Separation Anxiety/escape Artist Now Becoming Destructive!

[louise6616]

Hi All,

I am hoping someone can offer me some advice, actually any advice is welcomed!!!

6weeks ago we (myself, husband, 2 kids & senior Maltese) adopted from the pound a 18 month old Bull Arab boy, he is my jogging buddy and perfect for that- we go jogging for an hour and a half every morning. He is inside with us, and free to come inside or outside whenever he pleases. He was very nervous when we first bought him home -not of anything at home- but everything/everyone else in the world, but I have worked hard to socialise him and he is more and more confident everyday.

Unfortunately he seems to have developed separation anxiety from me, even when the rest of the family is home he will cry for me if I go out, actually he apparently stares at the door and howls, runs a few laps of the house, and then stares at the door and howls over and over. He is rarely left home alone (with the other dog) for longer than 2hrs - so far the longest was 3 1/2hrs.

We initially left him outside (with our other dog) if we went out, but he has been jumping over the fence (of course it’s the non-colourbond neighbours side), we added an extra metre of chicken wire to the top he dug under the fence and let the other dog escape, and managed pull down the chicken wire so he could jump over.

We also have pet chickens, so i tried putting him in the chicken run (without the chickens), he had bones buried in there, its completely enclosed, and big 10m x 2.5m. But he broke the wire and escaped from there within 30mins.

He doesn't go anywhere, seems to just hang around home waiting for me.

So anyway, we decided to shut him in the bathroom (its bigger than the laundry), unfortunatly I have to carry him in there as he hates it so much! Even the bathroom didn’t last long, he managed to get the window open (its more than 1m from floor and above the bath tub), break the flyscreen and escape. Then left the most amazing (and expensive) trail of destruction, broken fence, more broken flyscreens, blinds, curtains...

I went and had a long talk to my Vet about how I try to break this behaviour, she has given us 'clomicalm' medication, with the view to use for 3months while working hard to 'desensitise' him to my absence, then wean him off. We're trying really hard to put as much time into desensitize him - by getting everyone ready to go out, and only driving around the block before returning home, and ignoring him until he is calm, etc, and just me going out for 5mins too. So I feel like I know what I have to do, and I'm prepared to put the work in. But... There's one little detail i just don't know how to approach...

While I'm desensitizing him, and from now onwards, I am supposed to leave him in a place that he feels 'happy and safe', which rules out laundries and bathrooms - we had hoped it would be the backyard as we do spend a lot of time out there playing, rain or shine. The only place I can possibly think of (and that he can't escape from) is inside the house. This not the ideal place to leave a large dog, especially one that is particularly fond of eating shoes..

The first time I left him inside for approx 1hr, perfect dog. The second time, he ate the blinds in the lounge room...

I don't really have a clue where i am supposed to leave him. Anywhere i put him, other than inside the house, is not going to feel happy and safe, more like a punishment, so is that just counter productive? Or do I just put him where I hope he will be safe?

I thought perhaps a dog crate, but they are either collapsible or plastic and i doubt they would contain him for long!! If I were to get a stronger dog run for outside it would need concrete floor etc and would be very expensive.

I really just have no idea how to fix this

Thank you for you ideas in advance :)

[Aidan3]

A wire crate is usually best. You need to condition him to the crate properly, no short-cuts. Begin here: http://www.sue-eh.ca/page24/page26/page10/

If it's a collapsible wire crate, use cable ties to secure it anywhere he might possibly try to squeeze through. Stitch it up tight, just in case.

I would recommend a consult with a veterinary behaviourist. Clomicalm is one of the medications used to treat SA but a veterinary behaviourist would be better placed to offer both behaviour modification and medical advice.

Making sure that he is well exercised each morning will go a long way to helping with the issue. Both physical and mental exercise, a bit of training can go a long way.

[Tazar]

WOW pretty extreme behaviour. If it was me, I would get a good quality, strong crate. Wire it up so that it won't collapse, or even get a steel one. It is critical that you train him properly so that it becomes his safe place. Keep the desensitization going and even consider a dog safe electric collar/fence. Get the dog to spend time alone outside when you are home. Have other members of the family feed/walk/play with him so that his focus is moved away from you.

At the end of the day there is no one answer, like people all dogs are different. Unfortunately I think you have your work cut out for you.... Good luck and I hope the above helps :)

[louise6616]

Thank you so much for your reply Aidan2 & Tazar.

The link you added (Aidan2) is very detailed, I will read through it carefully a few times tonight. Thank you, its very helpful.

I will try and find the strongest, sturdiest crate possible. I'm guessing it will take a little while (maybe a couple of weeks) until he is conditioned to the crate I will just have to leave him inside until then and hope for the best!

Yes I think I have a big challenge on my hands, but if we can get through it we'll have 10-15years of happy doggie memories :)

The irony is we didn't want a puppy because they are too destructive... hahahahahaha

[canine fun sports]

I will try and find the strongest, sturdiest crate possible. I'm guessing it will take a little while (maybe a couple of weeks) until he is conditioned to the crate I will just have to leave him inside until then and hope for the best!

Alternatively, if you want to keep him outside, you could have a dog pen constructed in your yard. Strong wire on sides, cement or pavers on floor or strong wire under the dirt / grass and a roof on it. Not cheap, but it sounds as though he is already costing you a lot in replacement of what he is damaging.

Training to get him to love and feel secure in his pen would be the same as crate training.

Cheers

[toshman]

Thank you so much for your reply Aidan2 & Tazar.

The link you added (Aidan2) is very detailed, I will read through it carefully a few times tonight. Thank you, its very helpful.

I will try and find the strongest, sturdiest crate possible. I'm guessing it will take a little while (maybe a couple of weeks) until he is conditioned to the crate I will just have to leave him inside until then and hope for the best!

Yes I think I have a big challenge on my hands, but if we can get through it we'll have 10-15years of happy doggie memories :)

The irony is we didn't want a puppy because they are too destructive... hahahahahaha

Look for the SAVIC brand of crate - they are steel and sturdy, though in the circumstance I would think you will have to add some extra clips to make sure he doesn't get out. Good luck with him, I'm sure once you get this sorted he will be a great member of the family :)

[louise6616]

Thanks canine fun sports & toshman.

I don't mind if he's inside, he just can't be trusted not to destroy the place. I do like the idea of a secure dog pen (at least if we ever need to be away overnight it makes it easy for pet sitters), and I have looked at some there aren't as costly as I initially thought. I may have to do both a crate inside and large run outside. Eventually our last side of timber fence will be replaced with 1.8m colour bond so he may be able to spend short periods outside, but next door is rented so the owner has no need to rush it.

I suspect Archie he hasn't been walked, socialised, shown much affection and had definitely never been inside before, so I suppose in his eyes I am like 'the best darn human in the universe'!!

Lucky for him we love to bits so will do everything we can to solve the issue.

Thank you so much for you advice :) it is very helpful. I was at a loss where to go to get some good advice, the wrong advice could be catastrophic!

[k9angel]

Lucky for him we love to bits so will do everything we can to solve the issue.

Good on you Louise6616. If only everyone were as committed to their dogs...

I also agree with a strong metal crate, cable tied for extra strength.

I use 42" metal fold down crates and find the vebo one's to be strong and sturdy.

Get him used of it slowly and when you do go out, make sure he has toys and/or a bone (frozen is good, esp in the warmer months) to help keep him busy. I often squeeze a tasty food treat (bit of cheese, cabanossi or the like) into an empty softdrink bottle, take off the lid (so they don't eat it or choke on it) and put it into the crate with them. They can smell the treat through the bottle opening, but they have to work to get it out. You could also try leaving a radio on when you go out and he is in his crate. (preferably on a station that has lots of talking), so he can hear peoples voices and might not feel so alone.

Goodluck and keep us posted. :)

[louise6616]

Thanks k9angel! Thank you for your reply :)

The odds are all in our favour being that we got a high energy dog for the purpose of taking jogging , and since I am home raising the kiddies it is hopefully easier to break the behaviour than if he was left alone for 8+ hours a day. Also we are very fortunate to live in a an area (Canberra) that is sooo close to nature trails, and doggie parks. He gets lots of 'off leash' time, and meets regular people/dogs on our jogs. I feel so lucky to live here every day when we go out jogging :)

Pet ownership is such a commitment, and I take it seriously. Pets are part of the family and always try to include/involve them as much as possible, and consider their needs too. It is hard work though, but we all agree its worth it :)

And thank you for the brilliant idea with an empty bottle, he would luuurve that! I will do it today even, since the weather is terrible, that will provide him some stimulation :)

[BC Crazy]

What a great job you are doing louise6616. Your dedication to your I'm guessing 'very big' jogging partner is to be admired. He is a very lucky boy to have you :)

[itsadogslife]

You know the first thing that struck about this dog was the value of a 'stay' command. Especially one that worked towards an 'out of sight' stay command. The stay command requires the dog learn responsibility for his own actions without the owner being present. Personally, I would invest in a structured obedience course immediately.

As for the vet who proscribed drugs as the first course of action I would seek another vet.

[Aidan3]

The vet made an informed medical decision. There is ample evidence that clomipramine improves treatment outcomes for dogs displaying symptoms of separation anxiety. Dogs who display these symptoms are usually suffering from a biochemical imbalance that is well researched.

[itsadogslife]

Dogs who display these symptoms are usually suffering from a biochemical imbalance that is well researched.

So what? Please direct me to the medical research that shows the comparative benefits of treating these problems with drugs as opposed to training?

The vet made an informed medical decision.

He (she) did? How much experience training dogs does this vet have? What part of her medical qualifications involves training problems dogs so as to inform her of the best practices in treating this problem?

Edited October 6, 2012 by itsadogslife

[louise6616]

Thanks BC Crazy! That is so nice of you :)

Thanks for the reply BC Crazy and itsadogslife

To me Archie's not that big (I think other people may feel otherwise!), he weighs 40kgs. But he has looooooooong legs! I tried to put a picture on here, but without sucess.

Adopting a dog from the pound is such a gamble, but I chose him over millions of other rescue, non-rescue and pound doggies, so I owe him the chance to be happy, safe and stress free. Aside from the 'separation issues' he is sooo perfect for us. He is so sweet, and gentle, and kind - which is top priority with young children. And he so desperately wants to be a good boy!

I had to take my 10month old out to the Dr earlier and my husband said Archie layed on his bed and only cryed a little bit. So already we are making progress on the desensitising, in only 1 week :) Hooray!!

Aidan2 has left a link to the most excellent dog training site thingy, I am going to read it again, then read it again, then get my husband to read it and start this training method. I am wary to take him anywhere that he might find 'scary' or think he is being 'punished' as I would hate to escalate the current situation

Just to clarify in case I wrote it funny - the vet didn't push me into trying 'clomicalm', she suggested it, explained it and asked if I thought it would be of assistance. I made the decision to try Archie on the medication, because I thought at the very least if it just takes the edge off while we work on training then it is worth it.

The other thing I just realised I forgot to mention is I have never reacted or reprimanded him for any of the destruction. Since I din't catch him actually doing it, I figured any form of reaction would create more anxiety for him.

Edited October 6, 2012 by louise6616

[Aidan3]

Dogs who display these symptoms are usually suffering from a biochemical imbalance that is well researched.

So what? Please direct me to the medical research that shows the comparative benefits of treating these problems with drugs as opposed to training?

http://directory.umm.ac.id/Data%20Elmu/jurnal/A/Applied%20Animal%20Behaviour%20Science/Vol67.Issue4.2000/1638.pdf

[Aidan3]

The other thing I just realised I forgot to mention is I have never reacted or reprimanded him for any of the destruction. Since I din't catch him actually doing it, I figured any form of reaction would create more anxiety for him.

Exactly right, although I would still urge you to see a behaviourist to get a behaviour modification plan. Medication reduces the anxiety, behaviour modification whilst in a receptive state cements it in for the longer term.

[itsadogslife]

Aidan, the study compares 'behavioral therapy' with drugs, not what I would call 'training'. Obedience training treats the whole dog, not just some specific behavior. For instance, I notice the

point: "The presence of ‘‘hyper-attachment’’ was an inclusion criterion for the trial and some of the investigators believe that breaking ‘‘hyper-attachment’’ is an integral part of the treatment of separation anxiety Pageat, 1995.."

A simple and obvious solution to this is obedience training, a dog cannot be following it's owner around and at the same time be maintaining a 'stay'.

I also note, "The aetiology of the disorder is uncertain, but may be related to heritable characteristics, early experience Serpell and Jagoe, 1995. or environmental factors."

The fact that there is a chemical imbalance in the brain tells me very little without knowing the cause. In most cases I suspect it is environmental factors (such as lack of exercise and training) that creates these issues - for eg. the 'chemical imbalance'.

If that is indeed the case, then I am opposed to drugs for the simple reason that they do not address the cause, but rather merely treat the symptoms.

[louise6616]

Thanks Aidan2, I will start looking for someone reputable in Canberra. Thank you so much, you've given me heaps of great stuff to work with =)

[Weasels]

If that is indeed the case, then I am opposed to drugs for the simple reason that they do not address the cause, but rather merely treat the symptoms.

And you have every freedom to not use drugs for yourself or your dogs :) The OP is happy with her decision and her pooch is showing improvement.

--

I really found kongs and bones helped with my girl's SA. The chewing and sucking is supposed to release serotonin, and they have to sit down and focus which is perfect. Even 2 years later (and all fixed) I still never leave them without giving them something to chew/work at :) I give them a chew about 5 minutes before I go out so they are settled in and busy by the time I walk out the door - not a total solution but something I found handy.

[Aidan3]

Obedience training treats the whole dog, not just some specific behavior.

For instance, I notice the

point: "The presence of ‘‘hyper-attachment’’ was an inclusion criterion for the trial and some of the investigators believe that breaking ‘‘hyper-attachment’’ is an integral part of the treatment of separation anxiety Pageat, 1995.."

A simple and obvious solution to this is obedience training, a dog cannot be following it's owner around and at the same time be maintaining a 'stay'.

'Stay' is a specific behaviour.

If you think SA can be treated by teaching a dog to stay, go ahead and design a reasonable experiment around your idea. You might get published and solve a very serious problem for a lot of dogs and their owners. I might point out that one of my earlier articles on separation anxiety suggested an out of sight stay as a treatment for mild (non-clinical) separation anxiety, so it would only be fair to cite me in your work :laugh:

I also note, "The aetiology of the disorder is uncertain, but may be related to heritable characteristics, early experience Serpell and Jagoe, 1995. or environmental factors."

The fact that there is a chemical imbalance in the brain tells me very little without knowing the cause. In most cases I suspect it is environmental factors (such as lack of exercise and training) that creates these issues - for eg. the 'chemical imbalance'.

If that is indeed the case, then I am opposed to drugs for the simple reason that they do not address the cause, but rather merely treat the symptoms.

Clomicalm has been criticised on the basis of it's mild sedative properties. Admittedly it's an older style of drug and it would be fair to question how much 'symptom masking' we see due to the effect of sedation. If clomipramine didn't have the same neurochemical effects on dogs with separation anxiety as it does in every other species we have put under the microscope (figuratively and literally) I would be amazed.

We do know (through experimental research paradigms where all variables except treatment are held constant) that inhibited serotonin pathways will cause anxiety. You can try a serotonin depletion procedure yourself if you want to experience the effects, the materials are readily available (legally, 'BCAAs' from a supplement shop, or illegally, "ecstasy"). I wouldn't recommend it, though.

The cause of the problem is really a moot point. Once the dog is displaying those behaviours (inclusion criteria in the study I cited), drugs + behaviour modification works better than behaviour modification alone. Have a think about that. If we're just masking symptoms, why are they getting better faster? Sure, we can discontinue drug treatment and the dog goes back to being anxious, but why are treatment outcomes better when we use drugs?