My Dog has seperation issues?

Question

My dog Shyla a pitt/boxer mix that I rescued from the shelter over a year ago has issues about being left alone. Lately she's been scratching her way out the front door. My husband isn't sure what to do and I am not willing to give her up. She's a good dog just a tiny bit over excited.
But what do I do?

We had someone suggest getting the kennel before, and until we moved into a small apartment she was doing fine. My husband before we were married was living in a larger house and had a huge backyard. I think she's bored and needs to get outside but I am disabled and can't or dont dare walk her in the snow. During the good weather I have no problems but snow I fear she's going to make me fall, she tends to pull alot.

Answer 1

First, your dog needs a kennel with a closeable door you can lock her in when you're not home, at night, and at times in the day when you need her to be out of the action. It's her "cave", her retreat, and a place she is safe. Don't allow kids to crawl into it with her. Make sure she's had a chance to relieve herself outside before putting her in her kennel, then let her relax. She can have a few chew toys and a blanket in it for comfort. No food or water, though.

When you release her from the kennel, or come home after being away for a while, give her a few minutes to walk around BEFORE you give her attention. Take her outside, give her water/ food, but don't encourage the frenetic jumping or loving her up behavior. Wait to pet her until she's calm again because you don't want to reward the over excited behavior to reinforce it.

Training dogs is like training children. Sensible rules which are easily understood, and you are very consistent with them. Good luck!

Answer 2

I had a dog with seperation anxiety and she was quite destructive and I ended up having to get rid of her.

But I tried a few things first:

1) Try getting a kennel to keep her in during the day. Make sure that she feels like it's a safe home or "den" for her and that should make things a little bit easier.

2) See a vet and see if she might be a candidate for anti-anxiety meds. I think it could be pricey, but if you really want to take care of it, that might be an alternative.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If your dog is pulling you around, this may show that you are beneath your dog in rank. You'll need to re-establish this in order to have a pleasant walk together. Try a muzzle-type lead that will force her to walk beside or slightly behind you in order to walk comfortably. Does she also push past you through doorways? One of the Alpha privilages is to enter and exit first. For indoor activity, buy toys that make her think, like puzzles that challenge her. Interact with her. Teach her new tricks to keep her mind working. The seperation anxiety destrutive behavior can be solved with a crate. If you just recently moved, it could be that the new apartment makes her feel uncomfortable or scared. A smaller "den-like" environment will help her to feel safe.

Answer 4

I'm not familiar with boxers but pitts are surprising emotional and 'clingy'. Read up on 'separation anxiety' and consider talking to a canine behavior specialist if you don't find anything that works on your own.
I once had twin dogs, when one passed the other couldn't be left alone, ever. In a one year period I left her home alone three times, once when I had to go to an all day class for work and twice when I had to go to court for work. All three times it was a huge drama, big time property damage and once she injured herself. I literally took her everywhere, work, to visit friends, shopping, etc. She was fine in the car, but I could not leave her at home.
I eventually resolved this by adopting another dog to keep her company.

Answer 5

I had a similar problem with my Siberian Husky. Only after he "ate" the couch and chair did I heed the advice of his trainer. I immediatly, before I bought new furniture, bought him a crate. Ease him into it slowly. Introduce him first, try things to coerce him into it. I sat Thor's food dish inside. You will soon see that he actually likes it. Just as our trainer told us, that was Thor's personal space. For the first week or two that we closed the crate's door, he would scratch the sides. Reassurances that he was okay was generally all he needed to quieten down. After owning the crate for a few days, Thor would go in it and lay down for a nap or just to get some much needed time alone from my two little ones. Don't forget to get a crate large enough for your pet. He should have enough room to stand and to turn around. Crates are really a blessing!!!!

Answer 6

There is a wonderful program called "Dog Whisperer" usually on National Geographic channel. The guys name is Caesar ?? and he is wonderful with dogs. He also has a book published you may be able to find at your local library.

My Shetland Sheep dog (Sheltie) also has separation anxiety among other issues and that program has been helpful for me so far. I plan on getting that book too! My dog was a rescue doggy and he is a little mental case but I love him very much.

Good Luck to you and your dog!

Answer 7

once you're together with her positioned on an analogous jumper/jacket/blouse. It ought to be an old one. do no longer WASH IT. Sounds disgusting, even nonetheless it incredibly is worth it. once you pass out leave the object of your clothing together with her. commence with 15 Min's then 20 etc... If she has a good bond with you (ordinary carer) then she will seek for convenience on your cloths whilst your no longer there. there'll come a time which you ought to bathe the object yet by employing then you definately've got yet another one on the pass waiting for the 1st one to be faraway from her. good success

Answer 8

hmm u you could show her that you really care about her. but when she displays signs of anxiety i think you should ignore her so that she would not do it to gain your attention.