Everytime I go to leave my dog goes nuts. He barks and cries and if he'll never see me again. I've tried giving treats to distract him but this doesn't work. I've tried locking him in another room so he doesn't see me going but he seems to know when i'm leaving. I've evn tried putting my bag and coat outside so he doesn't see me getting dressed and ready to leave. I can go to the door to get the mail or take out the garbage and this has no reaction but he seems to know that when i'm going to the door to leave him behind. any tips from anyone.
2007-12-15 14:29:53 · 14 answers · asked by Sebastian's Mom 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
desensitization is usually the method to treat this. Let him see you put on your coat and get the bag, thats part of it.
This site will help explain
http://www.wagntrain.com/SeparationAnx.htm
The most important part to me is, not making a big deal about when you come home. As hard as it is, dont act happy to see your dog. wait at least 10 minutes after youre home for that. Because if you dont, its like you rewarded him for his seperation anxiety and his reward was to get you back.
2007-12-15 14:33:45 · answer #1 · answered by ♥shelter puppies rule♥ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Watch Cesar Milan!!! For all pet psychology issues.
For separation - you will need to get your dog used to you leaving and not care.
Start by leaving the house (without petting goodbye). Stay outside for about a minute, then come back in. Don't say hello to the dog, just ignore.
Do this again, but for two minutes. Keep doing it until your dog knows that even though you're leaving, you will return.
Don't give too much attention when coming and going, wait until the dog calms down to pet - you never want to encourage (pet) the wrong behavior.
Good luck and be patient.
2007-12-15 15:01:25 · answer #2 · answered by kate K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with CatsnDogs - keep pretending to leave. Ignore him and let him see you leave. Then, come back in, take off your coat - and go about your business. Making arrivals and departures as boring as possible will be a great favor you can do for your dog.
Increasing the amount of mental and physical exercise that your dog gets will help a lot. You might join a clicker class and teach your dog new tricks, or try Agility or Flyball. Learning new things will certainly help a lot. Doing a Google search for Melatonin + separation anxiety will help too. Also, using D.A.P. - the plug in pheromone - will help too.
http://www.petedge.com/Farnam-Comfort-Zone-Plug-Ins-FA27939.pro
Good luck!
2007-12-15 16:00:29 · answer #3 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen to Pit Bully and the others....the more you make a big deal out of leaving and returning....the worse it gets....HONEST!
I have 4 dogs....3 have no separation anxiety at all...1 has a little but by ignoring him when I leave and when I come back, the situation is greatly improved. He was my first "rescue" dog and I over pampered him and caused the issue.
Now he is a much happier camper....there are still the occasional times when it breaks my heart to leave as I see him trying SOOOOO HARD to come with me....but he has come a long way. Good luck
2007-12-15 14:47:45 · answer #4 · answered by Borders Rock 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Sedastion's mum,
It's a time consuming training process. Start by shutting the door and leaving the dog for 15 seconds only. Do this several times a day. Each day add 10 seconds to the process. When you get to leaving the dog for 1 minutes gradually increase the time the dog is left alone. It may take several weeks of patient training.
2007-12-15 20:29:51 · answer #5 · answered by Scoundy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have tons of tips for you, I've been there:
-Crate when you leave
-Leave a TV or radio on
-Leave a Kong stuffed with goodies in the crate with him
-Don't make it a big deal when you leave - ignore him when you leave, don't say Goodbye to him, just leave as if it's not a big deal - because it's not.
-When you're at home, leave for a few minutes at a time. Make the time you leave more and more each time.
-If so needed, put a cover over the crate to make him feel safe, and quiet.
2007-12-15 14:39:02 · answer #6 · answered by Dog Section Regular 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try leaving him for short periods of time (gradually make them longer) also, leave talk radio on for him people voices sooth dogs but make sure its quiet. Try leaving him when he is tired also, he''l have less of a reaction. Ask around at local pet shops to see if there are any good dog classes, trainers really can help.
2007-12-15 14:41:50 · answer #7 · answered by OOAshleetotalle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and have the same problems as yours. I have to take Lexapro, but that was prescribed for me by a psychiatrist. Take vitamin Bs and Folic Acid. Both will help.
2016-03-16 00:51:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's into the habit of destryoing things (due to his anxiety) purchase a crate and put him in there when you leave. Question for you: Do you overexaggerate your greatings/fairwell when your in and out of your home? If so, take it down a notch.
2007-12-15 14:37:15 · answer #9 · answered by O-dawg 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Training your dog will be a huge part of your interaction with him for the first few months. Learn here https://tr.im/BIncI
This includes housetraining, leash training, obedience training, socialization, and problem solving. In addition to providing your dog with needed skills, this time will also be a great opportunity for you to bond with him. Take the time to really get to know your pet while training him and a loving relationship will easily develop.
2016-04-23 03:29:04 · answer #10 · answered by cathie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋