Seperation Anxiety

leahb133 · 11-07-2006, 11:11 PM

My dog has bad seperation anxiety. We thought she was jsut attracted to the smell of trash and thats y she would get in when we left. But we put that on top of the counter now. She will get into anything she can while we are gone. SOmething as small as a chapstick or she could eat a whole bag of candy. Does anyone how to get her out of this habit becuase if she doesn't stop we might have to give her back. Thanks so much.

opokki · 11-07-2006, 11:26 PM

Are you sure its separation anxiety? Other than getting into things, has she shown any other signs? Have you tried crating or otherwise confining her, leaving her with a stuffed kong or two to keep her occupied?

Dulce · 11-07-2006, 11:29 PM

Crate that dog!

Curbside Prophet · 11-07-2006, 11:44 PM

How old is the dog? Do you practice NILIF? What do you do to stimulate your dog mentally, physically, and socially?

NewfCrazy · 11-08-2006, 05:57 PM

It's probably more boredom than seperation anxiety.

I have a collie x that I got from our local Humane Society. He was turned over to them because he chewed up his previous owners' carpet. I work, so he is home alone during the day. When I leave him, I give him either a treat ball, or a stuffed kong, and I also leave the tv on for him. He has never chewed up or gotten into anything in my house.

The only other thing I can say is that if you don't opt for crate training, then at least confine him to one area of the house, and dog proof that room completely.

leahb133 · 11-08-2006, 06:49 PM

Thanks for the responses. I have several questions> what is a kong?? And what is NILIF?? She does show other signs of seperation anxiety such as following us from room to room. She has been passed around quite a bit so my guess is that it is seperation anxiety. She is a year and a half! Should I start crating her now?? She has never been crate trained before.. and does that mean she will be crated for the rest of her life?? Thanks so much for the help.

Curbside Prophet · 11-08-2006, 07:06 PM

A Kong is a rubber dog toy that's practically indestructable that you can stuff treats in. Dogs love them...or I should say people love them because it makes the dog work for their treat...and it provides good mental stimulation for the dog because they have to solve the mystery of how to get the treat out.

NILIF is as follows Nothing in Life is Free.

Following you around or getting into the trash I don't believe constitues separation anxiety as Newfcrazy alluded to. Separation anxiety is a little more severe and usually associated with more obvious destructive behaviors like tearing up door frames or window sills. Usually the destructive behavior is around the areas where you leave. So, based on the information you gave us, I would also agree that it's boredom. I would recommend a crate, but only for short periods of time when you must leave your dog unattended, and you need to protect your valuables. Otherwise, I would opt for a puppy safe room or enclosure just as Newfcrazy suggested. And if you do opt for a crate, no, you don't have to use it for the rest of her life, but you may find that she enjoys the comfort of a den. Certainly if your dog is otherwise balanced in mental, physical, and social stimulation, she won't tend to misbehave. Do you challenge her mentally, phyically, and socially? If you tell us what you do for her in these areas, we may be able to make a suggestion if anything more is needed.

leahb133 · 11-08-2006, 10:35 PM

Excercise right now is a toughy. We have a huge back yard that she runs around it but as far as taking her for walks == its challenging-- my husband is not off very much and I am just revoering from a hip replacement and will be getting another in january so you can imagine its not the time for me to be taking out a 85 pound dog.

Mentally, I have been training her in the areas she was weak in --- such as staying.

Curbside Prophet · 11-08-2006, 11:11 PM

So sorry to hear about you hips...I do hope it all goes well. I would offer to walk your dog, but I'm sure it wouldn't be practicle...I don't think I have that many airline miles accumulated.

But anything you can do to give your dog exercise will benefit both you and your dog. Take advantage of your loving friends and family if you can, and even neighbors too if they are so willing. Believe me, a dozen fresh baked cookies can go a long way with them. Otherwise, incorporate some games with them, that won't require much effort on your part like hide and seek with treat stuffed Kongs, or fetch in the backyard can help too until you make your recovery. You poor thing! Good luck!

skelaki · 11-09-2006, 03:58 AM

Ask your dog's vet or vet techs if they know anyone who could come in and take the dog for an hour's walk each day until your hip's better. An alternative would be to hire a professional dog walker or trusted neighbor (perhaps a teen who's trying to keep in shape).

I would definitely get a crate and crate train the dog. The crate becomes the dog's special den and safe place. And, as a bonus, if you ever travel with the dog his crate is his safe travel den and hotels are much friendlier if your dog has a crate to stay in. And as an even better bonus, your dog always feels secure because he has his familiar den with him.

As someone mentioned NILIF stands for nothing in life is free and basically means that the dog earns everything. If you Google "Alpha dog boot camp" without the quotes and click on the first item, you'll find an excellent program that you can print out. Just make sure all family members will agree to the program and use it.

Kongs are great and peanut butter is an excellent stuffer. Get at least two and keep them stuffed in the fridge (less messy). Give the dog one when you leave or when you just need him to be quiet while you're busy. Another good alternative is to get a Buster Cube or similar toy. You fill it with the dog's kibble and the dog has to move the toy around so that the kibble falls out a few pieces at a time. You do have to show the dog how it works at first. This way the dog is working for his food and using his brain as well as his body.

Obedience training sessions twice a day for even 5-10 minutes will help tire him out. If your hip prevents teaching him to heel work on sits and downs for now. The idea is that he use his mind and body because a tired dog is a good dog.

NewfCrazy · 11-09-2006, 11:44 AM

You can also freeze the kong to make it last longer for the dog.

I agree about trying to find someone to walk your dog. After all, a tired dog is a good dog!

I hope your hip heals well, and I hope the next surgery goes well too!

leahb133 · 11-12-2006, 11:05 PM

Thank you everyone, I appreciate the tips! I am going to look into those toys you suggested. Also, I do know someone that can walk my dog. He can ride his bike over after school and take her out.