I received the spray today from drsfostersmith. It is a small bottle, it cost me 20 dollars or so with shipping included. It has made Bruno, my dog, relax during a storm and he acts so much better. It is also for humans too. You spray two sprays in the mouth of the dog or the person.
The only problem would be if the dog didn't want to have you spray its mouth. So far he is letting me without complaint. There are drops also, but I bought the spray.
By Robyn Fed from Tri-Cities, TN
My house dog is 4yrs old. She has not been crate trained and to be honest I did not do a good job at house training when I got her when she was 6 months old. Right now when I leave the house for work, usually gone for more than 11 hours, I leave puppy pads out for her to use which she does sometimes. Sometimes she will use the pad and also jump on the sofa and will urinate there as well. I leave toys out for her to play with. I give her a treat every day first thing when she as been good (used her puppy pad). I take her out everyday as soon as I get home from work as well. She is very attached to me and I believe she may go through separation anxiety when she's alone. I make sure her bedding is very comfortable before I leave for work as well. Please tell me what I'm doing wrong? She does not urinate on the sofa every day, but one time is too many and I'm not sure what do do. I discipline her by rubbing her nose in it and I tap her on the ass. Any suggestions?
By Tute
You got some good advice here. I agree, 11 hours is too long to leave a young dog. With someone coming in to walk the dog, it might be better. Also a pal is a great idea. You didn't say if you walk the dog daily. That is essential, and quite a commitment. And yes, rubbing the dogs nose in it is pretty old fashioned and cruel in my view. The animal has no idea what you are punishing them for. They learn nothing from it. But they are confused and hurt. You might try ways to keep the dog off the couch. All that jumping can be hard on a dachsy's back. I kept my cat off the couch by laying a strip of aluminum foil on it for a few days. Good luck with your puppy. She is adorable.
| My family just adopted a 10 month old pit/boxer mix. We've had her here for the first night (last night) and we adore her very much. The only problem is her comfort spot is on the bed or couch, she seems to have separation anxieties, and peed on the floor 4 times and pooped once in the night. She is afraid of going on walks, she seems insecure with leaving. She acts like she thinks were going to take her and leave her. What can I do to fix the housebreaking and anxieties so my boyfriend doesn't make us get rid of her again?
Tiffany from Covington, WA | |
| Answers: | |
| RE: Dog With Separation Anxiety Problems | 06/06/2006 |
| It's going to take a lot of time, love and understanding since she is insecure. We had a puppy at 12 weeks old that had this problem. It took almost a year before she settled down and trusted us. Until the day she died at the age of 12 years, she still was sensitive. We know she was abused and abandoned. She was with five different families who couldn't put up with her. She was a wreck when we adopted her. It was a lot of work, but in the end, it was well worth it. She turned out to be a great pet and companion. So if you don't think everyone can be loving and understanding, remember she is only an animal, find someone who will take the responsibility to give her a loving home. I have to admit, I was lucky to be a stay-at-home Mom. Being home, I not only was there for my kids but also all our pets. I was always told that my kids and my pets were well-mannered. Good luck. | |
| By mkymlp | |
| RE: Dog With Separation Anxiety Problems | 06/06/2006 |
| My dog has issues when it rains or storms whatsoever. For 3 nights I was up with no sleep, he cannot relax or lay down. I called our vet & they prescribed anxiety meds for him. Now when a storm is on the way I give him a pill & it works like a charm. They have all kinds of different meds that will help your pet. Please take good care of her, animals have feelings & should be taken care of as if they are children. | |
| By MawMawto4 (Guest Post) | |
I have a new 11 week blue brindle pit bull named Kai. I understand that puppies go through separation anxiety, but for the next 2 weeks I will be working and going to school. At night he cries but I will say he is getting better. What can I do to ease this transition for him and my family (and neighbors), and also for the next two weeks when he is home alone?
He does have a crate that I am getting him used to. In the 2 days that I have had him he understands to sit and he knows when I put on my sweater and my certain pair of shoes it's feeding time. I will say that Kai and I are off to a good start. But for the crying, what can I do?
Keish from Jacksonville, NC
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By suzi_homemaker01
When my mother was in college, she had a German shepherd named Sherry. Sherry didn't mind if my mother left the house, or my uncle, or my grandmother. If my great-grandmother left the house (which she did at least once a week to go to the hairdresser) Sherry would get very upset. She would go to my great-grandmother's room and take things. A hairbrush would end up in the living room. One slipper would be deposited in the kitchen; the other would find its way to the den. As far as Sherry was concerned, my great-grandmother was not allowed to leave.
Dogs are social animals, and some dogs experience separation anxiety when their people aren't around. In some dogs, the feelings they experience are mild; other dogs become so upset that they may injure themselves in their panic.
Attention and companionship is number one on your dog's list of wants. If the whole human family is gone, your dog may be bored. A bored dog can become a destructive dog, chewing whatever is available to chew, furniture, shoes, clothes, or just about anything. Destructive behavior is not "revenge". Your dog is behaving this way because he is upset and frightened.
So how do you deal with separation anxiety? Teach your dog that being alone is not a negative experience. Before you go out, give your dog a special treat, maybe a Kong filled with tasty snacks, a new rawhide, or a squeaky toy. You want your dog to learn that being left home is a positive experience.
You can also help your dog overcome separation anxiety by being unpredictable. Put your coat on, get your keys, and do everything you do before you leave the house, but don't leave. Your dog won't get upset when you get your keys out if he doesn't know for sure that you're leaving. Another way to help ease separation anxiety is to go out for just a few minutes, then come back.
One of my family's dogs used to chew her tail when she was left home alone. The vet told us that she might be nervous when she was by herself. Leaving a radio or television on while you're not home can be a kind of company and help mask some of the strange and scary noises outside.
I am looking forward to working this out. In fact today is when we are starting. I agree with the original post and everything said in it. I was told to leave my dog in her crate with lots of toys and treats, but I won't be using the crate. She is fine in the house. I will leave a radio on too. Talk shows are better than music.
I was told that when I return after leaving, to not make a big deal out of it as the dog maybe very very glad to see you, naturally but simply just say hi. Don't get into a major excitement mode and make it a big deal to see the dog upon the return. Just be very casual like it was never a big deal that you left in the first place. My dog goes totally wiggly when I get home, rubbing up against me and taking one of her toys in her mouth, tail curled and head held high, circling me forever more, following my every step. As cute as it is, I try not to make a big deal about it.
After I have been back for a few minutes (maybe 5) I crouch down to her level and say hello with a pat and maybe a tug if she has her toy still. I may pick her up and cuddle her for a few seconds before putting her down to play a bit.
If you have been gone for awhile, it is very important to take your dog outside right away so it may relieve itself. (09/24/2008)
By RoxysMom

My 6 month old German Shepherd/Beagle cross suffers from terrible separation anxiety. Once we leave him, he whines then barks uncontrollably before destroying stuff. He is left alone in our kitchen/dinning area only for 3 hours, twice a day. He is a rescue dog, therefore I understand why he gets like this, but have no idea how to help him get over this. Can anyone please advise me?
By Stuart from Aberdeen, Scotland
You can train by mimicking actually leaving for the day by grabbing the keys, your coat, coffee, etc. like you are heading out for the day and step outside for only a few minutes. Use this numerous times during the day increasing the amount of time you stay on the other side of the door. Leaving a special goody just for the longer periods of time will help. We use the white sterilized bones stuffed with a soft smelly treat like Solid Gold's Turkey Jerky. The bone cannot be destroyed for some time and the smell keeps your dog interested in it. I know this sound like a long process but it will net you a more confident and calm dog when you are gone. :) (01/12/2010)
By muttmom
By YORKIEPOO
I just recently rescued a 5 week old puppy. We've had him for a week and he has developed severe anxiety whenever anyone leaves (even so much as to freak out when you are on the couch/bed and he is left alone on the floor).
He used to love his crate and now he hates it because he now knows it means he will be separated from everyone. I want him to grow up happy and independent! And I also need him to love his crate like he used to so I can housebreak him.
I try my best to ignore him, but he has begun this awful "scream" bark to get my attention. It's not only heartbreaking, but very obnoxious (for my household and I'm sure for my neighbors!). It needs to stop. What is the best way to approach derailing his severe anxiety over being left alone?
Help!
By Brewster from CA
By FARSTAR
Good luck, he's still such a little baby and probably very frightened, poor little thing! (11/22/2010)
By lyonpridej