Separation Anxiety
I hope you are all having a great summer. I am considering adopting a dog from our local shelter who suffers from separation anxiety. He is a 10 month old Great Pyr. He was turned back into the shelter, after being adopted out for a month and a half, for breaking out of his crate while the owner was not home and destructive chewing. I spoke to the shelter today and they said so far he is not exhibiting any crazy behavior in his kennel. He is suppose to get along great with other dogs and cats  and loves children.
I never had a dog that suffered this type of behavior, and I was wondering if any of you have had first hand dealings with it and what you did about it. I have spoken to some people who know Pyrs and have had exposure to separation anxiety and they have given me their advice. I was just wondering if anyone else is familiar with it and how you handled it. I have not made any final decisions regarding this dog, just giving him serious consideration. I know he is not a OES but he is a dog in need and I always seem to go for the underdog. Anyway if you can share some info I will be grateful, and I hope you continue to enjoy your summer. Take good care. Jack |
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jackcjjc wrote: I know he is not a OES but he is a dog in need and I always seem to go for the underdog.
Lol. You and me both! Are your other dogs kept in crates during the day? I'm wondering if he may exhibit less anxiety with some dog buddies around? Clyde suffered from it in his crate but once we started trusting him in the house while we were gone, at about 10 months, he was happy. He really just hated being locked up. He munched one corner of a wall and after that, for the next month, we put a rawhide bone at all the spots that looked potentially tasty. Amazingly, it worked and no more walls were chewed. |
| Mitch had separation anxiety.He wasn't destructive he just howled the house down.
But all that has changed now i have got Marley. Mitch doesn't bother we can go out for hours and not a sound is heard from my house. |
| Buttersstotch,
My dogs are not crated. I have a dog room where the dogs stay while inside the house. There is a dog door that gives them access to their yard 24/7 but they spend most of the time inside. The dog room has two couches, 1 double bed, 1 trundle bed, 4 large dog pillows and two crates with the doors left open. It is a great room to have for the dogs. They get to jump and climb on anything they want and Dad, that's me, does not care because it is their room, plus all the dog hair is confined to one room so cleaning is easy. The Pyr did have a another dog living with him in his previous home. I guess my concern is that right now I have a very very peaceable kingdom, all the animals get along great. My dogs are also somewhat older 10 yrs, 9 yrs and 8 yrs so I want to make sure that they are safe if the Pyr decides to go crazy while I am away. My gut tells me that things will work out but we may have a rough start but I just want to make sure. Living with a crazy dog for the next 10/15 yrs could be my hell here on earth, but then again if things work out it will be very rewarding. What to do, What to do. Again thank you for the input and if anyone else can shed some light on separation anxiety in dogs I will be grateful. Thank you all in advance. Jack |
| The only experience I have is with my friend's Basset/Beagle mix. His separation was so bad that he would literally eat holes through drywall. They did put him on Prozac which helped. However, once their SIL moved in with their Bichon, all of Buddy's anxiety disappeared overnight! Since then the families have parted, but Buddy and Boomer both live together with one side of the family. Both have thrived! |
| Oh baby, baby ... do we have experience with separation anxiety
Panda flew to us at the age of 10 1/2 months on September 16th, 2005 from New England OES Rescue. We are Panda's 3rd home in her first 10 1/2 months of life not including the approx. month she spent at a Humane Society. It was said she last belonged to a groomer and she went to work with her spending at least part of the day in a drying cage. She came to us with a few "issues"- you can read about them at the bottom of this page- http://www.pomeroys.com/EmmaDarby/Page30.htm . She had an issue with crates... if crated she would pee in it and howl forlornly. So we removed the crate, cleared the kitchen counters of anything potentially dangerous (because she was also a horrid counter surfer... Scat Mats stopped MOST of this behavior) and the kitchen became her "crate". This room already had one Dutch door... we added another so it has a more open feeling to it. This took care of being able to safely confine her. Note that some dogs are so destructive they chew through dry wall... you'll have to see if this applies to your pup. Part of Panda's problem with being unable to housebreak was that she had undiagnosed struvite crystals... the urge to go is so strong that they can't control it. So that was dealt with through a prescription diet. Another way the separtion anxiety was exhibited was when there was a closed door between us. She would poop/pee in the house or immediately do something destructive. I'm bearing my soul here so don't laugh too much... she pooped ON the chaise lounge once   Destructive for Panda was chewing on boots or shoes, taking packages off the shelf (destroyed an automatic car starter once), taking things off the table to chew up... papers, hats, key rings, a box of syringes used for Darby's allergy shots, my purses (I'm on my 4th), etc..
The thing to remember is that the dog simply cannot help it so never scold them if you come home and find they've destroyed something. Blame yourself for not keeping it out of their reach (I'm just about a pro at this now  ).
Here is a link that might help you to ease this sweet soul into a more peaceful existence. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... ourceID=42 Know that medication is also available if you find it too severe. We had to go with Clomipramine or Clomicalm because it was so bad. We are just beginning to taper her off after about 8 months of treatment to see if she can finally live without it. I think that you have to slowly build the trust... letting them know that you'll return and that they're okay. You may want to do some things a bit differently in order to ease the anxiety. Since a closed door was a huge problem for Panda, (I'm going to admit this) I shower with the bathroom door open  . She had to be in the bathroom with me at first... she then went to the hall and now will lie down in the other room. So we've made progress! Everytime we would close the shop door she was into trouble... so we closed the baby gate instead leaving the big door open. She could see/hear us so it lessened the anxiety. We can now close that door without the destructive behavior. I think it's all about finding compromises that everyone can live with.
She would also slobber terribly and pace. Her beard was stained when she arrived and was always wet- http://www.pomeroys.com/EmmaDarby/AboutU117.jpg Her beard was stained because of it. I shaved her down so she was cooler and this too helped some. This is her beard now (she has a black mustache)- http://www.pomeroys.com/EmmaDarby/AboutU559.jpg . All I use is regular shampoo and conditioner... no whiteners. It was funny... the other day we were at the vet for Panda's first allergy shot. When she first arrived in September, this dog would nervously pace the room sniffing, panty and drooling. On this day, she laid on the floor, flopped on her side and eventually went to sleep while we waited. We knew there had been improvement but my husband and I just looked at each other and laughed.
If you have to leave this dog, try to leave the TV or the radio on low. We leave the TV set to the Weather Channel because they do a lot of talking. If you can leave a SAFE food toy like maybe a stuffed Kong it will give him something to keep him occupied. Or if there is a special SAFE toy that you give him jsut as you leave (as soon as you return the toy is put away or the Kong is picked up). Just be sure you pick up anything that you don't want ruined or that could harm him. Keep all medications in the cupboards and you will probably need to put the wastebaskets up and out of reach or in a cupboard also. Also, I thought that since we already had 5 dogs THEY would help her to overcome some of this anxiety. NOT TRUE! Panda needed her humans... the other dogs did not ease her problem one bit. Realistically, yes, it can be rough 'til you can define the ways in which his anxiety will be displayed... once you know, you might be able to take steps to avoid them all together. One final thing... ask if you can have him for a trial period so you can see if you are all right for each other. It leaves the door open so if things just don't work out you won't feel like a failure because it's already "just a trial". I can't stress this enough... it has to be RIGHT for everyone involved and a settling in period of sometimes a couple of months is often required. Wow... I know this was way too long but I think it's wonderful you're considering this special dog and I want you to have as much info going in to help you make this work. I can truly say this... Panda has been very much worth the effort. She's become a big part of my heart. Good luck to you and please let us know what you decide! Jaci |
| When we first brought Murphy home I crated him while we were at work or if we had to go out. It was a nightmare!!!!!
For the first week, I had the webcam set up on him, so I could monitor him while at work.. all day he would sit in his crate HOWLING... my neighbour confirmed this.. he said from the moment I left the house till we came home, he would howl in his crate.. and the mess I would come home to was unbelieveable... he would pee and poop in his crate as well as throw-up. I had not experienced seperation issues before.... my Berner was a walk in the park compared to this...I did a lot of research on the internet and realized what was going on with Murphy.. I then decided to put away the crate and leave him in the kitchen with a baby gate.. that didn't work, he can jump at least 5' (unless it's into the back of the truck.. this he won't do.... go figure) I decided to let him have the run of the house with Dudley... I would leave the TV on for them.. the Home and Garden station (I am sure that's why he always wants to redo my gardens....) and as Jaci said below.. they get their Kongs ONLY WHEN WE LEAVE THE HOUSE...when we come home.. the kongs go away.. he has come to realize that it's a good thing when we leave.. he gets his kong filled with treats and frozen peanut butter..every door is shut in the house.. everything is put away on the counter and all cupboards are baby locked. 6Girls wrote: If you have to leave this dog, try to leave the TV or the radio on low. We leave the TV set to the Weather Channel because they do a lot of talking. If you can leave a SAFE food toy like maybe a stuffed Kong it will give him something to keep him occupied. Or if there is a special SAFE toy that you give him jsut as you leave (as soon as you return the toy is put away or the Kong is picked up). Just be sure you pick up anything that you don't want ruined or that could harm him. Keep all medications in the cupboards and you will probably need to put the wastebaskets up and out of reach or in a cupboard also.
It's been 2 years since we got him and he has come a longgggggg way....now all he cares about when we leave is "Where is my Kong" I believe it's all trial and error.. you try till you find what's right for your puppers and you go with it. Good luck and keep us posted. |
| Thanks for the advice. From all that I have spoken with the advice has been the same. I am going to vist this guy either today or tomorrow if he is still available. I will get a better idea of what to do after I have met him personally. I am going to follow what my heart tells me. Here is a link to him if you would like to see him.
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/dis ... id=6619989 Thank you all again. If I do decide to adopt him I may be picking your brains even more when specific situations arise. Take good care. Jack |
| Jack.. He is beautiful.. good luck!!!
Remember.. a tired dog is a good dog. We work 8 hours a day, I live in a VERY small house and basically have no yard... what I do have is fenced, but not big enough for the dogs to go out and run and run and run.. so what I do FAITHFULLY.. every day is take them out in the moring for a good brisk walk around the neighbourhood before work then after supper I take them to the park or the beach where they can play with their pupper friends.. by the time we get home.. all they care about is eating and sleeping.. and it doesn't bother them that our yard is only the size of a postage stamp. Plus when they are tired they stay out of trouble. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out for you. Brenda |
| This big boy is beautiful! Yup, sounds like SA from the description on the PetFinder listing. Please let us know how the visit goes!
Quote: I decided to let him have the run of the house with Dudley... I would leave the TV on for them.. the Home and Garden station (I am sure that's why he always wants to redo my gardens....) That is sooo funny. Mine will probably be able to tell Dudley when the weather is right to plant that garden Quote: Plus when they are tired they stay out of trouble.
Oops... so glad you mentioned that. The exercise part is very important. The old saying, "A tired dog is a good dog." is so true. Jaci |
| Good luck with your "new" dog.
We leave the TV on too - and it's either The Weather Channel or HGTV! In the evening we leave a light on in the livingroom too. |
| Hi Jack,
In talking with Judith, this is a purebred dog, so you can deal with him knowing he has the Pyr tendencies. As I told you, I've never had severe SA in any rescue, foster or own pups so can't be much help, but above posts sure let you know what you are in for. Since aggression should not be in Pyrs, this should be a mute point. That's one saving grace. Sounds like a big baby who needs some major help. Cute guy too! susan |
jackcjjc wrote: Thanks for the advice. From all that I have spoken with the advice has been the same. I am going to vist this guy either today or tomorrow if he is still available. I will get a better idea of what to do after I have met him personally. I am going to follow what my heart tells me. Here is a link to him if you would like to see him.
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/dis ... id=6619989 Thank you all again. If I do decide to adopt him I may be picking your brains even more when specific situations arise. Take good care. Jack One other thing, Jack. People lie, too. My Komondor's previous owners claimed he was aggressive. It tuned out that not only was he not aggressive at all, they were upset because he wasn't aggressive enough. He's as gentle as I can expect a 10 month old 115+ pound puppy to be! On the plus side, since Pyrs are guarders like Koms, you may find that your other guys will run him tired fast. Bear can't always keep up with Clyde. He just doesn't haave the herding stamina. |
| Hi Everyone,
I did not have an opportunity to visit the shelter today so I am going to try and get there at 11AM tomorrow when it opens. Thank you all again for your input. It has given me additional things to think about. I teach school and I am off for the summer so if I do adopt this guy I hope I can work on the SA over the next six weeks. I think what tugs at my heartstrings with him is that sometimes when an animal is labeled as special needs they are sometimes overlooked and harder to place. I teach autistic children and I know that sometimes they can be labeled difficult. I know it is because people do not know them or understand them. I know what my kids are like, they are people like you and me except they were sent on earth in a body that is not the norm. I have often told their parents that when I die and I meet them all again in the heavens their kids will be the greater angels who have been sent down to teach me some lesson. That is kind of what I feel about this dog. Like I said before I tend to go for the underdog anyway. I am thinking about different ways to maybe handle this situation. Since I live on a little under 5 acres and have some ducks and geese maybe I need to give this dog a job, guarding the ducks and geese,since his breed is of a guarding nature. Maybe crating him is not the way to go....just trying to think out of the box here. I already now leave the TV or radio on for my dogs during the day. And at nighttime I leave a lamp on for them plus I have nightlights all over there room. Maybe I should start to leave the Home and Garden channel on I may come home sometime to a lawn that has been already mowed, weedwacked and shubbery that has been trimmed.
Anyway a little ahead of myself here. If he is still available when I meet him I know my heart will tell me what to do. |
| HI Jack
Guess I better chime in here, as I too have a rescue pupper that had Separation Anxiety & attemped to break out of a wire kennel the 1st time at the ripe old age of 6 months
Brody aka Diesel, our now 3 yr old Neardie, was rescued from an Amoco station at 4 months old! When he came to live with me, he brought a small satchel of issues...fear of all smoke >> grill, fireplace, smokers, oven etc, noise of furnace turning on & being left alone in a crate! Several times, he bent the door off the hinges and/or moved the tray so that he traveled in the crate across the room We had to go very slowly with Brody & the crate... now the crate is a comfy safe place to nap & of course he gets his goodie Kong...yum!
He still has all his smoke & fire issues...goes & puts his head under the bedskirt if I burn something while cooking, goes to the farthest corner of the backyard when we grill out or goes under the pool table or to his kennel if he is inside! We don't coddle him but praise for the times he decides it's safe to join us! Brody is still a work in progress & we love him quirks & all 
Advice to you...just be patient...so hard to undo all the stuff that abandoned puppers have gone through...some quirks we're gonna just have to live with 
Sure take a chance on this sweet looking Pyr...from one teacher (Kindergarten/1st grade) to another they reeeeally are just like children
Thanks for giving a loving home to a rescue 
Diane |
| Gosh, Jack... I got all teary eyed reading about your special kids.
Quote: ...sometimes when an animal is labeled as special needs they are sometimes overlooked and harder to place...
I have an extra special little sheepie. She was born with a cleft palate and a harelip so she also has a nose deformity. She has a crooked little nose and bottom jaw and overlapping/crooked top front teeth. She was also born mostly blind. I remember when we picked up up at airport... one lady that saw her was repelled by her appearance. http://www.pomeroys.com/EmmaDarby/Kaytee/index23.jpg I came to understand that it was a problem THEY had to deal with, not me. Another lady simply said, "She's a mess." I could only imagine what these same people did when they encountered a child with a birth defect and the ache their parents must feel. Kaytee's 1 1/2 now... her spirit is amazing and we simply adore her. Kaytee now- http://www.pomeroys.com/EmmaDarby/KayteeGlasses.jpg A few weeks ago the receptionist at our vets' office called me over to the other side of the office to meet another special dog. Shortly after this poochie-girl was born, one of her hind legs began to decay for an unknown reason and the vets had to amputate. The other hind leg locked up and all attempts to make it mobile again failed. This pure bred Labrador walks on her two front legs. It was the most beautiful sight... this gloriously happy girl wagging that tail and WALKING around. She's now 8 years old. To know and understand is to love... special people and pets just need a chance. Jaci |
| Diane and Jaci......Thank you for sharing the stories about your dogs. From what you have shared about their beginnings and how they look now in their pictures they have come a long way. Just makes me smile when I look at them.
And to everyone else who has shared info with me thank you, thank you, thank you. You can never really tell about anyone thru a post but if my feeling is right ....you all have big hearts. Just makes me glad that I stumbled onto this board. Take good care. Jack |
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