Separation anxiety, calming spray?
Discussion
We have a ten year old Yorkshire Terrier / Chihuahua (or Chorkie, as they are more affectionately known as.) She has been a home dog since being a puppy, and has become very used to long stints alone at home as we've always worked full time.
She has moved multiple times (including abroad and back) and is incredibly adaptable. I added it up and as many as 8 different environments/homes in the last 3 years alone. She has always settled well and switches back into routine remarkably quickly.
The problem is we have now bought a flat in a small complex. She is struggling to settle properly when we leave and I'm very conscious of her barking and whimpering for the other residents. I think the main difference is that she can hear movement and noise in the building which I assume she associates with us moving around while she is 'locked' up behind a door. She has never really had this experience, as we've always had houses. It's early doors, we've been here less than a fortnight, but it's causing me and no doubt her great stress to know that when we leave she may be making a racket.
I am getting into the routine of enforcing positive behaviour around our coming and going, not making a fuss when we exit or when we return. I am doing small stints out, mixing up the durations. Is there anything else I could be doing to speed up the process? Has anybody ever used any sort of calming spray and or medication that have yielded good results?
She has moved multiple times (including abroad and back) and is incredibly adaptable. I added it up and as many as 8 different environments/homes in the last 3 years alone. She has always settled well and switches back into routine remarkably quickly.
The problem is we have now bought a flat in a small complex. She is struggling to settle properly when we leave and I'm very conscious of her barking and whimpering for the other residents. I think the main difference is that she can hear movement and noise in the building which I assume she associates with us moving around while she is 'locked' up behind a door. She has never really had this experience, as we've always had houses. It's early doors, we've been here less than a fortnight, but it's causing me and no doubt her great stress to know that when we leave she may be making a racket.
I am getting into the routine of enforcing positive behaviour around our coming and going, not making a fuss when we exit or when we return. I am doing small stints out, mixing up the durations. Is there anything else I could be doing to speed up the process? Has anybody ever used any sort of calming spray and or medication that have yielded good results?
Trophy Husband said:
Leave a radio on. Works for our pooch. Same station every time, same voices. Tink likes radio 4. I think she waits for The Archers?
I do and always have done. She gets walked prior to departure, gets a dental chew before we leave and we've had no issues for 10 years, up until this flat. I've had to erect a baby gate in the hall way to prevent door scratching but she damn near destroys the thing when we leave. I didn't know 4kg dogs could be so strong.
I'm half confident she will improve over time, but this is combined with lockdown and me being at home far more than usual, she has developed a very strong bond again. My fault, mainly. I baby her.
Almost 3 weeks ago we started an inherited ex rescue on Dorwest valerian & skullcap tablets.
I was sceptical but had them in the cupboard so why not?
No real difference for the 1st couple of weeks, but coming up to week 3 seems calmer. Less reactive and aggressive towards other dogs, less needy and clingy around the house.
Seems to be helping with training, less 'red mist' moments and just more relaxed. Able to concentrate better when training.
It may all be coincidence but my confidence with her is definitely improving too. I'm hoping it given us all the breathing space we need.
I was sceptical but had them in the cupboard so why not?
No real difference for the 1st couple of weeks, but coming up to week 3 seems calmer. Less reactive and aggressive towards other dogs, less needy and clingy around the house.
Seems to be helping with training, less 'red mist' moments and just more relaxed. Able to concentrate better when training.
It may all be coincidence but my confidence with her is definitely improving too. I'm hoping it given us all the breathing space we need.
23.7 said:
Almost 3 weeks ago we started an inherited ex rescue on Dorwest valerian & skullcap tablets.
I was sceptical but had them in the cupboard so why not?
No real difference for the 1st couple of weeks, but coming up to week 3 seems calmer. Less reactive and aggressive towards other dogs, less needy and clingy around the house.
Seems to be helping with training, less 'red mist' moments and just more relaxed. Able to concentrate better when training.
It may all be coincidence but my confidence with her is definitely improving too. I'm hoping it given us all the breathing space we need.
Thank you, I will certainly give them a go. She is very clingy around the flat. I have left her twice now, both for full days. She has been in her bed when I got home both times, but there were signs of struggle (she ripped some plastic shielding off a radiator pipe) so I know she has had stressful moments. She seems to be improving slowly though, getting used to her environment more. I was sceptical but had them in the cupboard so why not?
No real difference for the 1st couple of weeks, but coming up to week 3 seems calmer. Less reactive and aggressive towards other dogs, less needy and clingy around the house.
Seems to be helping with training, less 'red mist' moments and just more relaxed. Able to concentrate better when training.
It may all be coincidence but my confidence with her is definitely improving too. I'm hoping it given us all the breathing space we need.
She can be a little grumpy with other dogs on walks in her old age, so it can't hurt to try them and see if they have a similar effect.
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