8 week Lab, screams when left alone. Canberra ACT

Hi Bec, We have recently bought a Labrador puppy and everytime we leave her alone (either in laundry or backyard)she crys for a bit and then gets to the point of screaming and throwing herself against the back door. We have tried to show her that we are not even home and then snuck a look and she still does the same thing. It is very distressing to watch and listen to so we only allow it to go on for a couple of minutes before comforting her. Any advice would be great.
Posted: 05/02/2007   

Answer: 8 week Lab, screams when left alone. Canberra ACT
I know it's really really really super hard - but you just can't comfort her. Every time you go back and comfort her you make it 10 times worse and re-enforce her behavior. Try throwing some treats out on the ground before you leave to break her thought cycle of 'oh my gosh - they are leaving - time to scream!' ... and walk out the door and don't look back. Hopefully she will grow out of it. You just have to be really brave and know that giving in to her cries makes it much worse for her and you. Good luck!
Posted: 06/02/2007