Rehoming in her best interest

[MyPoorDog]

I have a soon to be four year old jack Russel terrier who I’ve had since she was six weeks old, both my partner and I worked since she was a year old and she was completely fine with this. I had a baby two years ago and she’s been amazing with my baby, however, after my maternity leave was over she ended up with severe separation anxiety from me to the point where she can’t be in the house with my partner without me being there or she cries and barks until I come back. We have tried absolutely everything from having her go to doggy day care while I’m not there but she still just barks and whines until I come back, we’ve also tried training her. We think it might be in her best interest for us to rehome her to someone who will be able to be home all day as we simply can’t and it is not fair on her at all as she breaks her heart as soon as she sees us putting our coats or shoes on. I am heartbroken

Does anyone have any tips as this really would be a last resort

Isn't your partner with her? Is she being left alone or is it that she doesn't like you going anywhere?

If you rehome her, it’s surely the same issue as you’re not there?

I’d pay for a professional to come in and help properly. I don’t think giving her up will solve the issue, you just won’t have to think about it and that is horrible

Have a look on here before make any decision, lots of support .
www.facebook.com/groups/separationanxietydogsupport/

It follows Julie's methods
www.subthresholdtraining.com/about/

How is she with your DP when you're there?

@Ellmau she’s completely fine with him while I’m there, it’s just if I leave the house she seems to panic, they go on walks together and play together she just doesn’t like it if I leave the house (even to take the bin out)

If she's so bonded to you, would she cope if she was rehomed?

I don’t know, we’ve decided to have a specialist come in as we really don’t want to get rid of her she’s my baby

Do you have the capacity to get another dog?

Another dog is a possibility

Op I have a bit of this with my male which started when Partner started wfh last year. It's frustrating and anxiety inducing when your left with a clearly unhappy dog.

I haven't worked with a trainer, but I recommend you do if you can. Each case is going to be different.

It can be improved, and we are working through it and I'm seeing results of my efforts. We're at a place now where 8 of 10 times Daddy can leave and he'll be just fine and happy.

Don't just get another dog. Work with a behaviourist first.

My female doesn't have separation anxiety but it has no effect on my males behaviour.

There's an FB Group called 'Dog training advice and support.' If you sign up you'll need to read various modules first, but you can then post for free advice from behaviourists who will support you.

@Shmithecat2

Do you have the capacity to get another dog?

Getting another dog doesn't solve the fact that this dog is hyper attached to the OP.

I know a second dog is often said to be a solution for separation anxiety but often you just end up with two destructive and anxious dogs instead of one. Best to solve the behaviour first before adding more work into the mix!

A second dog is NEVER the solution for true ingrained spearation anxiety.

Behaviourist help is the only way to go make sure they are qualified

A second dog can be useful if they get anxious when left alone- but the OPs dog is only anxious when she leaves- he is not alone so a second dog won’t help in this scenario x

Definitely don’t get another dog.
This issue is that to solve true separation anxiety you need to not leave the dog. Each time you do it reinforces the dog’s panic and fear at being left.