I have a two year old miniature schnauzer that has the worst case of separation anxiety I have ever experienced!! When left alone he salivates so much his beard and paws, as well as the tile floor of the area he is left in, are soaked with slobber. He will also bang his head against the door of the area in which he is left. It is not a particularly small area either, consisting of a laundry room and my bedroom. I am starting to become very worried for his safety while I am gone. I have a DAP that is in the area and has not worked at all. I am a student and am really busy right now and don't know if I have the time for the behavioral treatment that some suggest (leave him for a minute until he doesn't react, then for five, etc), plus I don't think it would work. I am desperate for a solution, any ideas would be appreciated!
2006-12-13 02:36:35 · 11 answers · asked by ecurry44 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I HAVE A MINIATURE SCHNAUZER and when I first got her she required lots of attention and had an extreme case of seperation anxiety. I have a few suggestions.
(1) Because they are terriers and they tend to have a ton of energy. I bought her Booda bones (not rawhide) to chew on. This keeps their brains busy.
(2)I also crate trained her. This tends to keep their anxiety levels down due to the space they have. They tend to sleep. Crate training is easy...just takes some patience and lost of dog cookies. You have to make it a safe place...never a place for punishment.
(3) Another very important note, every time you leave or return to your home. Never...never make it a big deal. When you get home....do not say hello. Wait until they are calm until acknowledging them. Greeting with excitement only encourages the behavior. Same goes for leaving...making a big deal isnt good.
Please remember that dogs do not understand "hello" or "goodbye" or "I'll be back I promise" They just see this as "I love you"
When you leave him, you can also leave something that smells like you. (i.e. Clothes that you've wore to sleep) and you can also leave a TV on....or music.
I also make it a point to take my dog for walks....at least one to wear her out in the morning. Sometimes because we are busy...long walks arent always possible but whenever you do have time. Do it.
p.s. my dog's seperation anxiety is almost completely gone. When shes home shes just relaxing, playing with her toys....sometimes I think shes happy I'm leaving so that she can do her own thing.
Good Luck.
2006-12-13 03:29:41 · answer #1 · answered by Jenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem with my boston terrier. His mother was hit by a car and he was bottal fed.(my vet said that was most likely the problem.) But I had to medicate him, then I got another dog and he has a friend while I'm away. Also get him a crate make sure he can't fit his head through the bars or get him a plastic one. put him in it when you leave, it will take a while but he will start to view it as his own personal space.(my boston goes into his for naps) good luck
2006-12-13 03:05:02 · answer #2 · answered by puckbunny03 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.
Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?
2016-05-17 05:20:18 · answer #3 · answered by Lorraine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Jack Russell (also a terrier) has that same problem. Some things we've tried that help are to exercise him about 1/2 hour before we have to leave him. When we leave we don't talk to him...just leave. When we get home and he is excited to see us we don't talk to him for the first few minutes at home. It hasn't gotten rid of the anxiety but it has lessened it a bit.
Good luck to you.
PS...we did get him a buddy, that helped some...
2006-12-13 02:46:32 · answer #4 · answered by Loli M 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Here're some other questions on YA about this issue.
Good luck,...
http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=AmGSWj_rPKRpfoQkbc3Zf.8azKIX?p=dogs+and+separation+anxiety
Alos, in the last couple of days I have answered a couple questions like this with my experiences, go through my answers and see what you can find.
If nothing else, e-mail me, I'll do my best to help. We went through a lot of furniture, many crates, doors, window frames, howling, chewing, you name it.
2006-12-13 02:45:27 · answer #5 · answered by KJ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best thing to do with a dog that has seperation problems is to LEAVE THE DAMB DOG ALONE. Put him in a room where he cannot harm himself and load him up with toys, food, water and LEAVE HIM. If all else fails try day care. At night I would have him in a crate just to enforce that being alone is okay.
2016-03-13 06:29:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven;t tried this myself but I have been told that it might be controlled by leaving something with your scent on it in his bed or wherever he sleeps. That way he will feel closer to you and might not have as much anxiety. I'd say give it a go - can't hurt. Good luck!
2006-12-13 02:48:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
When you see him after being gone, ignore him at first. Don't immediately give him attention. Also, the vet may be able to recommend some medication (synthetic or natural)
2006-12-13 02:46:28 · answer #8 · answered by workingirl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try getting a pit bull to keep him company. He'll be to busy hiding to be lonely!
2006-12-13 02:43:49 · answer #9 · answered by roy 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
My mom had to get a sedative from the vet for her dog before grooming.
Maybe you can get a mild sedative to give him when you leave for long periods.
2006-12-13 02:46:46 · answer #10 · answered by ironica7 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋