Poppy the year old Beagle howled and would destroy items whenever she was left alone. Due to the rearing conditions at the breeders and Poppy being obtained by the current owners at the beginning of the Summer holidays, Poppy had never been left in her own company until five months old.

Poppy never learnt it was ok to be left. She was also not given the opportunity for any appropriate stimulation. The treatment programme made use of the owner’s father (who was retired and lived locally) to ensure that Poppy was not left alone, in order to teach her very gradually over a period of time that it is ok to be left home alone. Mental and physical stimulation was also introduced. Poppy developed more independence even when in human company and vocalising and destruction stopped during controlled periods of separation. The owner’s father continued to have an active part in Poppy’s daytime routine, to break up her previously long day alone.