My sister adopted a dog who is suffering from separation/general anxiety. What should we do?
When you leave her by herself, she escapes from literally anything you put her in (metal crate, pet taxi, baby gate, etc). She is seriously the canine Houdini. We went down to the pool the other day and just let her loose in the apartment since we wouldn’t be gone that long anyway, and after about 40 minutes we were getting out to go back upstairs and we started hearing this really loud rattling sound. Well we went upstairs and it was Chloe, she broke through a GLASS window and was chewing on the screen door outside. She becomes destructive and that’s the worst she’s done, but she’s also torn up the shutters and torn up the door too (both after she broke out of her confinement). And she hasn’t been left alone for more than 4 hours, 5 at the very most. But she is such an angel when there are people around.
So I had this idea that I would babysit her for a week or so since I am out of school for the summer and jobless. So since I can keep a close eye on her, I am thinking I might try to get her used to the crate at night, as well as build up her confidence because you can tell she’s got low self-esteem. Any ideas? Tips?
Also I was thinking about doggy daycare maybe. Obviously this will thwart her trying to escape the apartment, but do you think it will help her gain more confidence too?
8 Comments on “My sister adopted a dog who is suffering from separation/general anxiety. What should we do?”
I`m not sure but…..
from the beginning I locked my dog in a carrier (crate) for the night next to my bed. She could hear my breathing and she knew I was there in the same room sleeping with her. She learned to sleep in there and now she loves it. When we go to bed she runs up the stairs and jumps into her crate. Even when there is lightening outside, she just feels safe inside. Maybe if you sleep with her, but with her locked in her crate ( yeah- with a blanket or pillow) then she will come to see it as a safe haven. Then you can try leaving her in there when you go out- at first 5 minutes and the next day a bit longer etc etc. I know people who have crate-trained their dogs and were very successful with it. But you have t have a good crate that is breakout-proof.
If none of the above works- get a dog trainer to help you.
make the crate seem fun so shell want to go in it. and whenever you put her in it give her a rawhide or a bone to chew on so she is disracted. and yes while you are with her put her in a crate and let her relax in it.
it may be that she is not used to the new environment. try taking her out with you more, and then when you leave her alone she might not have as much anxiety built up..
Basic obedience training will go a long way towards building her confidence. Look for a good class with a trainer who uses positive methods. Also make sure the dog gets enough exercise every day – if she’s tired out, she’s more likely to be calmer when left alone.
Well, seperation anxiety can be a hard thing to crack. If she knows the motions to whe you are going to leave, start them. like get your coat and stuff and walk to the door, then put them back and sit back down. I know it seems stupid but it works.
Sooner or later, you can get the stuff, get out the door, but come right back in. This way, they are gaining mroe confidence. Do this for a it each day, and you will be able to leave the dog by itself for longer periods of time. And if you only are able to leave for 5 mintes, hey, its 5 more minutes than before.
Hope that helps!
What type of dog is she? And how old? It does not sound like seperation anxiety it sounds like the dog wants out of the apartment. Long walks, doggy daycare would be great, even getting her into a class, It seems like her self esteem is down because she is cooped up in the apartment.
I don’t think that putting a homesick dog in a crate is such good idea, would you like it. She is frightenend and lonley. she needs reasureance companinship and love lots of it
. dogs love outdoors, so give her plenty of walks,that will rid her of any frustrations.and hpoefully tire her out so sh
My neighbors dog has it horribly and my trainer sent her this link to try. After she had tried everything on the link we are now trying to leave him at my and my trainers hows for short periods of time and reinforceing him with lots of good food.