Seperation Anxiety
  |
|
|
| I think you are on the right track. Little trips, or just small trips to the bathroom with the door closed (easier said then done in my house) and letting him know that when you do leave it isn't forever, he'll get better.
He is only 4 months old. My boy would still cry in his crate for a short period at that age when I left. maybe a crate would make him feel more safe. |
| I agree that a crate might help. This way he could get used to being separated from you while still being in the same room, and then gradually progress to trips outside of the room etc.
We used to put Bingley in his crate and let him watch us fold laundry or do other regular chores. The MINUTE he stopped whining we went to him. Over a period of time he realized that we would only go to him if he as quiet. Good luck! |
| He's still really young but early behavioral modification may help to stop the behavior from taking hold (I've got a rescue sheepie that had severe SA).
Distraction at this age may be a good way to prevent the whining while you're gone. Take a food toy like a kong and stuff it will something yummy (but safe) for him to eat. Give it to him just before stepping out. You might also try the same thing with a toy he's particularly fond of... again, make sure it's something that doesn't require supervision. As soon as you come home, pick up the kong or toy until next time. The Weather Channel or talk radio playing in the background can also be comforting. Try to build his confidence and encourage independence. Don't make home comings or departures a big deal. Keep it low key. As Cesar would say, "No eye contact, no touch, no talking" before you leave. The same when you return. You might also try a good run in the backyard if it's fenced or a brisk walk before you leave... "a tired dog is a good dog". Here's a link to a good article about SA. Disregard any mention of medication at this point, again, because he's so young. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=1502 Good luck to you. |
| Seperation anxiety can be a real problem. And it is real for the dog. You say he is just four months old...how long has he been with you? Where does he sleep? For the past four months has he ever been alone?
You are on the right track leaving him alone for very short periods of time. Leaving the tv on with a talk show might help. The voices keep him company and make him feel like other people are there. When you do leave, don't amke a big deal about it. Just leave. And when you come in again, don't rush to him. Be calm, tell him what a good boy he is but don't over do it with loads of love and kisses, etc. At four months old, he is still such a baby. Sometimes a ticking clock helps. Also, try to exercise him before you leave and tire him out. A stuffed Kong with some frozen yougurt inside might also keep him occupied while you are gone. |
| He has a crate and he's prety good when he is in it, its mostly when I leave him out with other people that his behavior starts. I only got him about 3 weeks ago so he is still a pretty new bow for me--raised in a kennel so I' sure that didn't help. I will def. check out the link you sent and try the suggestions, thanks all |
| Go out of the room for about 10 seconds shutting the door behind you. Walk back into the room and ignore the dog, sit back down and get on with what you were doing You must ignore him!
Do this a number of times until he stops crying. Build the time up from then on. In additon if he sits next to you on evening try to make him be a little further away by putting something in his way. Don't play with him all of the time when you are in the house but make specific play times If you have other people in the house get them to do things for the dog like feed him and walk him etc so that he isn't totally dependant on one person. It's quite time consuming but I did this with George when he was 11 weeks he's 5 months now and he entertains himself when I don't play with him and he is generally happier and less stressed when I'm not there He still has his moments when he cries but on the whole he knows that we are coming back. It does work and you have to remember he is only a baby (something which is easily forgotten because of his size) hang in there it does get better! |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|