Barbie lived in my parents' house six more years until her death of old age. Dogs affected with separation anxiety may soil in the house, even during brief periods of the owner's absence. Like Barbie, they may look for an exit by destructively scratching or chewing doors. Others may chew furniture or clothing in an attempt to relieve their stress and insecurity. Dogs left outside because of destruction indoors may jump over or dig under fences in their anxiety, or destroy the garden.
Separation anxiety is perhaps the main reason pet owners have for giving up their Whippet.
They are tired of coming home to a mess. I didn't know it then, but the easiest way to prevent these problems and keep the dog safe at the same time, is by using a crate. Now I never have to worry about what's waiting for me. If you haven't guessed by now, Whippets are intelligent dogs who are quite capable of manipulating their owners in order to achieve their own aim. I fell into this trap when my Whippet, Sasha, once barked at Tisha, my Australian Cattle Dog.