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what did you do if your dog suffered from separation anxiety?

17 replies

bethoo · 03/07/2008 17:33

bit of a long story:
i have na 8 year old boxer who comes to work with me so i have rarely noticed but since his brother died if i leave him at hime for long periods apparantly he barks continuously though it is only my new neighbour who has bought this to my attention. at the moment it is not really an issue as he comes to work with me during the day but after my maternity leave next year i have to move jobs and may not be able to take him with me to my new job. i have considered getting another dog but timing is wrong what with baby on the way etc and really happy with just the one as otherwise he is well behaved. an these days the cost of a puppy is outrageous! so anyone with experience got any tips on how to solve this problem?
and any anti dog people out there, no i will not get rid of him.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 03/07/2008 17:35

can you find a dog behaviourist/trainer they would be the best people to approach and worth the money IMHO

bethoo · 03/07/2008 17:44

too pricey, i know what they would say i was just hoping that someone here would have similar experience could share it with me.
i think it is more that he gets excited when he sees my neighbour as she likes him.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 03/07/2008 17:54

Could you employ a dog walker to give her really really long walks in the morning so she crashes out for the rest of the day?

Ecmo · 03/07/2008 18:02

you could try one of these

SubRosa · 03/07/2008 22:55

Would you be prepared to muzzle him? Personally, I hate the idea, but it worked for one of my sister's dogs. Having said that, there's no way I'd muzzle my dog.

I realise it won't solve the underlying problem, though

youcannotbeserious · 03/07/2008 22:58

I don't have any advice, my dog suffers from separation anxiety but makes no noise... We can't leave him for any period of time because he will also not eat or drink while alone...

But, I did want to say 'fantastic' for adding you wouldn't get rid of your dog... It's an issue you can and will get over with the right help.

Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bethoo · 04/07/2008 00:02

thanks, i have a feeling that a long wak before work will solve most of the problems and to be honest muzzling a dog to stop it from barking in the house is just not right. he has a severe heart problem so the stress of a muzzle could kill him.
he is an old man in boxer dog life bless him.
thanks ladies and feel free to offer more advice as am watching this thread.

OP posts:
Joolyjoolyjoo · 04/07/2008 00:14

There are quite a few things you can try. The first might be to try a diffuser from your vet, which contains pheremones which help to calm dogs (honest- we use it for fireworks!) and helps them feel more secure. It does seem to work really well for a lot of dogs (and for some reason my brain is still enjoying its maternity leave and is refusing to remeber the name, but your vet will know what you mean!)

You can also try a few drops of rescue remedy in his water- this seems to help my old boy with fireworks.

Just a thought, but often older dogs bark when they start to lose their hearing. No idea why, but I think the vibration is somehow comforting, so may be an idea to leave something (?) humming in the background!

If it is purely behavioural, you can try some behavioural therapy. Simple stuff like putting your coat on, then going nowhere. The dog gets anxious then realises there is no need (you feel a berk, admittedly, but it can help!) I also used to go out, wait a short time then rush back in, so he isn't sure that you going out means you have actually gone. You can also find, despite many owners being averse to the idea, an indoor crate or kennel gives your dog a den and a feeling of security. As a last resort there are drugs specifically for this problem (clomicalm, eg.), but in older dogs (and esp. boxers, with their funny cardiovascular quirks), I prefer to avoid drugs unless absolutely necessary. Hth!

Joolyjoolyjoo · 04/07/2008 00:16

Got it- the diffuser is called a D.A.P (dog appeasing pheremone!) God, that was bugging me!

whispywhisp · 04/07/2008 19:31

bethoo....I have a DAP diffuser which I don't use anymore - bought last year - its a plug in thingy - it still has some of the fluid in the bottle that attaches to the bottom of it. If you want it I can post it to you to try out - saves buying one and they're not cheap! I bought it for our dog for fireworks that we have going off around here for about 3 months either side of November 5th! In the end she just ignored them.

HollyandNoah · 04/07/2008 19:36

Hey!
My dog used to follow me everywhere all the time, i have a sheet i got from a trainer with advice about it. i can post it to you if you want, need to find it first though!

looopy · 04/07/2008 22:19

Have a look at this link it maybe useful. www.petlibrary.co.uk/dog-training/separation-anxiety-in-dogs-how-to-treat-it.html?Itemid=34
Speaking from experience it is a difficult issue to solve but with time and patience you should be able to get there without investing in too many, often expensive, items. Although different things work for different dogs. Sadly after 2 years of effort, expert advice and every training gadget on the market we are rehoming one of our dogs tomorrow . We have 2 dogs and they simply have not got on from day one, he stesses when left and deserves more time than we can give him. Luckily found a home with people who don't work, have no kids and lots and lots of time...still heartbreaking though but I know its the right thing. Phew obviously needed to get that off my chest. Good luck with your dog.

muffinmum · 05/07/2008 01:43

Bethoo, it is best to see a veterinary behaviourist first and ask about the 'anchor exercise', very reassuring for separation anxiety. only prob is also cd be beginnings of dementia???need to check it out.

bethoo · 05/07/2008 10:58

this all came to light recently for me as no one had said anything until i got a new neighbour and many times if i leave the house and am in view he barks but as soon as i am round the corner i cant hear him anymore. so i am unsure as to how severe it is.
i think it may have more to do with my neighbour as like all dogs when people walk past the window he barks like the majority of dogs do! so it is hard when she is in the garden and he wants to be with her as they get on. she does go int othe house and let him in her garden if i am out.
my email is [email protected] if you have that letter Holly and i will look into the D.A.P.
thanks for all the good advice.

OP posts:
sullysmum · 05/07/2008 16:05

What about asking the neighbour look after him while you are not there for company?

sophiewd · 05/07/2008 16:09

Would love to help, our dog suffers badly from it, but one of us is at home all day so no suggestions but it is a pain. Good luck.

Lovesdogsandcats · 05/07/2008 22:33

Agree with all jolly suggests... the rescue remedy I have just started, along with 6 other flower remedies added, got it made up to individual order from this ebay seller. I swear it has calmed all my pets. Its good for rescue pets too, helps them let go of the past, even years later :

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bach-Flower-Remedy-Remedies-Bottle-Pet-Cat-Dog-Horse_W0QQitemZ250264507803QQcmdZViewI tem?hash=item250264507803&trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&trksid=p3911.c0.m14

Agree with the not using barking collars/muzzle. Its cruel and doesn't alleviate the cause of the prob, only the symptoms.

my neighbours are ace but my dogs bark too when am out. they dont bark at night though which said neighbours have said as long as night are ok, they are ok too.

What about the neighbour who likes him would they dogsit

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