My fiance & I just moved into a new house and decided to get a dog. We ended up going to the Humane society to rescue one. We fell in love with a 6 yr old golden retriever. She was most likely a day or 2 away from being put down since she was there for about a month already. She is the sweetest dog but she suffers from separation anixiety. She has ripped off the weather stripping on our front door. Then she had pottied on the living room floor several times. Then she moved it to the upstairs hallyway and added #2 to it (gross). Our carpet is being ruined and we really love the dog otherwise and don't want to get rid of her but she is ruining our house. The smell is aweful. I have tried so many different sprays and what not. She also broke into our pantry 2 times now and ate all her treats and everything in the garbage. We are on our 3rd week of training at Petsmart so hopefully that will help a little bit. Any ideas on what I should do?
2006-10-15 09:58:03 · 8 answers · asked by Acid Burn 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
From what you describe, your dog certainly is showing all the classic signs of separation anxiety. You don't even need to take the quiz to tell me that, lol. <---sorry, don't mean to laugh. I once had a dog with extreme separation anxiety myself (during veterinary school, of all unfortunate times!!!) I know how frustrating it can be.
Fortunately, that's a disease we can now actually treat. I'm a huge advocate of crate training in general, but that alone is not going to do a BIT of good unless she's also treated for the underlying disorder. (In fact, many dogs have been known to destroy their crates while in them.) This is an actual disruption of chemicals in the brain, which CAN be corrected with medication....just as in humans.
Please schedule an appointment with your DVM ASAP, who can prescribe a drug that can help. In the meantime, read here so that you'll be informed before you go in: http://www.clomicalm.novartis.us/faq/en/index.shtml
It's also now available as a generic, so it's not nearly as expensive as it once was. Keep in mind that it might not COMPLETELY resolve all of the problems....but I've seen it make a major difference in many dogs' lives.
I am soooooooo glad you are doing the training, too. This problem needs a combination approach like that. Please stick with it. I hope your dog turns out to be one of the many success cases. :-)
2006-10-17 06:57:42 · answer #1 · answered by A Veterinarian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being in a crate truly does not bother most dogs. It is just important that she get out immediately when you get home. While she is crated, try getting a Kong toy and stuffing it with peanut butter for her, the fun can last for hours. Her confidence should build up over time. Your training class should also help a lot. Also, for the cupboard raiding, try child safety locks that you can buy at target, or pretty much anywhere. There are ways to train dogs to get out of cupboards, but in my experience with hungry dogs, its easier to just lock the pantry up.
2006-10-15 10:32:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be patient, if you love the dog it will work out.Petsmart is great and they should be able to help. Did you try looking for a site from the Dog Whisperer? Good luck
2006-10-15 10:02:05 · answer #3 · answered by Piper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor baby and poor you!! Have you thought about keeping her in a crate when you're not around? Also check with your vet maybe he/she can recommend a miild medication for a while. Love her, love her and love her! Good luck!
2006-10-15 10:03:34 · answer #4 · answered by Lilypie99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awwww...you sound like an awesome pet owner. Poor dog. Do you let her out before you leave? Praise her when she goes outside. If you CATCH her going inside (only if you actually catch her in the act), say a firm NO and put her outside. Is there a room in your house where you can put him when you're out so he is safe and doesn't ruin your house. My brother had the exact same problems with a lab he got from the pound years ago and it took time and to be honest, alot of patience, but slowly through training the dog changed. Now, he is an incredible dog. Still has issues like when my brother or his wife try to go out on the lake in a tube the dog pulls them back in as he can't be separated from them but yeah.
By the way, vinegar will get rid of the smell. Best of luck to you.
2006-10-15 10:06:46 · answer #5 · answered by me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being at the humane society in a cage or pen has been her home and now she has freedom. pet smart is good at training. and for cleaning up the dog mess odors, use a pine cleaner and scrub the spots ..
2006-10-15 10:07:00 · answer #6 · answered by StarShine G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have enough room outside put up a fince and a little house and put her out there that saves her life and your house! Hope this helps!!
2006-10-15 10:03:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Clearly, the dog needs to be crated when you are away!!!!!!!!!!
2006-10-15 10:01:47 · answer #8 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋