Separation Anxiety Issues

[Opiesmom]

Has anyone ever dealt with their puppy with separation anxiety and what to do?

 

[DennasMom]

See the "Binky Toy" article on this page: http://www.aocb.com/training/literature

We haven't had to use it, but it seems like something that would help?

 

[musicdeb]

Hope this helps

Separation Anxiety : The Humane Society of the United States

 

[6Chix]

My old Malamute had severe separation anxiety when he was a puppy. I was young, 18, and didn't think that putting him in a crate was an option when I was working or away...so, he destroyed my house on a daily basis. I had someone convince me to crate him and he loved it, it was like his own little den and sometimes even when I was home, he would hang out in his crate. He eventually grew out of it, I had no idea what I was doing. My Neo isn't a puppy, but when I'm gone she whines and howls at the door until I come back. My daughter told me this when I had to leave for a few hours and she was home alone. Fortunately, I don't have to work anymore and I'm home pretty much all the time. This probably contributes to her anxiety- she's used to me being here. We've only had her for a month, but I'm afraid of what might happen if we leave her alone. It seems to revolve around only me. If my husband is gone, she could care less. But, if I go outside without her or whatever, she's a mess. I'm actually afraid she'll try to bust through one of the windows. We take her with us when we're out for a bit. We actually take all 4 of our dogs with us, thankfully we live in a very dog friendly area. I'm also trying to figure out what to do with the separation anxiety. Good luck, the link from musicdeb is a good start, I'm going to study up on it- thanks for the link!

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I'm dealing with this myself, honestly I'd rather have aggression issues than deal with anxiety. Thanks Deb for the link!

 

[Bailey's Mom]

We are about to find out how good my preparation for going back to work works. I turn on the TV, I open the front drapes so she can watch without destroying them, I bring my purse and keys and housecoat downstairs. Now, she knows what's coming. I fill her water, let her out for a pee and poop, I give her a cuddle and a treat and put the housecoat on the floor. She immediately curls up on it. when I leave, I look back and she's watching me in the window. Additionally, I put a small digital recorder on so I can find details about how stressed she is. When I return - minimum of two hours - I enter calmly, put my stuff away, survey the house for damage:. No damage, then I praise and pet her and give her her favourite chew treat, a bully stick.
So, preparation, an item of clothing with your scent to soothe her, tv for noise, pre-potty, water, window, treat, love, calm exit, calm return, inspection, love, treat AND repeat until pattern fully understood.
So far, so good. Hope this works for you.

 

[musicdeb]

I believe the biggest tips for SA is remaining calm when you leave and when you return along with giving them background noise.

 

[Opiesmom]

We are about to find out how good my preparation for going back to work works. I turn on the TV, I open the front drapes so she can watch without destroying them, I bring my purse and keys and housecoat downstairs. Now, she knows what's coming. I fill her water, let her out for a pee and poop, I give her a cuddle and a treat and put the housecoat on the floor. She immediately curls up on it. when I leave, I look back and she's watching me in the window. Additionally, I put a small digital recorder on so I can find details about how stressed she is. When I return - minimum of two hours - I enter calmly, put my stuff away, survey the house for damage:. No damage, then I praise and pet her and give her her favourite chew treat, a bully stick.
So, preparation, an item of clothing with your scent to soothe her, tv for noise, pre-potty, water, window, treat, love, calm exit, calm return, inspection, love, treat AND repeat until pattern fully understood.
So far, so good. Hope this works for you.

well we have done everything possible - leaving tv on when we leave and in the crate but today my husband came home (he was gone not even 45 mins) and Opie pooped, pee'd and cut is nose from tryign to get out of his crate. We are at our witts end with him cause if we leave him in the house he DESTROYS it. We are to the point where we may have to give him up to a family that can be with him 24/7

 

[musicdeb]

Sounds like he needs some behavioral training. How long have you tried the suggestions in the article? 5 or 6 days? That is definitely not enough time to resolve this issue. To resolve the issue is going to take a lot more time.

If you are unable to devote the time, training and energy to resolve the SA then I agree, he needs to be rehomed.

 

[Tunride]

Destroyer Bones can not be left alone. With us it's not really an issue. Hubby is disabled and only goes to the doctor. Adult daughter is disabled and goes a few places, store, doc, maybe a friends every few months. So somebody is always here, except funerals! Bones totally wrecked the kitchen. It was so bad Snookums hid in the adjoining pantry. We are talking coffee pot flew when she bounced off the kitchen counter and threw the counter top in the floor, along with everything that lives near the coffee pot. She raided trash, tore up cereal boxes she found, danced on the kitchen table, very talented dog. Second day at funeral home Bones got Benadryl to calm her some and a Thunder shirt. Now these trips were only and hour and a half each, not hours while at work. I suggest asking the vet about Benadryl or go an all natural calming agent. She still paces and whines when I go to the store, with hubby talking and petting her. She doesn't destroy stuff, unless it's paper. She has to kill paper cause it's evil. Good Luck

 

[Bailey's Mom]

Thought I'd better update how things are going with us. I'm back at work, the first day that I came home after two hours, she was whiny and wiggley and a little pathetic as she tried to absorb me into her skin, but...NO MESS, NO PEE, NO POOP, NO DESTRUCTION, NOTHING!!! BUT, I've been training her for this day for THREE WEEKS. I increased the time period each day. I knew that it was sink or swim, so she had to swim.
Yesterday, when I came home she was, again, very happy to see me, AND, after the loving, she ran straight to the kitchen pantry and stared at the shelf that had her Bully Sticks. I laughed! Perfect! A good dog gets a good treat.
How prepared you are is how prepared the dog will be. He's looking to you to set the rules and the tone. If you are prepared and calm, HE WILL GET IT.
As for the crating....not a fan. I was prepared to limit my dog to one room if it didn't go well, but it did.
Additionally (mostly out of profound guilt) I've worked in an extra 20-30 minute walk before I leave. Bonus round for the puppy.
Regroup, and try again. Believe me, it will work. Good Luck.

 

[musicdeb]

Awesome news, Elizabeth!

 

[Bailey's Mom]

One more explanation. I started with baby steps, ie., I'd go down to the basement and close the door. She initially freaked and ran around looking for me, upstairs, downstairs and vocalizing. Then I'd appear after five minutes, and the moment was over. I'd repeat it over the next few days increasing the time to 10, 15, 20, 30..., etc. Then I'd go outside, but where she could see me from the window or where she could still hear me talking to a neighbour, but not see me. The fix was that she grew to understand that if I disappear, I reappear. I gave her practice at coming to that understanding.
Once they learn that you return, you extend the time. Give Your Dog the Practice of Your Leaving and Returning - Practice Makes Perfect!

Hope this helps.

 

[Mastinero]

Exercise, discipline, affection, daily and in that exact order. Yeah, it sucks if you work early, but thats what the price we pay for our companions. People dont understand this when they acquire a dog. That sequence is hardwired in their genes. Get up early, hunt fir food and be praised for it. Thats why, exercise, discipline, affection. In that exact order. So, jog then walk, feed breakfast, allow to eat on command, and praise while eating. That equals a calm balanced dog.. It fulfills all of his canine instincts.