[ayoink]

I am at the end of my leash! My 8 year old cocker spaniel, Sweetie, has lost it altogether. Today she dug through the carpet at the door. She has the WORST separation anxiety! She used to just bark (solved with a bark collar), but then the digging started... she has gone through a door (by digging!), through carpet, through vinyl flooring, under fences... and only when I'm not home so I have no idea how to correct for it. And I have tried everything... putting her in a crate (she actually removed the bottom and dug into the carpet and also deficated and urinated in it, I tried varying my departure routine to lessen her anxiety (she knows... she just knows). I tried a friend (that actually worked in the reverse and she made a normal dog nuts). I tried really great treats on the floor in all kinds of variations and she won't touch them until I return home. I put on music, I ignore her when I come home (only play situation have gushing affection), I walk her every morning, I play ball and keep her engaged. She is great when we are home... she follows commands, walks great, and is good with other people (her dog greeting skills are sometimes suspect, but improving).
Sooo... what do I do next? I am totally out of ideas!

[Curbside Prophet]

Doggie daycare!

You probably should have a certified behaviorist look into this. From there you may need to seek the assistance of your vet. But, I'm not an advocate for doggie drugs, thus my recommendation.

[cnipupraiser]

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

Doggie daycare!

You probably should have a certified behaviorist look into this. From there you may need to seek the assistance of your vet. But, I'm not an advocate for doggie drugs, thus my recommendation.

ABSOLUTELY!

[Amaya-Mazie-Marley]

I am not a fan of doggie drugs either but in some cases they are necessary. I myself can't afford doggie daycare and my mom doesn't have the available cages to take her to work with her everyday, therefore my dog was put on Reconcil (sp) which is for seperation anxiety and a hyper active dog. It has the same effect as prozac for dogs but not nearly as expensive. If you aren't willing to put your dog on medication then I would suggest having your dog be taken to doggie daycare or stay with a friend while you work. It usually takes around 8 weeks for the medication to fully enter the bloodstream but my dog has showed amazing improvements and has been on it for about a week now.