is it seperation anxiety?
Discussion
Rescued a JRT/YORKY X a few months ago. At home she's not happy if both of us are apart. Example- wife goes up to do her thing and dress. Lexi is unhappy/restless. I head up to wash/shave/ dress and Lexi heads up and sits on the spare bed. Before we go out ,swimbo puts my scooter battery in car and Lexi goes ballistic, till we put Lexi in car. If we leave Lexi in cool car at shops it's only minutes before Lexi starts barking, At present when we go shopping, I end up in car with Lexi on my knee, as it's a bit hot to leave her in car. But when it gets cooler, weed like to leave her in car without her getting stressed. Any suggestons?
You need to take it really slowly and build up trust that you are coming back. This means all the time, every day, starting with 1 minute. Also that she gets something nice and calming (like a stuffed kong or bone) when you go upstairs etc. Baby gates work well - to keep dogs in 1 room that is their settling room and not letting them follow you all about the house which helps break the habit. This takes ages but is worth the effort - increasing 1 minute per day - I leave mine all the time in boot of car when I am training or competing (NOT SHOPPING LOL) they have a locked crate with 12v fan and they like Yak bars to chew. However I didn't start by just leaving them I started by putting them in the boot of car on my drive while I did some gardening in sight of them and built up to it.
You have to remove the association with all those things that equal leaving, for example; I pick up my bag and keys when I go into other rooms or put on my coat to put the bins out etc. Its like when people struggle with recall because the dog associates the lead with the end of fun time - because that is all it has ever meant. You need to call back 10 times for a treat and then 1 for a lead clip.
I am a trainer not a behaviourist so these are just some tips - but this can easily escalate to a serious problem an massive anxiety for your dog which spills into other areas and is very stressful - dog will also read your building stress levels about leaving - so I'd recommend at least finding a behaviourist to have a chat to you and agree what point you seek other help and support. Good luck
You have to remove the association with all those things that equal leaving, for example; I pick up my bag and keys when I go into other rooms or put on my coat to put the bins out etc. Its like when people struggle with recall because the dog associates the lead with the end of fun time - because that is all it has ever meant. You need to call back 10 times for a treat and then 1 for a lead clip.
I am a trainer not a behaviourist so these are just some tips - but this can easily escalate to a serious problem an massive anxiety for your dog which spills into other areas and is very stressful - dog will also read your building stress levels about leaving - so I'd recommend at least finding a behaviourist to have a chat to you and agree what point you seek other help and support. Good luck
I'm not as knowledgeable on this as the above poster, but what we do for ours after reading various books/websites is give them treats when we leave the house, (biscuits, frozen kongs etc) then when we come home we don't make a big fuss - that is the hardest bit, puppy is super excited to see you but you have to treat them like it is no big deal.
All three (two rescue, one from puppy) of ours are now super relaxed - if we forget something and nip straight back we catch them flat out on sofa within minutes!
All three (two rescue, one from puppy) of ours are now super relaxed - if we forget something and nip straight back we catch them flat out on sofa within minutes!
ozzuk said:
I'm not as knowledgeable on this as the above poster, but what we do for ours after reading various books/websites is give them treats when we leave the house, (biscuits, frozen kongs etc) then when we come home we don't make a big fuss - that is the hardest bit, puppy is super excited to see you but you have to treat them like it is no big deal.
All three (two rescue, one from puppy) of ours are now super relaxed - if we forget something and nip straight back we catch them flat out on sofa within minutes!
That's great, and yes, don't make a huge fuss when you return, but greetings are social events and important to your dog, so ignoring completely isn't always a great experience for the dog, I don't speak much to my guys but they get pats and chin scratch - they need to welcome you home. My husband always has to make a great big thing and they are 10 times worse = borderline hysteria which is very annoying with 4 dogs (and actually stressful for them) lol!All three (two rescue, one from puppy) of ours are now super relaxed - if we forget something and nip straight back we catch them flat out on sofa within minutes!
Kongs and stuffed bones are really great, I don't leave my guys unattended with them though. Be careful if you only get them out when you go out as they will become a predictor, so lose their enjoyment - I teach a settle from day 1 with a dog. But if the anxiety is already established you have to go right back to basics - one of my Fosters had extreme separation anxiety and was very hard to cope with. She was a huge (and absolutely gorgeous) hound so containing her was difficult and she screamed and panicked - I made some progress over a month and her adopter has taken 18 months to get to a fairly normal lifestyle.
The one word of caution I'd offer is that lots of people will step forward with 'advice' some of which may seem to make sense but you could inadvertently make things worse (and be harder to fix). If it is true separation anxiety rather than just a settling down period you will definitely need a behaviourist - it can be quite complex.
parrikita -
We visited an RSPCA centre looking for a Westie to replace our Cairn who I'd had to have put down with rear end problems.She lay on the vet table and looked at me and I saw the look, more a plea- end it.
The Westie wasn't for us, but walking past the kennels this little face shot out and looked at us, shot back in and then back out again. We met her and on th second visit, Lexi took to Swimbo who's not rally a dog fancier, but loves animals) and then found my treat pocket. Lexi choose us .
Yesterday we took Lexi to Groomer. Lexi was no problem till I left. Angie ( groomer) told me that Lexi loved the wash and groom, but hated having her nails clipped. As time went on, Lexi got more timid and Angie told that in her time sh has not seen a more timid dog. When I went to pick Lexi up, there we two Labrodoodles waiting. When Lexi came out, she hadn't seen me and wanted to make friends with the two very friendly Doodles. Lexi then spotted me and she jumpd into my arms.
At night, Lexi heads up with whichever of us is first up and claims a place on the bed. She might stop there for long enough in the morning or wake one of us ( usualy Swimbo) up to get let out. Swimbo has a cuppa and Lexi waits for her portion,before settling on the sofa. When I get up Lexi is straight to my side for a lot of loves. She's straight in the car for her morning walk, but we only put her back in the car if the car is not too hot, otherwise I sit with Lexi on my knee with all the windows open. The problem only happens when Lexi is left in the car. I've tried leaving her in the car without a harness and even leaving her in the front,with/without my spare jacket. We're told she barks constantly.
At home, she alternates between needing a lot of fuss and just sitting knowing we are near. I see a dog that's had lots of attention and then been
cast aside. She always seems to have a need of knowing that there is someone there to love her. Not a problem, but if we're not around she gets stressed. She is great with family- GGD is only six months, but Lexi has bonded. GS has grown up with two Cairns- the last lady tried in vain for six years to make friends, but Lexi is getting through.
RSPCA do offer after adoption help- perhaps that's where I need to go.
We visited an RSPCA centre looking for a Westie to replace our Cairn who I'd had to have put down with rear end problems.She lay on the vet table and looked at me and I saw the look, more a plea- end it.
The Westie wasn't for us, but walking past the kennels this little face shot out and looked at us, shot back in and then back out again. We met her and on th second visit, Lexi took to Swimbo who's not rally a dog fancier, but loves animals) and then found my treat pocket. Lexi choose us .
Yesterday we took Lexi to Groomer. Lexi was no problem till I left. Angie ( groomer) told me that Lexi loved the wash and groom, but hated having her nails clipped. As time went on, Lexi got more timid and Angie told that in her time sh has not seen a more timid dog. When I went to pick Lexi up, there we two Labrodoodles waiting. When Lexi came out, she hadn't seen me and wanted to make friends with the two very friendly Doodles. Lexi then spotted me and she jumpd into my arms.
At night, Lexi heads up with whichever of us is first up and claims a place on the bed. She might stop there for long enough in the morning or wake one of us ( usualy Swimbo) up to get let out. Swimbo has a cuppa and Lexi waits for her portion,before settling on the sofa. When I get up Lexi is straight to my side for a lot of loves. She's straight in the car for her morning walk, but we only put her back in the car if the car is not too hot, otherwise I sit with Lexi on my knee with all the windows open. The problem only happens when Lexi is left in the car. I've tried leaving her in the car without a harness and even leaving her in the front,with/without my spare jacket. We're told she barks constantly.
At home, she alternates between needing a lot of fuss and just sitting knowing we are near. I see a dog that's had lots of attention and then been
cast aside. She always seems to have a need of knowing that there is someone there to love her. Not a problem, but if we're not around she gets stressed. She is great with family- GGD is only six months, but Lexi has bonded. GS has grown up with two Cairns- the last lady tried in vain for six years to make friends, but Lexi is getting through.
RSPCA do offer after adoption help- perhaps that's where I need to go.
Edited by Who me ? on Friday 30th August 19:11
Hiya,
I’m replying on a mobile phone so brief!
It all sounds very normal. I’d try getting her used to an open crate and making that the ‘special’ place where magic happens. Treats, kongs, bones, etc... over a period of weeks, never ‘put’ her in there, just put good stuff so she builds an association- and also the snuggliest blanket you can find and water. Don’t shut the door! There are good books/articles about positive crate training. By loving her crate you will make her more transportable and it also acts as a retreat when she’s worried. You will be able to put the same process in the car eventually.
In the meantime just don’t leave her in the car. Every time you do and she gets stressed she’s building a negative association with the car. Dogs should be secured in s car. Either in crate or harness. Can you make her a lovely den in the boot with a fixed crate? Or boot guard? I used to use the SafeDog crates but have now had bespoke crates made for my car and van. Always have water available in car as they get hot even on cool days. Use the same process of feeding special chews and kongs in the car crate too. Can you do it without going anywhere?
This all takes time! Don’t rush it and give reassurance/ you will get there. Yes use their helpline- good luck!
I’m replying on a mobile phone so brief!
It all sounds very normal. I’d try getting her used to an open crate and making that the ‘special’ place where magic happens. Treats, kongs, bones, etc... over a period of weeks, never ‘put’ her in there, just put good stuff so she builds an association- and also the snuggliest blanket you can find and water. Don’t shut the door! There are good books/articles about positive crate training. By loving her crate you will make her more transportable and it also acts as a retreat when she’s worried. You will be able to put the same process in the car eventually.
In the meantime just don’t leave her in the car. Every time you do and she gets stressed she’s building a negative association with the car. Dogs should be secured in s car. Either in crate or harness. Can you make her a lovely den in the boot with a fixed crate? Or boot guard? I used to use the SafeDog crates but have now had bespoke crates made for my car and van. Always have water available in car as they get hot even on cool days. Use the same process of feeding special chews and kongs in the car crate too. Can you do it without going anywhere?
This all takes time! Don’t rush it and give reassurance/ you will get there. Yes use their helpline- good luck!
Good luck,you will get there with perseverance ,having spent six months filling Kong's with the aim of distraction my recipe for longevity is hot dog sausages and cheese slices.
Break a sausage into 3 or 4 pieces, stuff into the Kong,seal with a slice of cheese,repeat until Kong is stuffed full and sealed.The sausages should go across the Kong so the dog has to break them up with their tongue.
If done well you can get at least an hour of distraction.
Break a sausage into 3 or 4 pieces, stuff into the Kong,seal with a slice of cheese,repeat until Kong is stuffed full and sealed.The sausages should go across the Kong so the dog has to break them up with their tongue.
If done well you can get at least an hour of distraction.
megamaniac said:
Good luck,you will get there with perseverance ,having spent six months filling Kong's with the aim of distraction my recipe for longevity is hot dog sausages and cheese slices.
Break a sausage into 3 or 4 pieces, stuff into the Kong,seal with a slice of cheese,repeat until Kong is stuffed full and sealed.The sausages should go across the Kong so the dog has to break them up with their tongue.
If done well you can get at least an hour of distraction.
Kongs are brilliant things Break a sausage into 3 or 4 pieces, stuff into the Kong,seal with a slice of cheese,repeat until Kong is stuffed full and sealed.The sausages should go across the Kong so the dog has to break them up with their tongue.
If done well you can get at least an hour of distraction.
just shouldn't be left unattended with them and you need to be careful that you don't overshadow the learning process... ie if the dog is so distracted it doesn't notice what is going on, when it has finished the Kong you are no further forward. Often if dogs are too fearful they wont even be interested (Ie if the dog has a phobia about cars for example - the Kong wont fix that)… To introduce or learn about a new/scary thing you need to go right back to the beginning and break down each step to minute stages slowly and gradually so that effective learning takes place. If the dog is too scared even at the very beginning or already has a strong negative association then you need a good behaviourist or trainer to help parakitaMol. said:
Hiya,
I’m replying on a mobile phone so brief!
It all sounds very normal. I’d try getting her used to an open crate and making that the ‘special’ place where magic happens. Treats, kongs, bones, etc... over a period of weeks, never ‘put’ her in there, just put good stuff so she builds an association- and also the snuggliest blanket you can find and water. Don’t shut the door! There are good books/articles about positive crate training. By loving her crate you will make her more transportable and it also acts as a retreat when she’s worried. You will be able to put the same process in the car eventually.
In the meantime just don’t leave her in the car. Every time you do and she gets stressed she’s building a negative association with the car. Dogs should be secured in s car. Either in crate or harness. Can you make her a lovely den in the boot with a fixed crate? Or boot guard? I used to use the SafeDog crates but have now had bespoke crates made for my car and van. Always have water available in car as they get hot even on cool days. Use the same process of feeding special chews and kongs in the car crate too. Can you do it without going anywhere?
This all takes time! Don’t rush it and give reassurance/ you will get there. Yes use their helpline- good luck!
Crates- no way. She is in harness on the rear seat. I've even left her off harness and on front seats with an old jacket of mine Only time Lexi is happy is when I stay in car and Lexi gets to sit on my knee at the shps. I’m replying on a mobile phone so brief!
It all sounds very normal. I’d try getting her used to an open crate and making that the ‘special’ place where magic happens. Treats, kongs, bones, etc... over a period of weeks, never ‘put’ her in there, just put good stuff so she builds an association- and also the snuggliest blanket you can find and water. Don’t shut the door! There are good books/articles about positive crate training. By loving her crate you will make her more transportable and it also acts as a retreat when she’s worried. You will be able to put the same process in the car eventually.
In the meantime just don’t leave her in the car. Every time you do and she gets stressed she’s building a negative association with the car. Dogs should be secured in s car. Either in crate or harness. Can you make her a lovely den in the boot with a fixed crate? Or boot guard? I used to use the SafeDog crates but have now had bespoke crates made for my car and van. Always have water available in car as they get hot even on cool days. Use the same process of feeding special chews and kongs in the car crate too. Can you do it without going anywhere?
This all takes time! Don’t rush it and give reassurance/ you will get there. Yes use their helpline- good luck!
She's same in house. In the morning, with both of us around the front room, she's happy. Then Swimbo goes up to dress and she gets stressed ,till I go up and then Lexi is vry happy, with both of us togethr. Swimbo goes out front to water her flowers- Lexi gets strssed and wants to look out of th window.
[quote=Who me ?]Thanks, Ray- what is so different is at night. I spend an hour or two on the PC, whilst Swimbo goes to Bed. Lexi goes with her and sits on bed. No problrms.
[/quote]
Dogs react differently in different situations. Our dog jumps up at people for attention, only in our house though, walking, pub, friends houses, garden, he's fine. It's a learned behaviour.
[/quote]
Dogs react differently in different situations. Our dog jumps up at people for attention, only in our house though, walking, pub, friends houses, garden, he's fine. It's a learned behaviour.
[quote=Who me ?]
She's same in house. In the morning, with both of us around the front room, she's happy. Then Swimbo goes up to dress and she gets stressed ,till I go up and then Lexi is vry happy, with both of us togethr. Swimbo goes out front to water her flowers- Lexi gets strssed and wants to look out of th window.
I don't know why you'd be so averse to training a crate? the beauty of crate training (introduced positively, correctly and over a period of time) is that your dog has a safe space where she is content and not stressed. And this means that you can take the crate anywhere, safely and she will be ok with it. I would really advise against letting your dog travel unrestrained on the front seat. Anyway, I do think you need some qualified advice before this escalates and I wish you every luck with her progress.parakitaMol. said:
Hiya,
I’m replying on a mobile phone so brief!
It all sounds very normal. I’d try getting her used to an open crate and making that the ‘special’ place where magic happens. Treats, kongs, bones, etc... over a period of weeks, never ‘put’ her in there, just put good stuff so she builds an association- and also the snuggliest blanket you can find and water. Don’t shut the door! There are good books/articles about positive crate training. By loving her crate you will make her more transportable and it also acts as a retreat when she’s worried. You will be able to put the same process in the car eventually.
In the meantime just don’t leave her in the car. Every time you do and she gets stressed she’s building a negative association with the car. Dogs should be secured in s car. Either in crate or harness. Can you make her a lovely den in the boot with a fixed crate? Or boot guard? I used to use the SafeDog crates but have now had bespoke crates made for my car and van. Always have water available in car as they get hot even on cool days. Use the same process of feeding special chews and kongs in the car crate too. Can you do it without going anywhere?
This all takes time! Don’t rush it and give reassurance/ you will get there. Yes use their helpline- good luck!
Crates- no way. She is in harness on the rear seat. I've even left her off harness and on front seats with an old jacket of mine Only time Lexi is happy is when I stay in car and Lexi gets to sit on my knee at the shps. I’m replying on a mobile phone so brief!
It all sounds very normal. I’d try getting her used to an open crate and making that the ‘special’ place where magic happens. Treats, kongs, bones, etc... over a period of weeks, never ‘put’ her in there, just put good stuff so she builds an association- and also the snuggliest blanket you can find and water. Don’t shut the door! There are good books/articles about positive crate training. By loving her crate you will make her more transportable and it also acts as a retreat when she’s worried. You will be able to put the same process in the car eventually.
In the meantime just don’t leave her in the car. Every time you do and she gets stressed she’s building a negative association with the car. Dogs should be secured in s car. Either in crate or harness. Can you make her a lovely den in the boot with a fixed crate? Or boot guard? I used to use the SafeDog crates but have now had bespoke crates made for my car and van. Always have water available in car as they get hot even on cool days. Use the same process of feeding special chews and kongs in the car crate too. Can you do it without going anywhere?
This all takes time! Don’t rush it and give reassurance/ you will get there. Yes use their helpline- good luck!
She's same in house. In the morning, with both of us around the front room, she's happy. Then Swimbo goes up to dress and she gets stressed ,till I go up and then Lexi is vry happy, with both of us togethr. Swimbo goes out front to water her flowers- Lexi gets strssed and wants to look out of th window.
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