Strange separation anxiety problem in my new rescue dog.?

Question

I recently adopted a small lab mix from a local rescue organization. He seems well adjusted and is impeccably housetrained. He does however have a touch of separation anxiety, which is causing an unexpected problem. My current schedule is that I wake up at 5:30, have a cup of coffee and take the dog for 45 minute walk. We then watch the morning news until about 7:15 when I get ready for work. I typically leave about 7:45-8:00. He will whine and bark a little, at the door when I leave but settles down quickly and has been getting better about it steadily (he didn't even bark this morning). Before I got him I typically would go home for lunch, which I thought he would find comforting, but this has had the opposite effect. After I go back to work he becomes much more agitated and engages in destructive chewing, on things he knows are off limits. I tried not going home for lunch yesterday, and when I got back, no problems. The problem is I would like to be able to eat lunch at home. Help.

Answer 1

Try playing with him or some kind of activity that will tier him out a bit before you have to go back,

Answer 2

It is great that you are taking your dog for long morning walks. This really helps. If you can spare the time it might also help to take a walk or play some ball during your lunch. He sounds like he does better when he has worn the edge off of his energy. Energy and anxiety can be related. A tired dog is less likely to experience extreme seperation anxiety.

Several people have suggested crate training: not a bad idea.

If you decide not to crate, try this: completely ignore the dog for 5 minutes before you leave and 5 minutes after you get home. Many people have found that this works wonders.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Many dogs that are rescued have some sort of anxiety. Some things you can do:

1) Don't make your leaving a big deal. Don't say bye to your dog as he knows whats going on and it makes the anxiety worse. Just get your stuff ready and out the door you go. You may on your off days get ready like you are going to leave; coat on, keys and purse in hand, but sit on the couch. Don't pay attention to your dog but offer a toy to play with (also give him a toy when you are getting ready to leave.

2) when you come home don't make it a big deal. Ignore your dog and put your things up, fix lunch/dinner, change clothes, whatever you would normaly do. If he becomes excited after you do all these things ignore him till he calms down. When you make a big deal of things that further agitates the anxiety. By being calm yourself you are making the dog calm. Also you are teaching him hyper activity is not acceptable.

3) Distract him with other things when you leave. I highly reccomand the Kong toy. It helped my dog and a few of my friends dogs with severe separation anxiety alot! We also used them when we got a new dog that was fighting with our dog who was already established in the family. You can stuff treats in it, freeze yogurt in it, peanut butter mixed with kibble, and tons of other ideas. See their web site for more info:

www.kongcompany.com

My dogs will spend hours chewing on these even if there is nothing in them. They are very indestructable (I have 3 boston terriers that have shreaded "chew proof" toys in a matter of min), and made of soft plastic so they are washable.

4) If these don't work there are medications you can get from a vet. My vet carries Homeopet. It's all natural and has helped alot of our costomers who have pets with separation anxiety, storm fear, groomer problems, and travel fear. It can be redosed (unlike many seditives that are dangerous).

5) If that dosent work you may need to put the dog on Comicalm. It's a mild seditive for anxiety in dogs. You should try all the other stuff first though because some dogs will basicly be a zombie on this stuff.

I hope that helps!

Answer 4

What is going through your dogs mind is he feels your leaving him. You are, but not permanently. when you adopt a rescue dog, they were either abandoned or found on the street. Normally they were abandoned, So when you walk out that door once, he thinks your coming back. BUT when you come back and leave AGAIN he gets scared. and starts feeling like you don't love him. I'm not sure what to do exactly, but at least now you know why. Try asking your local vet on what to do.

Answer 5

Try Crate training.When you come home for lunch make sure he potties and when you go back to work put him in a crate(large enough for comfort) if he acts up before you leave.If he doesnt act up he can stay out of the crate.He will learn to accept your schedule.

Answer 6

DUH????
****CRATE IT*****!!!!