Separation Anxiety

[Winterpaws]

Charlie's behaviour has gotten considerably worse since I posted this - http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...=212530&hl=

It's now become clear that his issue is separaton anxiety rather than not wanting to be outside. This became obvious when he ripped down a baby gate and part of a wall when left inside. He also had a go at poor Henry in the process though not sure of the circumstances of why. I can just see that Henry has some wounds

He seems to be getting worse and worse every day. It got to the point yesterday where it is so bad that I took today off to take him to the vet to see what they said. I had put him outside this morning and he immediately started trying to break his way into the ensuite through the flyscreen (I was in ensuite).

I'm not sure what has caused this. Could it have been the heat that started the cycle? or maybe one of the kids next door has done something (a possibility).

The vet has given me some xanax to use in the short term to try and also clomicalm (hmmmmm maybe he meant i should take the xanax )

Just wondering the best way to train him as well and how I should treat him. Normally if we are home they are inside. If we are out then they are out. I work from home and generally only go to the office one day a week. All the dogs sleep inside in the hall outside our bedroom.

[Diva]

Gosh that's hard. Did the vet give him a full medical work up? It seems odd he's started this at such an advanced age, unless he has shown a tendency to anxiety previously or there has been some other major upheaval in his life I'd be thinking medical. No helpful ideas on management - I think this is a tough one.

Edited January 10, 2011 by Diva

[Jigsaw]

There may have been some environmental triggers that may have put him over the edge if you've not had him display this level of stress before. A full vet check to rule out any physiological problems is a good idea. Medication may be needed together with a training plan. Bear in mind that the medication can sometimes take a few weeks before you start seeing any significant effects. I've had success with training using Karen Overall's Protocol for Relaxation in conjunction with some other training. Where on the Central Coast are you?

[Winterpaws]

He is in great health. The only issue he has had in the entire time we have owned him has been a skin irritation which has now cleared. Thyroid etc etc was all tested and is fine.

I am pretty comfortable with the drug protocol that the vet has given me and what he explained makes sense. I just need to work out now how to manage the way we interact with him so that we don't make it worse.

So should I still let him inside? How often? Should I crate him when inside?

I am going to increase his exercise a lot as well. It's been hard in the heat as Henry is not up for big walks but I will start taking the separately. The other reason I have never walked them separately has been that Charlie will howl if left alone. I guess I need to just ignore that