DDB Separation Anxiety?

[MTOesterling]

Hi, I could really use some help with my 9-month-old DDB puppy's separation anxiety. I adopted her two months ago, and at first, she was perfectly fine staying alone when I went to class and work. After some time, I had to crate her because Sophie would chew some things. Now, Sophie has started breaking out of the crate and destroying boxes and anything that might be out. When I get home, she's incredibly clingy. I think she's getting enough exercise, since she goes to the dog park and walks almost everyday. I'm going to fasten the crate better so that she can't get out and hurt herself (she has scratches on her sides from forcing her body through a small crack). I'm really worried about this, so if there is anything I can do to relieve her anxiety, I would really appreciate hearing it.

 

[dpenning]

I'll let others respond with behavior modification techniques as I've never had to deal with it and that is a better long term solution but you might contact your vet for a quick medical fix if she is hurting herself. There are meds, some even herbal/natural that can help calm her nerves short term.

 

[Marrowshard]

When you adopted her, did you take any time to just spend one-on-one with her before resuming your usual class/work schedule? Both times I adopted a shelter dog, I took a few days off to get as much social time in as possible before getting them into the usual "stay by yourself all day" routine. I know sometimes it's not feasible to take whole days off, but if your schedule is fairly hectic she might really just be craving some steady face-time especially since she's young and may not have a lot of socialization under her belt.
As for advice on the crating/separation thing, I've found a familiar toy can help out but even more than that I suggest giving her a "security blanket" for her crate. It need not be an actual blanket, just something that smells like you and that you don't mind having destroyed (like an old t-shirt or sweatpants). The scent + cuddle association can do a lot for separation.
I've also heard, but have no experience with, the idea that you should NOT overdo your goodbyes with a SA dog. Make your comings and leavings low-key. Put her in her crate with a "good girl" if necessary and then walk out the door. When you come home, let her out but don't cover her in kisses until she's calm. Lavishing attention on her when she comes bolting out of the kennel may be inadvertently encouraging her to be a nervous wreck when you arrive. You want to show her that you coming and going isn't a big deal.
You said she goes to the dog park, but do you take her anywhere else with you? I try to make special trips to the local Ace (they allow dogs), and of course there's always PetSmart, PetCo, etc. Lots of pet-food stores will also allow dogs on a leash and even some large retailers like Home Depot are pet-friendly. Even if I don't buy anything, it's bonding time that's important in social development.
I do have a question ... when she breaks out of her kennel, where do you find her? Couch? Bed? At the door?

~Marrow

 

[PuppyPaws]

I agree with Marrow's recommendations. In addition, if she has learned your routine before leaving in the morning, she can see the writing on the wall to your departure and the anxiety can start to settle in. Actually, dogs can back-chain (maybe not the best wording choice) events pretty far. Some SA dogs have become so familiar with the owners exit routine the anxiety can come on earlier and earlier before the departure. To avoid this, try altering your routine as much as possible. Re-order your routines in the mornings. Switching them up regularly. You can also try crating her for brief periods while you are in the house, just to throw her off a bit. Or, you could try crating her for very brief periods of time while you walk outside to do a few things and return etc. Switching up the time period she is crated for while you are gone might help to teach her, "He always comes back, it's just the amount of he is gone that differs." Try some natural herbs or something might not hurt, either. It also helps if you can give her some quick exercise before you leave sometimes. Wear her out a bit.... Play frisbee or fetch or a game of hide and seek in the house..... Something... Hope this helps! Just a few thoughts...

 

[Dogue]

How long is your Dogue alone for?

 

[MTOesterling]

I never have her in the crate for more than for hours at a time.


When I adopted her, I only had to leave at night for work. She was fine being left then and I didn't have to crate her. She'd just sleep on the bed. When she broke out of the crate the last time, I found her pacing and crying. I'll try giving her one of my old shirts and working on the leaving/coming home greetings, though. Thanks for the help!