Sugahorse, I really do appreciate your input. I could always go all dog whisperer on my dog and exercise the heck out of him and then just leave for short periods and gradually make it longer....lol. Seriously though I have tried leaving him for short periods and sometimes he does ok and other times I think he hears the mailman or someone knocks on the door while we aren't home and he freaks. Anyway I think I will try SunAngel's suggestion and talk to my vet and see if meds. might help him calm down.