How to get your dog to get rid of separation anxiety?
We got a new dog and she has separation anxiety. We already have a dog and he is fine. When we leave and come back the walls are torn and pieces of floor are everywhere. What do we do? My parents want me to see if I could find answers. I am 14 years old and need answers. What do I do? What will make her stop having separation anxiety?
Se is afraid of cages because she used to be abandoned.
Chosen Answer:
Crates are VERY helpful for separation anxiety. It instinctively reminds most dogs of a natural den. If the dog is young, it may help to put a ticking clock by the crate when you put her in it. This will remind the dog of its mother’s heartbeat, and can help keep her calm. A chew toy is also a good thing to give a dog when you leave.
If she seems panicky when you start preparing to leave the house (putting on coats, grabbing keys etc.), do these things randomly when you’re not actually leaving. This will put her mind at ease concerning these actions. Try to leave her for short periods of time (maybe 10-15 minutes) sporadically and then come back. If she barks and goes crazy when you return, ignore her until she is quiet. Keep practicing this, and increasing the amount of time that you leave her. Slowly, she will realize that you leaving is not that big of a deal. However, if the problem persists over time, I would talk to your vet about some solutions. Some dogs have to take medication or vitamins (such as melatonin) to keep their anxiety down.
by: Sarah S
on: 29th January 12
27 de January, 2012 at 10:29 pm
A cage. It seems mean but it’s probably the only way. Or seek professional help from a dog trainer.
[ EDIT ] Is it possible to get a dog run outside? You can put a dog house in there (for shelter).
Dog run: http://www.google.com/imgres?q=dog+run&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&fhp=1&biw=1680&bih=959&tbm=isch&tbnid=hhHBJJUMvaBumM:&imgrefurl=http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse-forums/dog-run-tips-and-ideas-238821.html&docid=cbiPl8g0YaNWuM&imgurl=http://www.shedsdirect.net/dog-run-a-large.jpg&w=480&h=360&ei=0ZgjT9rSHore0gHs_rHJCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=315&vpy=179&dur=1117&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=174&ty=108&sig=111669471464687050299&page=1&tbnh=121&tbnw=170&start=0&ndsp=40&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0
i really hope you read this article i found: http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/articles/separation-anxiety/21954
27 de January, 2012 at 10:32 pm
She should be crated while you’re away if she’s having issues with wrecking things. It is often comforting for them to have a place of their own to go to. Put her in a large sized crate with a blanket, stuffed animal (pet safe), a bone, and some treats. She will not like it at first, but she will get usd to it and your house will not be detroyed. Just make sure she is not in there for more than a few hours at a time. NEVER use the crate as punishment as it should be her special and safe place.
My puppy hated his crate at first. He would literally cry the whoooole time he was in there… for hours! Now he loves it. We just point and he happily goes in to find his toys and treats!
Don’t feel guilty. She will probably feel safer and less anxious in her safe spot (once she’s used to it) than when she is out roaming the house.
Good luck.
27 de January, 2012 at 10:51 pm
Crates are VERY helpful for separation anxiety. It instinctively reminds most dogs of a natural den. If the dog is young, it may help to put a ticking clock by the crate when you put her in it. This will remind the dog of its mother’s heartbeat, and can help keep her calm. A chew toy is also a good thing to give a dog when you leave.
If she seems panicky when you start preparing to leave the house (putting on coats, grabbing keys etc.), do these things randomly when you’re not actually leaving. This will put her mind at ease concerning these actions. Try to leave her for short periods of time (maybe 10-15 minutes) sporadically and then come back. If she barks and goes crazy when you return, ignore her until she is quiet. Keep practicing this, and increasing the amount of time that you leave her. Slowly, she will realize that you leaving is not that big of a deal. However, if the problem persists over time, I would talk to your vet about some solutions. Some dogs have to take medication or vitamins (such as melatonin) to keep their anxiety down.