We leave a blanket that has our scent on it. She likes to cuddle on it while we are away. Because of our scent, it makes her feel safe, secure, and loved.

She doesn't start having a kiniption fit until we arrive home and as soon as she hears the car doors open, she starts barking and wining until we walk through the door. Probably thinks we have a treat for her which we usually do.

I think poodles are known for getting upset when their owners leave. They are grouped with the smaller dogs that many refer to as "yapper" dogs because they bark so much and for so many different reasons. I would try the blanket and see if that works.

God Bless

All breeds no matter what their size can suffer from separation anxiety. I've seen St. Bernards act up more emotionally when an owner leaves than a maltese. Try to keep the goodbyes and hellos low key. Ask your son to interact with the dog and keep it's attention while you head out the door. Leave quickly and quietly. There are tons of articles out there on the subject. You just need to find a routine that works best for you and your dog.

My mother's dog suffered from this when she first came to live with my husband and I. It was painful to say the least, never mind the damage he caused the house. In my mother's case, she was like a gigantic neurotic dome over the dog going into long diatribes with the dog upon leaving. When she came home she made such a production that the dog would be absolutely out of control.

Whatever emotions you project when you're leaving or coming home are a direct consequence of your dog's reactions.

Basic obedience training is what has helped our anxiety-prone Golden Border to "get over" her separation anxiety. We also crated her periodically for many months when she was first with us, as she was beautifully housebroken when we were home but piddled on the carpet when we left.

After many months, she is finally near ideal in this department - we make no recognition of her when we leave, but if possible we play with her for a few minutes 1/2-3/4 hour before we leave. When we come home she knows she has to sit in a chair and we will come to her and pet her - this took many months of patient work, but it does work. You have to be very gentle and non-threatening or you just increase their anxiety. They really need a stable, gentle, controlled environment (a quiet crate can be a refuge for a high-strung dog.) The command "place" as used with CDs can be a lifesaver for high-strung dogs.

This is exactly the type of training we had to do with my mother's dog Culda... Calmness and patience. Exercising works wonders also for a dog.

Wow. Thank you for all of the replies. I am looking forward to trying one helpful hint at a time.

Patience, I had a Husky who chewed through a wood garage door, couch, several shoes. He was a rescue also, takes time. Good Luck!