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What to do with a dog with severe separation anxiety?
I have a 5 year old 13 lb peek-a-poo who was rescued originally from a puppy mill, and then adopted again by me when his previous owners 4 year old was terrorizing him. We lived out in the country, but we recently moved into a townhouse in the city, and have already gotten complaints from the neighbors. When we leave, he goes into a panic and starts screaming (he sounds like a 2 year old child screaming sometimes) and howling. My husband and I work the same hours, so he has to be alone for about 9 hours at least 4 days a week.
We tried getting him a citronella collar but he just ignores it and keeps howling. I think it actually made it worse since he was barking in annoyance at it, when he doesn't usually bark.
I've also tried making some melatonin cookies for him to help calm him, but they take too long to work.
Even if I just put him in the basement for 30 seconds he starts screaming. He gets plenty of exercise before hand, and he has his favorite blanket down there with him.
We don't want to have to give him up or put him down, but I'm kind of at the end of my rope. Anyone else have any ideas?
The dog was fine when we lived in the country. When we went away he would quiet down after five minutes. The howling for the whole time only started after we moved to the new place. He actually very rarely is incontinent, it's just the noise.
I work at a special care home overnight and cannot leave the building to go home. My husband is a factory worker and it would take him his entire lunch break to drive home. There are no open spots on dayshift for either one of us at the moment.
If it weren't for the fact that we both work nights I would gladly pay for a sitter or doggy daycare.
I know I probably did spoil him too much with attention (like sitting on my lap while I'm on the computer) and I'm trying to stop that.
7 Answers
- I litter.Lv 49 years agoFavorite Answer
call cesar milan
actually no, but he has some good points.
every time your dog screams, and you react with a "shut up!" or a jeeez!" his scream was worth it. EVERY time. if you can learn to ignore him. he can learn that his yelling isn't getting him anywhere.
you're dog has some issues and it sounds like you need to be careful of the time you spend WITH him. like, inviting him into your lap, coddling him during a thunderstorm, giving him treats because he's yelling at you. little dogs are very loving, but they can be very needy. your first step i to let him understand, he'll get what you give him (treats, hugs, attention) only if he earns it.
I forgot to mention that crating your dog is not mean at all, dog's generally feel safer and more secure in a crate, because they don't have to "guard and protect" as much space. give him something to chew on and talk to your vet about some more options.
- dorothy sLv 79 years ago
Rescuing, suggests that you are providing a dog with a better life. Leaving a dog alone for nine hours is too long for any dog to cope with.
He should have a LONG walk before you leave him, then you should either get home at lunchtime, or pay a dog walker. You should also get a dog walker to take him out in the afternoon, then rush home from work and take him for another walk. Dogs who are left home alone need more exercise than those who have human companionship during the day.
I have no sympathy when you say that "I am kind of at the end of my rope". How in hells name do you expect a dog to cope alone in misery?
Get him rescued to a loving and caring home.
EDIT. Someone has suggested that this is a behavioral problem, it is NOT. He is bored, miserable and lonely.
- StephanieLv 49 years ago
Either you or your husband will need to adjust your hours so that one of you is home more often. It's hard for little dogs to hold their stool and urine for 9 straight hours.
Make an appointment with your vet. Some dogs benefit from having a second dog to keep them company during the day, and some dogs benefit from a Prozac type of medication. Your vet will be able to assess you dog and probably will be able to give you even more suggestions.
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- 9 years ago
Try putting him in a crate with a bone and his favorite blanket, also put a tshirt that you wore recently in there, and put the tshirt on top of the blanket, under that put a ticking clock, then close the door and if he is quiet praize him, if he howls leave him in until he stops
- 9 years ago
Have you called your vet about this? Veterinarians have a lot of training on behavioural problems in pets, and are a good source of information. In the mean-time, read the article from one of my blogs below.
