My Cocker Licks The Door Frame!

by AB
(Topeka, KS)

My cocker is 3 years old. We got him from the pound right after Christmas. He is a very well trained and sweet dog. However, when we are outside working in the yard he will lick and chew on the door frames until we come in. He apparently has separation anxiety. During the day when we are away at work he does not do this. On the weekdays he is on a schedule, much like we have to be. We are away from home from 7 to around 4

On the weekends we keep him as close to the weekday schedule as we can, but now it is nice outside we like to be out in the evening. We do not have a fenced yard and I have chained him up when we are out and he does fine with this.

Is there anything I can use around the door. I have tried soap, vinegar, and Tabasco sauce and it does not seem to phase him. He gets everything wet and his front is soaked.

Please help. We love this dog but this habit along with his peeing when excited is getting OLD!!!!

Thank you.