Is it really necessary for me to pay a trainer for my dog's problem?

Question

So my dog is very bad seperation anxiety...Ive tried everything! Crate training, the desenistization theory, bitter apple on everything, VALIUM (the vet prescribed him for his anxiety)...EVERYTHING! and nothing has stopped him from freaking out and barking the whole time I am gone.. So the vet has suggested I meet with this Behavior Therapist for dogs and she will help... I talked to her and she charges $125 for a house call where she will "teach me a few excercises to get rid of this anxiety"...She has a PhD and is very top of the line but my parents, friends, and everyone that i know that has a dog says his destructive behavior is very normal since he still is a puppy (5 months). Every person that I have talked to says I should just let him suffer and eventually he will get used to being alone sometimes... $125 is ALOT of money for me right now and I am debating on whethere to meet with the trainer...or just let him suffer until things resolve by themselves? What do u guys think?

Answer 1

Before shelling out any money, ask for references and check on them. If she actually does help, *this problem*..it might make a difference in your decision..

Answer 2

Try the crate training again. Only start off with him in one room. Place a blanket or old towel over the crate so he can't see out. Leave the t.v or radio on but very softly. Put one or two of his favorite toys in the crate with him. Start off just being gone for 5-10 minutes. This can mean you go and sit in the living room, or other room where he's not, so you can monitor what is going on. Be sure you are quite. Just ignore him for that time. Work your way up to him being in the crate for an hour over the course of a couple of weeks. Yes, weeks. It can take a while for the dog to get accustomed to the whole thing. And with him being older it can take a bit longer. Each time you let him out of the crate he should go outside to relieve himself, then if he is jumpy, or extremely excited, ignore him until he calms down. That can lead to even more problems. Some dogs do take separation harder than others. I had a min pin who had the problem and didn't get better for a year. That's when I got him a companion dog, and he settled right down. I don't suggest a second dog unless you can handle the responsibility, and have tried all other resorts because it sometimes doesn't work. Just be patient, and he should calm down.

Answer 3

Seperation anxiety is one of the harder problems to fix.
Your dog is very young and at only five months he/she may very well grow out of this problem. Most do but it may take up to a year or more.
I have a weim male who is now nine and he was like this when he was young. Now that he is older I do not crate him and he is fine. He does sleep on my bed but does not howl and throw a fit like he does if crated.
Once you dog is older maybe just leaving him loose in the houes or one room would be easier than crating.
As a trainer you have done all the right things and if the meds do not help I am not sure what a trainer is going to tell you that will.
I would fisrt want references from other clients that had dogs with the same problem as your dog does and get to talk to them before handing out that mocu money.
I do behavioral training and I only charge $50 for a home visit. But I do not have a PhD.

Answer 4

You say you've tried everything but I can't help but wonder if you've tried taking the dog for a walk?
If you'd take the pup to the park for an off-leash run or a brisk 30 minute walk or evan a 30 minute play session before you leave him he'll lay down and go to sleep for at least 2 hrs.And if he does'nt then he did'nt get enough exercise before you left.
He's a baby and this is fairly normal so along with the exercise before you go leave him things that will occupy his time.Get a treat ball and leave it filled.Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or a bone from the meat shop to chew on will all help relieve the boredom.Also get him lots of toys that make several noises.Summers coming and garage sales are right around the corner.Baby toys can be picked up for less than a $1.Find stuffed animals that have rattles inside or that talk when squeezed.Leave a soccer ball and some tennis balls out for him to chase.And toss some dog biscuits in the floor for him to munch on whenever he feels like it.
He does'nt need a behaviorist-he needs things he can inter-act with that will hold his attention while you're gone so he won't be bored.
If you can afford it get him a playmate.That's what I did but I let my dog pick it rather than dump another pup on him.But if you don't provide for this ones needs while you're gone you won't provide for the needs of 2 dogs and both will have destructive behavior.

Answer 5

I think that I wouldn't pay $125 to solve my OWN separation anxiety! A 5-month old puppy?
I don't like the idea of him "suffering"; if he's lonely, consider getting another puppy. Of course, you may then end up with TWO lonely dogs. If he misses HUMAN companionship, there's not much you or this "dog whisperer" can do.
One thing to try before you shell out $125...if this Therapist says she knows some exercises, you may be able to find them on the Internet first.

Answer 6

If you would have taken care of the problem when it first started to appear instead of letting it get out of hand it wouldn't have such a price tag on it to fix. You might try a local akc obedience training clubs beginning class. It may be cheaper and they are just as experienced with handling dogs and helping with dogs with problems. Dog shouldn't have to suffer if you don't have time or money to take care of him properly the best thing to do would be to find someone that can take care of him right and find a dog that can handle your life style. Some dog can handle their owners being gone and leaving them more than others. Sometimes we just pick the wrong ones and it is just best for the handler and dogs to part ways if they cant work it out with out hard feelings or regrets.,

Answer 7

Well I cannot myself knock the Veterinary Behaviorist idea, I did seek the advice of one a couple of years ago for my 11 year old Border Collie. She is highly recommended in our part of the state and I had to travel almost 2 hours to get to her office. I would definately recommend a few references on the one you are being referred to and actually call the people and ask them if they would recommend or not. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

a companion doggie is a good idea, ever try leaving a radio on or something like that? just a thought... the pooch is real young and I don't think his behavior is all that unusual... as others mentioned, look on the internet for some good tips

Good luck you you and Fido!

Answer 9

hey !
what are u doing ?
he needs ur special care.
Now ....
1 buy a another mate for him .
2 make a time table-food ,game ,training(but not so busy),let him to enjoy freedom.

Answer 10

Hi ,
Well why don't you read this guide , its awesome , it will help you train your dog by yourself , its a really professional training http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/?aff=basimdcs , Hope this helps you