We rehomed a dog last week from well known rescue centre, he’s 3 year old terrier cross. Was told he was being rehomed due to barking when left alone and the neighbours complained. To try and combat this the owners put him in a muzzle. He’s obviously been neglected, he’s underweight and hasn’t been groomed in what looks like forever. Owners apparently told rescue centre that they weren’t exercising him enough.
When I enquired about him the rescue centre said he had separation anxiety and that any time left alone would have to be a slow process. The girl said ‘5 minutes left alone, then 10 minutes and so on’ She also said that he had been fine in kennels and had barely barked.
I researched separation anxiety and thought it was something I could manage and work up to leaving him so reserved him and went to meet him a couple of times before bringing him home.
However putting it into practice has been quite different to what I have read. I have tried leaving a kong with treats in, boredom breakers etc but he eats a couple of the ones he can see and then comes to the baby gate we put up (practicing for when we leave him in kitchen ) and starts grumbling and barks. So far I have only been able to leave him for 3 mins in total while I potter in his eye sight and returning before he barks.
I have tried to start de sensitise him by putting my coat on, getting up but going nowhere etc.
I have had a behaviourist out to discuss it with me and he seems to think that with time (as it’s such early days) and practice the dog can manage it. Also because he’s just moved house essentially he’s going to be more anxious in the first place at the moment which hopefully will die down. At the moment dog follows me everywhere from room to room.
DH is away next week with work so I will have to do nursery drop off and picks up by myself and will have to leave the dog for 30 mins. Behaviourist gave me some tips to manage this and also said that it won’t traumatise the dog, just might take longer in the long run to get the desired outcome.
Anyway I’m sorry for the long post. I love this dog already but feel completely overwhelmed and just wanted some tips or any positive stories u can give me!