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 have a little dog that gets upset when he sees me leave the house with a suit case. He doesn't want me to leave him. Sometimes when I go somewhere, he jumps in the car without permission. When you try to get him out you have to play hid and seek. When you find him, he runs to another part of the car. Onetime we gave up. We took him into an attorneys office in a green nylon overnight bag. The attorney laughed when they caught us with the dog in the bag. We left a small opening so he could breath. The dog kept tryin stick his head out the opening. The attorney let us let the dog out of the bag on the leash. The attorney played with the dog also. We were in a 50 story building. First time the dog rode in an elevator. We just couldnt leave the dog outside in the hot car.
Thank you for this great info. This is my next big step with my little girl. I have left her alone with Gramma and I have left her alone without anyone in the house for a total of maybe 4 hours on two occasions (two hour each time). 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 wont 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.
Please be patient with her. She is only a baby. Also, be very consistant with her training to go outside to do her business. I wouldn't take her out of her yard until she is housebroken, if she is afraid of walks. She sounds like she is not sure about all of you. Be loving and kind and don't raise your voice or your hand to her. When she does her business outside, give her a treat. Please, don't give her away, unless you are losing patients with her and mistreat her. She needs a loving and steady home and love ones.
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Request: Dog With Separation Anxiety Problems
Archived on 06/05/2006
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.
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.
