What is the best way to calm down a dog?

Question

My 8 mos. old lab mix seems to have a problem when we leave even for 5 mins. We do crate her when we leave, because she will chew things up. We rent so we rather crate her than have damage we will pay for later. This was very successful with our last dog, which was also a lab mix. Crating was ok'd by the vet. She seems to like the crate. We made it very cozy for her. She goes to her crate on command. When we come home, she gets wild, jumps and cry-barks. She will go on for about 10 mins or so and won't calm down right away. She has a bad case of separation anxiety. She gets very excited when people come near her. She is just very happy to see people, but I feel her behavior is going to get someone hurt. She is at least 40 lbs. I am hoping she is just doing this because she is so young and she will calm down like my last dog(she wasn't as bad as the one we have now). She is a very loving dog otherwise and great with everyone. Can't afford professional training.

She is fixed already, it was part of the adoption agreement. She is a great dog!

Oh, and when I can, I do take her with us in the car when running errands that don't require me to go into a store and leave the dog in the car. It drives me crazy when I see a dog in a car left alone.

We put a toy in the crate with her. We cannot use rubber toys due to latex allergies, so we give her a bone.

Answer 1

I think what you have is a VERY happy pup!!! who gets a little over exhuberant!!!!
This is something she will most likely out grow in another 6 or 8 months. I don't think you need Professional Training, just be sure to be consistent & firm when the need arises. Do not let her pull on the leash when walking, do NOT let her jump up, NOT EVEN ON YOU. When she gets worked up talk to her calmly, then take her outside & stay out there with her even for a few minutes to play. She's a pup, she has a lot of energy & aparently a lot of love. This is her way of showing it & telling you all about it. I can understand your concern about her when she gets older, just be sure to properly socialize her & do NOT let ANYONE tell you that breeding her will calm her down!!!! THAT IS BUNK!!!!! But you will want to begin saving up & thinking of having her fixed, because THAT CAN help at some point.
Good Luck!!! Have fun!!!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Dogs quickly learn your routine. "My dogs know that the last things I do in the morning are spray perfume and brush my teeth. Both of these personal behaviors escalate their 'asking
to go along' behavior," says Dr. Eurell. "They also know that the last thing I do before we go out for a walk at night is to turn off the computer. At least this time they know for sure that they get to go along." Your dog figures out your routine in a very short time and may respond with these 'can-I go-can-I-go-can-I-go' routines, which may be a prelude to more destructive behavior.

With these dogs, your first effort is to assess the situation and eliminate cues. As with puppy training, don't make a big deal out of leaving. Desensitize the dogs by leaving for a short time and gradually work up to longer periods.

Another approach is to leave something to distract your pet. Video studies have shown that separation anxiety behavior usually occurs within 10 to 30 minutes of your departure; after
that, dogs calm down. Kong toys make good distractions. Kongs are hollow rubber cone-shaped toys. You can fill the center with kibble or cheese. It takes the dog awhile to get to the treat, and meanwhile they are distracted from their separation anxiety.

Crate training is another good option. I used to crate my dog Maxie when I first moved to an apartment with new roommates. Even though she'd shown destructive behavior only when she was younger, I had nightmares about her getting into one of my roommate's rooms and eating a new stethoscope or goose-down comforter. So until my roommates and I felt comfortable with Maxie loose in the house by herself, the crate was her home
while we were away.

I fed her in her crate and never punished her by putting her in the crate when she was bad, so it became something she associated with positive things ... sleep and food. Finally the
day came where we let her roam free while we were gone. I was a bit anxious myself while we were away that day, hoping that when we came back from vet school there wouldn't be a disaster. And I became more worried when Maxie didn't greet us at the door. And guess where we found her ... downstairs asleep in her crate with the crate door open.

"Dogs are den animals, and the crate is a place they can call their own. If you crate from an early age, you always use the crate as a positive experience, and you have a crate large
enough for the dog to comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down, then crates can be a great training tool," explains Dr. Eurell. "Crates can also give you peace of mind that your
dog isn't able to destroy something or potentially injure themself while you're gone."

Seek out a veterinarian or professional trainer for other training ideas, but remember that because of the circumstances when separation anxiety arises, most of the training will require changes in your own behavior. It's not something a trainer can do for you. Veterinary prescribed drugs are an option as well, but try training first.

Answer 4

SIT, STAY----good boy