How can I resolve my dogs anxiety issues?
My dog, Lulu, suffers from anxiety when she is left alone in the house. She tends to tear up the carpet, sofa, etc. She is also extremely excited when we come home.
Other than more exercise when we ARE around, what other measures can we take to help her? Is there anyway to keep her occupied while we are gone? We leave the TV on sometimes which helps a little, but if we are gone too long she will get antsy.
Thanks!
Chosen Answer:
It is probably not just anxiety, dogs tear up things and dig in the carpet b/c they are BORED… Yes, exercise is simply the best solution. My dog with 2 much energy for his own good is a fetch pro. He is obsessed with his raquetball. Teaching him tricks and stimulating his brain will help him to learn control and reward him for doing good things. Spray that deters them from chewing on couches or whatever helped me alot. Have your dog socialize in a dog park and that’s get some of his pent up energy out while learning socialization skills.
Also, make sure he does not have the run of the house. Dogs have their “home” whether it be a bed, a kennel, or a cave b/c that is where they feel secure. Make sure he is only in one room while you are gone, preferably w/o a bunch of things he can tear up and bite. I’ve heard that massaging a dog’s jawline helps relieve anxeity. Alot of people clench their jaws and grind their teeth for the same reason. My unruly dog wouldn’t let me even pet him b/c he wanted to know what was going on and couldnt’ still still… ADD for dogs, lol, so i began giving him massages little by little. I used circular motions and rubbed his joints, especially his shoulders and back leg area. He loves it now and everyone laughs at his love of massages but let me tell you, he is SO much calmer and relaxed with them.
by: jennyleah3131
on: 12th February 08
11 de February, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I have link for you all about speration anexity..It should help you
http://www.wagntrain.com/SeparationAnx.htm
11 de February, 2008 at 12:10 pm
crate training her will help and save your house.
But mostly you need to get a trainer/behaviorist in to evaluate the situation and show you how to best deal with your dog’s and your issues. Most likely you are creating the anxiety in her without knowing it by not showing her the right kind of leadership.
Leaving the TV on while you are out will likely only do one thing, teach her that TV = you gone.
Consult a trainer.
11 de February, 2008 at 12:10 pm
There are several different meds you can use along with training techinques. Tufts has a consult, pricey, that Dr. Doddman runs and he has written several dog behavior books so check them out at the library.
11 de February, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Get her a dog kennel (cage). It will help. I use to think is was mean until my german shepard ate my house (literally), but they are den animals and it becomes their “safe place”.
11 de February, 2008 at 12:12 pm
kennel…it should be in a kennel…that is not “anxiety”, that is a bored destructive dog that knows no boundaries…
11 de February, 2008 at 12:13 pm
It is probably not just anxiety, dogs tear up things and dig in the carpet b/c they are BORED… Yes, exercise is simply the best solution. My dog with 2 much energy for his own good is a fetch pro. He is obsessed with his raquetball. Teaching him tricks and stimulating his brain will help him to learn control and reward him for doing good things. Spray that deters them from chewing on couches or whatever helped me alot. Have your dog socialize in a dog park and that’s get some of his pent up energy out while learning socialization skills.
Also, make sure he does not have the run of the house. Dogs have their “home” whether it be a bed, a kennel, or a cave b/c that is where they feel secure. Make sure he is only in one room while you are gone, preferably w/o a bunch of things he can tear up and bite. I’ve heard that massaging a dog’s jawline helps relieve anxeity. Alot of people clench their jaws and grind their teeth for the same reason. My unruly dog wouldn’t let me even pet him b/c he wanted to know what was going on and couldnt’ still still… ADD for dogs, lol, so i began giving him massages little by little. I used circular motions and rubbed his joints, especially his shoulders and back leg area. He loves it now and everyone laughs at his love of massages but let me tell you, he is SO much calmer and relaxed with them.
11 de February, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Comfort Zone Diffuser with D.A.P. or the collar for Dogs sometimes helps end barking, urination, chewing, anxiety and other stress-related behaviors safely and naturally. D.A.P. Dog Appeasing Pheromone mimics natural comforting pheromones to calm dogs. Convenient diffuser plug-in module gently releases D.A.P. for up to four weeks.
11 de February, 2008 at 12:30 pm
My trainer talked to me about this, and she said to not make your hellos and goodbyes too upbeat or they’ll be most likely to miss you more. And kongs are also great for seperation anxiety, especially stuffed ones ( http://www.kongcompany.com/worlds_best.html )! And probably crate train her so she doesn’t even have the chance to destroy anything while you’re out. Well, good luck! ♥