In article ,
"Victek" wrote:


We've observed him through the window when we come home and before he sees
us he appears peaceful. We'd have to setup a video camera to really know
how he's handling it when we're not there.

OK. Still, I'd say he doesn't really suffer from SA. He calms himself
and that is a good thing!

His behavior changes when he see
us and we do understand that our response is a factor. We show him we're
happy to see him, but we ignore the whining.

I would discontinue "happy to see him" until you've been home for a bit
and only after he has calmed with you ignoring him. You can say hello,
take him out, but I wouldn't give him any further attention until he's
calm.

It made a noticeable
difference when I understood this and stopped trying to console him, which
only made the acting out worse.

Yep. It may take some time for him to forget that pattern though, so
just be patient!

Apart from this issue the dog is well
adjusted. He doesn't have "accidents" in the house and he's calm and happy
as long as he can be around us.

Perfectly reasonable behavior for a dog knew to you!

The goal is to be able to leave him in our
front patio (so he can relieve himself if necessary) and trust that he won't
bark constantly and destroy things, but we don't know how to move forward.

I don't recommend leaving dogs outdoors when nobody is home, unless
there is a VERY secure and bad-guy proof enclosure, shelter, etc., AND
you know your dog isn't disturbing anyone. That's a lot to do.

--
Janet Boss
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com