Ep 6. Home Alone

In season 4 episode 6 of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, titled "Home Alone," Cesar Millan helps dog owners who are struggling with separation anxiety their dogs have when they leave the house. Separation anxiety is a common issue among dogs and can manifest in destructive behavior and excessive barking.

The first case Cesar stops by is a couple with a labrador named Ted who constantly barks and destroys things when they leave him alone in the house. Cesar observes that Ted lacks adequate exercise and mental stimulation, and advises the couple to incorporate more physical and mental activities in Ted's daily routine. Cesar also teaches the couple how to create an exit routine that helps Ted feel calm and in control while they're leaving.

Next, Cesar helps a couple with a border collie named Betsy who becomes anxious and destructive when left alone in her crate. Cesar observes that Betsy's crate is too small and she doesn't have enough opportunities to exercise and release energy, resulting in her destructive behavior. He suggests the couple to provide Betsy with more opportunities for exercise and play in the morning and de-stress activities such as massage in the evening before putting her in the crate.

In the final case, Cesar helps a couple with a chihuahua named Princess who barks excessively and exhibits obsessive-compulsive behavior when left alone. Cesar observes that Princess has a fear of abandonment and lack of socialization, which makes her anxious and stressed when her owners leave. To address this, Cesar advises the couple to acclimate Princess to being alone gradually, starting with a few seconds and gradually increasing the duration. He also suggests socializing Princess with other dogs and people to increase her confidence and reduce her anxiety.

Throughout the episode, Cesar emphasizes the importance of incorporating exercise, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement techniques to prevent separation anxiety in dogs and help them feel calm and relaxed when left alone. By helping owners understand their dogs' needs and providing them with experiences that promote well-being, Cesar shows how owners can address separation anxiety in their dogs and live happy lives together.