Recommendations for breed without separation anxiety

[Figmentofmyimagination]

We've always had cocker spaniels but our current spaniel (now 8), an orange roan, has always suffered from separation anxiety of epic proportions. She pretty much rules our life because she howls continuously if left alone for any time at all. She has other odd anxiety traits too, making it obvious it's something ingrained and possibly genetic. She came from a litter in a family home. She is much loved and has no reason whatsoever to feel anxious. She's also not particularly 'loving' in return - doesn't much like to be held or cuddled, although she would never snap. Wants to be your constant shadow but doesn't really seem to want to be your friend.

Anyway, since it would be inconceivable for us ever to be a dog-free household, I am consoling myself by dreaming about how my next dog will be much more balanced and I'll be able to eg pop to the corner shop without starting world war three, and having only ever had cocker spaniels (up until this one, always blue roans), I wondered what breed you would recommend for a laid back temperament suitable for a relaxed life, moderate exercise, lots of attention, teenage children, and able to be left alone sufficiently for us to be able to lead a normal life.

[RedHelenB]

My shitzu pup is fine with being left and loves cuddles and will lick you to death!

[tabulahrasa]

“ I wondered what breed you would recommend for a laid back temperament suitable for a relaxed life, moderate exercise, lots of attention, teenage children, and able to be left alone sufficiently for us to be able to lead a normal life.”

That’s kind of shouting rescue greyhound tbh...

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Tbh it's more of an individual predisposition combined with nurture thing, as you've discovered, than a specific breed thing.

I'd go to a rescue and see what they have within other parameters you set (eg exercise requirements)

[Nesssie]

Don't think you can generalise by breed. It all depends on the individual and about building it up slowly, getting them in a routine.

A rescue lurcher/greyhound might work.

[BiteyShark]

I'm don't believe any breed is guaranteed not to have separation anxiety. Also anxiety can come and go, for example my dog had to spend several nights in the vets on a few occasions and after each time we have to build up his confidence and get him used to us leaving him again as he understandable feels we are deserting him.

Some dogs will be great left alone and others will need more help right up to the end of the spectrum of seperation anxiety.

As a side issue did you get any advice from a behaviourist on managing your current dogs anxiety which will give you a bit of freedom now?

[Figmentofmyimagination]

We tried a behaviourist a few years ago but it didn't really help. I think a big problem was living in a semidetached house, so that the need to prevent the howling fed a vicious circle.

[BiteyShark]

I think I would try another behaviourist, one specialising in anxiety, as your current dog may live for many years yet and it seems a shame that you can't leave her for short periods. Your vet might be able to recommend a good one.

[sulee]

I’ve had terriers, mutts and golden retrievers etc over the years and the only one who suffered from separation anxiety was a black cocker- lovely dog but tore the house, car and a large crate apart when left. I guess it’s just luck of the draw.

[Lichtie]

Like sulee said. Luck of the draw. We have a black cocker, just coming up for 6 months. She is happy and content on her own.

[Embracethechaos]

I have a rescue Staffordshire bull terrier Cross akita. He has nearly no separation anxiety. I volunteered with the rescue for a while and knew he was a special but overlooked dog (a larger staffie cross). Your lifestyle and experience fits with rescue perfectly, they'll be hundreds to chose from. Staffies, and rescues in general do often suffer separation anxiety though but they vary a lot. If you contact your local centre they can advice you. The most anxious dogs I've met have been cocker spaniels so if you have experience with that any other breed will likely be better. Depending on the rescue you may be able to walk or discuss. things I'd recommend to look for if you chose a rescue. Rather than the breed (purebred rescues will likely be badly bred) think about
Do you know the history? If its been picked up stray, has it been in foster as often dogs behave very differently in Kennels than foster.
age: puppies and pregnant bitches do come into rescue but, esspesally with teenage children might be better to get an adult dog that can be properly temrement assessed and who's personality is developed.

I'd not met any akitas when I got my dog but now I absolutely love them, allthough they have a bad rep and can be territorial, they are very intelligent and need far less excersise than a husky. They love to be at home and with their family and I've heard a behaviourist describe them as more cat like than other dogs. They are stubborn and can be hard to train to recall so I keep my dog on lead always as I know as well trained as he is I still don't trust him to always listen to me when there's more interesting things. At home with a family they are brilliant, you would need to be careful with teenagers bringing friends round though, as they are protective and often just watch when nervous, unlike spaniels I've met you make it very clear that they are unhappy.

Greyhounds will sleep 20 hours a day and love to run, but can be a bit boring for teenagers (I had a lurcher growing up and as lovely as he was I could never teach him fetch, he had zero interest, chase yes, return no)

[Doolly067]

I am not sure if it's breed related or just the dog itself.
myself and my friend both have chihuahua dogs, mines fine alone and hers, a rescue is totally not fine.