separation anxiety or bad training? Will stress relief products help?
May 29th, 2009 | by Anthony |Baa_Baa_Blacksheep asked:
Now that I think about it my smaller dog freaks out in his crate when left alone (will willingly sleep in it for hours as long as i’m in the same room but barks and sometimes even pees if i’m not). Is this due to possible separation anxiety (which I never suspected till now) or just him not understanding the training? He is 8 years old and his crate is big enough so he can stand up, turn around, and lay down without trouble.
A few days ago I was just checking out some stuff on foster and smith and found a plug in/spray that supposedly released comforting pheromones. Will this help ease him?
CINDY
6 Responses to “separation anxiety or bad training? Will stress relief products help?”
By sheltiemom on May 30, 2009 | Reply
If it doesn’t contain harmful ingredients and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg give it a shot. It might help; can’t hurt.
By Lani on Jun 2, 2009 | Reply
Exercise will help…I had a female Siberian that had horrible separation anxiety, the vet suggested doping her up with “puppy prozac” but I’m not into doping my dogs so we started walking daily before I would leave for work…a pooped out pup is less stressed because it understands why the pack left him/her behind.
By TonyWithLove on Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Just for starters, what is 8 years old dog doing in the crate while at home?
There is more than meets the eye. Forget “relief” products and think about the whole situation.
By rodeo_gal_132tex on Jun 5, 2009 | Reply
Our dog used to have very bad separation anxiety. We cured this by leaving her alone for about 10 minutes, then coming back with a treat. She learned that we are not going to leave her for a really long time. I’ve seen a lot of the dog stress relief products as well. I personally haven’t had to use them. As long as they don’t have anything harmful or any serious side effects, I’m sure your dog will be fine with them. Do you walk him regularly?
I ask this because some dogs feel like they don’t have enough attention and the reason they act up when you’re not around is because they want your attention. If you don’t walk him regularly, try doing this as much as possible. If you walk him before you leave him alone, he might be content enough to just lay down and nap while you’re gone. Exercise can do a dog wonders!
Anyways I hope this helps!
By Crimson Ghurl on Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Definitely try givin him more exercise! A tired dog is a happy dog :]
By Westley's mom on Jun 9, 2009 | Reply
1. Try more exercise. Tired dogs are good dogs.
2. When you are planning to leave, say goodbye to the dog about 1/2 hour before you leave, put the dog in the crate, and quietly go about your business while ignoring the dog.
3. Try a bye-bye bone. This is any special treat or toy that he only gets when you leave. A lot of people like to use a kong toy, stuffed with moist dog food, peanut butter, cream cheese, yogurt, etc. and then frozen.
4. Practice leaving & coming back. For some dogs, it helps to have a phrase that lets them know how long you’ll be gone. When I leave for work, I say “Be good puppies, I love you, see you later tonight.” When I’ll only be gone for a few hours, I say “see you in a little while”. And when I’m just going out to the car, checking the mail or taking out the trash, I say “Be right back.”
5. If all else fails, you can try a calming product. I have used Pet Eze, short term, which is mostly chamomile, and it worked great. There is a product called Rescue Remedy that a lot of people like. Others swear by melatonin.