Help, Yapping Puppy Driving Us Crazy!

[cherish]

We have a new English Springer (9 weeks old) who has been with us for 4 days now. Almost everything is going well including toilet training and settling at night. But day time is becoming increasingly stressful because unless he is either sitting/laying next to me or within about a metre from me, he barks and yaps, becoming increasingly distressed. (Even when he can see me).

This is not ordinary barking or whining. He works himself into such a state he finishes up doing poos either in his crate or on the floor. Our tactic has been to ignore the yapping and go to him when he is quiet and reward him for his quietness. But it is getting worse, not better. It is at a stage where I can't go out, even for a short time, and he is yapping most of the day unless he's at my feet. He is sleeping in his crate of a night time next to my bed and is happy because he can see me. But if I crate him in the day time he goes ballistic and poos all through it and we are continually having to clean it out. He seems to be doing this out of distress, not naughtiness, because otherwise he doing well at toileting outside.

I am becoming a prisoner to this puppy and am afraid to leave him for what I will find when I come back. By the way, he hasn't been punished harshly for anything, has a very loving, but not spoiling, environment. He has toys and we have tried treats, but nothing workis.

Is this separation anxiety?

[sas]

Imagine this....you're a puppy, you've been with your Mum and littermates for 8 weeks, one day someone comes and takes you away from them and then when they move away from you or leave the room.....how are you going to feel?

You need to ignore the yapping/barking and do some very short seperation with the pup and then increase it.

Never look at the doh or interact with it when its' barking or whining. The very moment the pup is quiet return to it or open the crate and praise it.

Have you read up on how to crate train a puppy?

Have you spoken to your Breeder?

Perhaps get some DAP spray from your Vet.

Edited November 24, 2010 by sas

[cherish]

Imagine this....you're a puppy, you've been with your Mum and littermates for 8 weeks, one day someone comes and takes you away from them and then when they move away from you or leave the room.....how are you going to feel?

You need to ignore the yapping/barking and do some very short seperation with the pup and then increase it.

Never look at the doh or interact with it when its' barking or whining. The very moment the pup is quiet return to it or open the crate and praise it.

Have you read up on how to crate train a puppy?

Have you spoken to your Breeder?

Perhaps get some DAP spray from your Vet.

Thanks SAS, but we are not first time dog owners....have had dogs all our lives. Yes, we have read up on crate training, I have contacted the breeder but as yet no reply and have a vet appointment next week. I fully understand how the puppy feels about leaving his mum and littermates. As I said, we have been ignoring. Ignoring is not the problem, it is simply not working. We have also not been looking at him or interacting, but when pooh needs to be cleaned up you have to move the dog away from it and do what is necessary.

I am trying to move him away from me little by little and as I said, praising him in the rare moments he's quiet, but it's still necessary to leave the house to buy dog food etc. He and I are the only ones home during the day. I take him outside for regular toilet breaks and a bit of play, but I am concerned the yapping, howling etc. is going to turn into a neighbour issue soon.

My question was really about whether this could be separation anxiety and is that the reason he won't let me out of his sight without getting distressed.

I will look into the DAP spray.

[W Sibs]

Not sure if this is the right advice but I had a dog that was a little like that. He was a stray that followed me home when I was a kid. I let him follow me around everywhere, it comforts him to be around me. I don't acknowledge him or interact with him, but he was always on my side. When he started to get confidence, I will start to leave him in the backyard when he is distracted with something else... he would be out there by himself for 30 seconds, then eventually he would be happy to be out there for an hour or two.

I let my 2 follow me around when they first come home. They can whinge, cry or, in Charlie's case, squeaks as much as they like when they follow me around. I just don't pay attention to it. If they are scared of something, I watch and see what they do. Usually they get the courage to face up their fears, and once they do, they are happy again.

They still follow me around now, but it's not a comfort thing. It's more like 'what is mummy doing? is it going to be fun?'

But it do my head in at first, but I eventually learn to block it out and just ignore it.

Edited November 25, 2010 by CW EW

[Guest belgian.blue]

My Belgian Shepherd was similar, I found giving her things to chew, like a chicken wing, kong filled with stuffed things she loves and even raw carrots.

Then I was mad and got another puppy Now they keep each other company but now I have TWO dogs who need to be within a metre of me all the time.

Ignore and give him yummy things to chew. Crate training is wonderful! Makes the puppy learn to enjoy his own space.

[cherish]

Not sure if this is the right advice but I had a dog that was a little like that. He was a stray that followed me home when I was a kid. I let him follow me around everywhere, it comforts him to be around me. I don't acknowledge him or interact with him, but he was always on my side. When he started to get confidence, I will start to leave him in the backyard when he is distracted with something else... he would be out there by himself for 30 seconds, then eventually he would be happy to be out there for an hour or two.

I let my 2 follow me around when they first come home. They can whinge, cry or, in Charlie's case, squeaks as much as they like when they follow me around. I just don't pay attention to it. If they are scared of something, I watch and see what they do. Usually they get the courage to face up their fears, and once they do, they are happy again.

They still follow me around now, but it's not a comfort thing. It's more like 'what is mummy doing? is it going to be fun?'

But it do my head in at first, but I eventually learn to block it out and just ignore it.

Yep, he's following me around as much as I can let him. There's a couple of rooms in my house I don't want him to be in, though. I work at home and need to keep him out of my study/computer area. Think I've found the solution to that one by putting him in the crate and putting him beside me where he can see me. That's where he is right now and it seems to be working as he's sleeping.

My problem is more not being able to leave him. The backyard's not an option at the moment as we're on small acreage and it's unfenced.

[cherish]

My Belgian Shepherd was similar, I found giving her things to chew, like a chicken wing, kong filled with stuffed things she loves and even raw carrots.

Then I was mad and got another puppy Now they keep each other company but now I have TWO dogs who need to be within a metre of me all the time.

Ignore and give him yummy things to chew. Crate training is wonderful! Makes the puppy learn to enjoy his own space.

Thanks for the advice. He has lots of things to chew, including a kong, and other chewable treats, also toys. He doesn't show any interest whatsoever in the kong or the toys and only chews his treats for about a minute before he starts yelping.

As I said, I am ignoring the yelping/barking/howling but it's getting worse, not better. I was hoping someone knowledgeable in the area could tell me if this sounds like separation anxiety? If so, then I will know we have a serious problem that will need to be addressed.

[Cosmolo]

Nobody can tell you whether or not it is a serious problem or the more intense end of normal without seeing the puppy. I would be working oon crating the pup for short times next to you when you're on the couch etc- start with the door open to start with if you need to. Where do you feed the pup? Chances are the crate is developing a negative association during the day due to the stress etc so i would feed the pup in the crate every meal to assist with this.

[cherish]

Nobody can tell you whether or not it is a serious problem or the more intense end of normal without seeing the puppy. I would be working oon crating the pup for short times next to you when you're on the couch etc- start with the door open to start with if you need to. Where do you feed the pup? Chances are the crate is developing a negative association during the day due to the stress etc so i would feed the pup in the crate every meal to assist with this.

OK, thanks. Yes, we are feeding him in the crate and he is happy to sleep in the crate at night as long as he can see me. I will take your advice and crate him for short times near me. It worked today for a short while anyway.

[The Spotted Devil]

cherish, I went through something similar with my English Springer rascal puppy. She bonded to me incredibly quickly and any attempt to remove her more than 5cm from me was met with howls and loud yaps of protest. She didn't get to the stage of soiling her crate but we did have to turn up the sound system so I didn't feel so bad - oh and to cover our laughter They really are happiest snuggling with their people (maybe a gundog trait? It didn't bother my Dally as a pup as much) so it's hard to make that initial break. I think the first week is generally the hardest in terms of the pup missing all that's familiar and the human getting sufficient rest!!! I do lots of training and playing with her when she's up and about, she has an older Dally for wrestling with, otherwise she is only ever fed in her crate and I am home a fair bit. I have moved my 'office' into the dining room for the moment (and outside on a nice day) as it's a bit chaotic with cats (and their toys!!!) in the house as well.

Fortunately I had the first week to settle her in and she's pretty good now at 14 weeks - only the occasional whinge when she feels she's been hard done by ;)

Any pics? ;)

ETA: Don't forget a vitamin B complex for yourself either - does wonders to counteract the lack of sleep and added stress

Edited November 25, 2010 by The Spotted Devil

[cherish]

cherish, I went through something similar with my English Springer rascal puppy. She bonded to me incredibly quickly and any attempt to remove her more than 5cm from me was met with howls and loud yaps of protest. She didn't get to the stage of soiling her crate but we did have to turn up the sound system so I didn't feel so bad - oh and to cover our laughter They really are happiest snuggling with their people (maybe a gundog trait? It didn't bother my Dally as a pup as much) so it's hard to make that initial break. I think the first week is generally the hardest in terms of the pup missing all that's familiar and the human getting sufficient rest!!! I do lots of training and playing with her when she's up and about, she has an older Dally for wrestling with, otherwise she is only ever fed in her crate and I am home a fair bit. I have moved my 'office' into the dining room for the moment (and outside on a nice day) as it's a bit chaotic with cats (and their toys!!!) in the house as well.

Fortunately I had the first week to settle her in and she's pretty good now at 14 weeks - only the occasional whinge when she feels she's been hard done by ;)

Any pics? :D

ETA: Don't forget a vitamin B complex for yourself either - does wonders to counteract the lack of sleep and added stress

Spotted Devil, thankyou. It helps just to know that someone else has had the same problem with an English Springer and that your springer has settled down. I hope it doesn't take 14 weeks for Shiloh to get to that stage. Thanks for the tip about the vitamin B also. I am going to try to upload a photo if I can work out how to do it.

[The Spotted Devil]

She's gorgeous

Just remember back to your previous pups and remind yourself that "this too will pass" We have short memories sometimes!!!

My little lass is working lines too so she is a Springer with a capital S :D

ETA: See I'd forgotten already ;) She sleeps in a crate by my bed at night and for the first few weeks she would scream blue murder if I wasn't in bed next to her. She gets 2 special treat biscuits to go to bed with and now ignores the cats and races the Dalmatian to the bedroom to spring(er) into bed. By the time I've brushed my teeth she is snoring her little head off!

Edited November 25, 2010 by The Spotted Devil

[Stitch]

Dogs/puppies can sense when you are stressed, which can make their stress/behaviour worse.

I know it is a difficult time but it does help if you can take a deep breath and let the negative feelings that the behaviour triggers in you - go!!!

Sometimes easier said than done!!!

The settling in period can be painful for all concerned but unless there is something very seriously wrong with the pup (and there doesn't seem to be) things will get better.

I think the recommendation to only crate for short periods of time - not giving the pup the opportunity to get stressed about it - and then letting the dog out whilst it is still happy to be in the crate is a good idea.

If you put it in the crate, put up with the stressy behaviour until it really works itself up to eventually pooing and then let it out, all it learns is that pooing and major stress behaviour gets it out of the crate (or wherever it is) and that is NOT the lesson you wish it to learn.

Little positive steps, frequently, with win/win outcomes for both of you will get you on the road to reducing the stress levels.

Then you get to go to puppy preschool, etc. and the real fun begins!!

[cherish]

She's gorgeous

Just remember back to your previous pups and remind yourself that "this too will pass" ;) We have short memories sometimes!!!

My little lass is working lines too so she is a Springer with a capital S

ETA: See I'd forgotten already :D She sleeps in a crate by my bed at night and for the first few weeks she would scream blue murder if I wasn't in bed next to her. She gets 2 special treat biscuits to go to bed with and now ignores the cats and races the Dalmatian to the bedroom to spring(er) into bed. By the time I've brushed my teeth she is snoring her little head off!

Thanks for the encouragement. All our previous pups have whined and yelped a little during the settling in period, but nothing like this one is doing. All the others were cocker spaniels, so this is our first Springer. Shiloh is a he by the way We are persevering.

[cherish]

Dogs/puppies can sense when you are stressed, which can make their stress/behaviour worse.

I know it is a difficult time but it does help if you can take a deep breath and let the negative feelings that the behaviour triggers in you - go!!!

Sometimes easier said than done!!!

The settling in period can be painful for all concerned but unless there is something very seriously wrong with the pup (and there doesn't seem to be) things will get better.

I think the recommendation to only crate for short periods of time - not giving the pup the opportunity to get stressed about it - and then letting the dog out whilst it is still happy to be in the crate is a good idea.

If you put it in the crate, put up with the stressy behaviour until it really works itself up to eventually pooing and then let it out, all it learns is that pooing and major stress behaviour gets it out of the crate (or wherever it is) and that is NOT the lesson you wish it to learn.

Little positive steps, frequently, with win/win outcomes for both of you will get you on the road to reducing the stress levels.

Then you get to go to puppy preschool, etc. and the real fun begins!!

Thanks Stitch. Yes, I agree with all you've said. Puppy School starts next week. Things can only get better (I hope).

[The Spotted Devil]

She's gorgeous

Just remember back to your previous pups and remind yourself that "this too will pass" :D We have short memories sometimes!!!

My little lass is working lines too so she is a Springer with a capital S

ETA: See I'd forgotten already She sleeps in a crate by my bed at night and for the first few weeks she would scream blue murder if I wasn't in bed next to her. She gets 2 special treat biscuits to go to bed with and now ignores the cats and races the Dalmatian to the bedroom to spring(er) into bed. By the time I've brushed my teeth she is snoring her little head off!

Thanks for the encouragement. All our previous pups have whined and yelped a little during the settling in period, but nothing like this one is doing. All the others were cocker spaniels, so this is our first Springer. Shiloh is a he by the way We are persevering.

Oops! Sorry

Yes, they're all different aren't they and it's tough when they throw you a curve ball way outside your expectations. My Dally was pretty hard work until he hit 1.5-2 years of age so everything is easy after him ;)

My ratbag had an upset tummy for 24 hours and she was so quiet and well behaved - it was very unsettling! Springing out of her skin this morning and giving my Dally absolute curry again. Little turd :D

[luvsdogs]

Tilba is my 1st crate dog. She was used to it b4 getting her & was no bother on the 6.5 hour drive home from the breeder, she was almost 12 weeks. The 1st week or so she was happy to sleep in the crate at night. Then the fun started. I followed all the usual things, ignoring, only letting out when quiet, putting on the TV or lound music etc but the men in my life all took turns at going to her to tell her to shut up. She whined, barked , scratched at the crate door & rocked it making even more noise. In the end I let her sleep on my previous dog's bed outside the crate, locked in the entry foyer where our 2 dogs still sleep today. No problems from that night on.

[giraffez]

Never look at the doh or interact with it when its' barking or whining. The very moment the pup is quiet return to it or open the crate and praise it.

how does this work? With my one, when he stops whinging, i approach him but as soon as i do, he whinges again. I m not quick enough to praise before he makes a sound

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Never look at the doh or interact with it when its' barking or whining. The very moment the pup is quiet return to it or open the crate and praise it.

how does this work? With my one, when he stops whinging, i approach him but as soon as i do, he whinges again. I m not quick enough to praise before he makes a sound

In that situation I would try a clicker and throw treats.

[giraffez]

In that situation I would try a clicker and throw treats.

Great suggestion. I will give that a go thanks