leave, tears in his eyes. When I come home and he runs to the window, I wave and smile and talk happily to him. I feel like I'm being mean when I ignore him, but that's what the experts say I should do.
Usually I have some sort of spiritual analogy with all the stories I post on my blog, but I don't think I do with this one. I just wanted to keep you all up to date with my adventures in dog ownership.
Okay, so maybe one spiritual analogy...
I think sometimes I suffer from separation anxiety and I can't wait for my Master to arrive.
That's it.
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