We're fostering a very sweet Boston Terrier and he has Separation Anxiety (it's day 2 and we just discovered it). When I left today, he stood at the door and barked and tried to chew his way through the window by the door. Luckily, I had to run back into the house to get something and discovered it! So, I put him in his kennel (I had to leave and was gone an hour) and it was obvious that he didn't stop barking or trying to get out of the kennel until I walked back in the front door. Does anyone know how I should handle this? I have to go to work this next week. I can't afford the damage to my home, and I'd hate for him to injure himself in that kennel trying to get out or to upset my neighbors (townhouse) with the barking. He's such a good boy besides that.
2007-02-18 16:36:17 · 10 answers · asked by Angela H 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It's not just me...I have a fiance that is home for most of the day, too, but we will have to leave the house together once in a while!
My dog loves her kennel, and this dog doesn't mind being in it when we're home, but he tries to dig his way out and barks constantly if he's in there and we leave.
The rescue group has a trainer that can come and work with him, but I need some advice for the meantime and for while we're working with him on it.
2007-02-19 02:32:48 · update #1
He has water, food, toys, pillow, and blanket in the kennel....which are all thrown to the back of the cage when I return due to his vigorously trying to get out.
2007-02-19 02:36:17 · update #2
First of all, don't listen to people saying you're not the right foster mom to this dog. That dog will have separation anxiety regardless of who it lives with. I got a 2 year old Beagle a few months ago, and he had severe anxiety about us leaving. We did two things:
Bought a special collar from our vet that releases comforting pheromones to the dog. It helps the dog relax, and you can't smell it.
We would put him in his kennel several times a day, and go outside for a few minutes, then coming back in, giving him a treat, and letting him out. Each time we did this, we gradually increased the amount of time we would stay outside. This teaches the dog to trust that you will always come back to him. It took less than one day for our dog to be comfortable with us leaving.
Also, when you come home and let the dog out of the kennel, don't act excited to see him and smother him with love. Kind of ignore him for a few minutes. If you smother a dog with attention right when you get home, it will start associate you coming home as the best thing in the world, and all his time in the kennel he will be anxious, wondering when you will get home. Good luck!
2007-02-18 17:28:16 · answer #1 · answered by It's Me 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try making his kennel comfortable for him. Put toys in there with him. Also, don't put him in the kennel yelling at him, as he will see it as punishment. Many people think kennels are cruel, but the fact is dogs are den animals, and view them as a den, so long as they are not put there when you are angry at them. Also try leaving a TV, or radio on for him. The sound may calm him down, and trick him into thinking someone is there, as well as help mask the barking sound if he continues to bark. This will keep the neighbors from complaining. Make sure you, or someone else can come by at lunch and let him out for awhile, as 8 hours straight, would be cruel. also make sure he has water in his kennel, and that the kennel is big enough for him to move around in.
2007-02-18 16:47:39 · answer #2 · answered by Snow Dawg 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't speak to the dog or let him out when he is making a fuss. If he does it continually for a long time, thump the roof of the kennel every 15 minutes. (This has worked for me.) Only speak to him or let him out when he is quiet.
You might also try the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, or the homeopathic remedy Ignatia. Both are safe for dogs (and cats) and can be bought at the health food store. I've known two veterinarians that routinely dose anxious patients with Rescue Remedy. It works fast. And Ignatia is considered a remedy for grief, of which separation anxiety is probably one type.
2007-02-18 17:35:27 · answer #3 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah I'm not sure there is a cure as such but there are a few things you can try. This article outlines a few strategies - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/separation-anxiety-in-dogs.html
Also, if you arrive home and you find your dog barking, crying etc. do not go inside - this would reward and therefore reinforce the behavior.
Good luck with your Boston.
2007-02-18 17:08:05 · answer #4 · answered by Chris Smith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well my dog barks but she's a chihuahua so it's not a loud bark so what my dog's teacher said to do it get one of those kong toys and put wet food, dry food, treats, and anything else your dog likes and then put it in the freezer and the next morning take it out and it's a popsicle and your dog an try to lick it all the time and it'll get soooo tired that it will get sleepy cause it's trying to get the stuff out it worked for me and my dog's teacher i guess it might work for you just email me if it works!!!or you can leave the radio on like what i do
2007-02-18 16:43:47 · answer #5 · answered by chelsea! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him for a brisk 30 minute walk before you go anywhere.Tire him out and he'll take a nap rather than tear things up.You can also leave him things he can chew like a bone from the butcher shop or rawhide.Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter,etc.and lots of toys.
Before I go to work I take mine to the dog park for a 45 minute off-leash run.Thankfully the park is close-by.
2007-02-19 00:24:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What works best for me with a dog with anxiety problems is a sedative called Ace, which is the safest among sedatives. Talk to your vet about it, and see what he recommends.
2007-02-18 17:50:01 · answer #7 · answered by amccoy1962 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is not cure, you can allieviate it and treat it but from what you are describing i wonder if you are the right forster home for him?
he might be better with someone who can take him with or be there all day with him
if you have no alternative a trip to the vet for some anxiety meds might do the trick, but this is a time consuming problem that usually requires a 6 month action plan
2007-02-18 16:41:36 · answer #8 · answered by drezdogge 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
try leaving the radio on, or make a tape with your voice on it and play this for him.
2007-02-18 16:44:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might not be the best foster mom for him.
This is labor intensive work, and he will be loud and distructive until you can re-train him.
Maybe he should go to someone who can stay home with him.
If you want to try, start with obedience training. It gives dogs confidence and will teach you how to train without making him worse.
Good luck
2007-02-18 16:41:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋