Sep Anxiety

[Cherob]

Our pup is suffering quite badly with this and i am in need of advice as i havent had to deal with an extreme case like this. I am worried she is going to hurt herself. When she has outside time in the morning while i clean up and tend to children she paces the house like there is no tomorrow, lost weight because of it i am sure. But the worst thing is her smacking into the glass constantly. I dont know how to stop her!! If i put her inside while i go out to the car (2 minutes) she screams so bad its alerted the neighbours and digs furiously at the door to be by my side.

[Blue Fox 001]

Our pup is suffering quite badly with this and i am in need of advice as i havent had to deal with an extreme case like this. I am worried she is going to hurt herself. When she has outside time in the morning while i clean up and tend to children she paces the house like there is no tomorrow, lost weight because of it i am sure. But the worst thing is her smacking into the glass constantly. I dont know how to stop her!! If i put her inside while i go out to the car (2 minutes) she screams so bad its alerted the neighbours and digs furiously at the door to be by my side.

Hi Cherob - I am not the expert and when our new one turns up in a few weeks I'll probably be posting like mad wanting help with him but ...

Are you crate training? From what I am reading crate training and teaching the pup to enjoy her own company with the help of chew toys is the way too go. Ian Dunbar has a good booklet "Before you get your puppy" do a google search and download for free. It goes through the beginning of crate training, kong toys and how to gradually increase the seperation time while your home and eventually when your not home. At least if she is in a sturdy safe crate she won't be able to hurt herself while she comes to grips with you not being there every minute. How old is she? I don't think this really matters, but apparently the earlier you start the easier they are likely to accept it.

I will be crate training the new one because unfortunately I have to go to work full time, and while he will have the GSD for company (as well as any boarding dogs) I want him to enjoy his own company too.

[Nekhbet]

I would get the services of a Veterinary Behaviourist ASAP. She needs a thorough check over by a vet and some training, these are problems that are better dealt with at your home then over the internet.

[poochmad]

I would get the services of a Veterinary Behaviourist ASAP. She needs a thorough check over by a vet and some training, these are problems that are better dealt with at your home then over the internet.

I agree with Nekhbet. We had a similar problem with our puppy - he was highly distressed. After 5 days I got a behaviourlist in and he was able to observe the pup and show me what I was doing wrong and train me on what to do. It worked wonders! I think when a pup is either hurting themselves or are so distressed they can't stop, then it's time to call in the experts.

ETA: this sort of problem is best suited to having someone come to your house and observe your pup in your home.

Edited August 17, 2008 by poochmad

[CP*]

Try this book

I'll Be Home Soon! How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety by Patricia B. McConnell

It was recommended to me by a vet behaviourist and basically covers what a behaviourist will tell you anyway. Its small and relatively cheap and the Hungarian Vizsla Club of NSW sells it on their website, along with a number of other good behaviour publications (you don't need to have a Vizlsa or be a member to buy the book).

[ZEPING]

there are a couple of thing you can do

not make a big fuss when you leave or enter

(you giving him all this love then suddenly its all gone and your praising him for the behavior)

pratice going in and out ignoring him and praise when he becomes quite

if all fails CAALLL A SPECILIST !!!!