Sam12 Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I have a 6 year old female English Cocker Spaniel called Gabby from a breeder here in WA. She has recently been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder by a behaviorist. The behaviourist explained that the anxiety is mostly genetic, reinforced by reactions to her anxious behaviours, (e.g. She sees the postman, barks, he delivers the letters and then leaves. She perceives this as he left because she barked at him and so she should bark again next time). Gabby is now on medication while we try to help her with her anxiety. I guess I'm wondering... Has anyone else had a dog with this condition? I have had three Cocker Spaniels before Gabby, all of which were the easiest and happiest dogs. Living with Gabby can be exhausting but I love her to bits and want to help her enjoy life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 8 minutes ago, Sam12 said: She sees the postman, barks, he delivers the letters and then leaves. She perceives this as he left because she barked at him and so she should bark again next time). Hi, and welcome The bit I quoted ...... it is why posties get barked at a LOT ..the barking appears to work ..Postie leaves , all is right in the world I don't see it as an anxiety thing . What other symptoms does she show ? Have you been in touch with the breeder - they'd probably like to know ... Seems she is a bit tricky to live with - what are the problems in her everyday ? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 What type of behaviourist diagnosed your dog? My dog has generalised anxiety disorder and canine compulsive disorder (OCD) for which he is on medication. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam12 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 3 hours ago, persephone said: Hi, and welcome The bit I quoted ...... it is why posties get barked at a LOT ..the barking appears to work ..Postie leaves , all is right in the world I don't see it as an anxiety thing . What other symptoms does she show ? Have you been in touch with the breeder - they'd probably like to know ... Seems she is a bit tricky to live with - what are the problems in her everyday ? It is like she is really worried about protecting us and is constantly working hard to do so, even though of course she doesn't actually need to. She is constantly on edge, just watching and listening and growling and barking. I dread having visitors or courier deliveries because she goes absolutely ballistic at the front door. My partner caught her mid-air as she launched herself at the delivery man. If you hold her back it sounds like what I imagine it would sound like if you were to torture a dog. She has gotten to a stage where dogs aren't allowed to approach her or me at the park. She needs to be next to me if I am home (which sounds sweet but not when she panics if she loses me) She is responding really well to the behaviourist's recommendations - initially just a low dose of medication and a soft cosy crate to feel safe in, and now introducing a new routine and things for me to do to help. I havent been in touch with the breeder yet. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam12 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 3 hours ago, Papillon Kisses said: What type of behaviourist diagnosed your dog? My dog has generalised anxiety disorder and canine compulsive disorder (OCD) for which he is on medication. I'm not sure, she is a vet and a behaviourist though. How long has your dog been on the medication for? Did you notice an improvement? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Ok ... she sounds extremely uncomfortable has she always been like this ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Is the dog showline or a working Cocker 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 (edited) 11 hours ago, Sam12 said: I'm not sure, she is a vet and a behaviourist though. How long has your dog been on the medication for? Did you notice an improvement? Sounds like a veterinary behaviourist then, which is the best approach. My dog has been on medication since March last year. We have seen some improvements, but it is taking a while to get the medication and doses right. A rough guideline is 6-8 weeks to see whether a medication is helping, but vet behaviourists advise that treating anxiety takes more like 12 months. In my dog's case we've been moved up from a regular veterinary behaviourist to a veterinary behaviour specialist as his anxiety has been trickier to treat. In other words, don't look at the length of time it's taking us and freak out. But equally, don't give up if you don't see improvement right away. I trust you've been given a behaviour modification plan to go alongside the medication? Oh, another thing. Gabby is not being protective. She's anxious: https://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/hes-very-protective/ Edited August 15, 2017 by Papillon Kisses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam12 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 13 hours ago, persephone said: Ok ... she sounds extremely uncomfortable has she always been like this ? I agree, poor little poppet. Her first couple years we just put it down to quirky character but then it definitely got worse as she got older. Interistingly it happens to closely align with when I got very sick for a couple of years, she starting showing very anxious behaviours. I am much better now, but she is still very anxious so that may just be a coincidence. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam12 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 12 hours ago, Dogsfevr said: Is the dog showline or a working Cocker She is showline. The behaviourist said she has the work ethic of a working Cocker Spaniel though - she is constantly working/worrying, even in the home. No time for pats or to enjoy to any of our visitors, she's got to keep watch for danger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam12 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 1 hour ago, Papillon Kisses said: Sounds like a veterinary behaviourist then, which is the best approach. My dog has been on medication since March last year. We have seen some improvements, but it is taking a while to get the medication and doses right. A rough guideline is 6-8 weeks to see whether a medication is helping, but vet behaviourists advise that treating anxiety takes more like 12 months. In my dog's case we've been moved up from a regular veterinary behaviourist to a veterinary behaviour specialist as his anxiety has been trickier to treat. In other words, don't look at the length of time it's taking us and freak out. But equally, don't give up if you don't see improvement right away. I trust you've been given a behaviour modification plan to go alongside the medication? Oh, another thing. Gabby is not being protective. She's anxious: https://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/hes-very-protective/ Thank you! That's great to know. We have seen improvements already and have been told we can increase the everyday medication if needed as she is currently on a low dose. But we'll wait and see how she goes with the new routine for when people visit. So far so good, it just felt a bit sad like I was the only one who has to distract their dog with a kong and cat food in a crate when someone knocks on the door. Yes, that article looks to be just like how the behaviourist explained the protection vs anxiety. It's more a case of Gabby needing me because she's anxious, not her trying to protect me. Poor pup 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen15 Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 mine go ballistic when people come to the door. They're super excited at the prospect of visitors to wrap around their paws. I've got a gate on the hallway to keep them behind while I answer the door. Keeps them in and visitors momentarily unmolested. Had a trady working in the lounge one day while they were sequestered to the hall. He was impressed they waited quietly and didn't carry on. That's because if they're silly they know I won't let them out. They have to sit and wait quietly otherwise gate stays closed.... even normal dogs need distractions for highly emotive situations. Consistency, here waiting quietly, teaches them what is expected. Don't feel bad. You're teaching your dog how to feel comfortable in herself, and that's a fantastic thing to do! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 Why does the vet say it is genetic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, Sam12 said: She is showline. The behaviourist said she has the work ethic of a working Cocker Spaniel though - she is constantly working/worrying, even in the home. No time for pats or to enjoy to any of our visitors, she's got to keep watch for danger. At the end of the day dogs are a product of genetics and environment. I'm sorry you are going through this. As others have said it's normal for dogs to get over aroused when people come to the door, it can be extremely self-rewarding and so there is a plenty of training that should be happening as well. What sort of socialisation was done with the pup? One poor experience at the dog park as a youngster can lead to a lifetime of fear and aggression by the way. It helps to understand the possible causes but at the end of the day I simply train the dog in front of me. I would be working on plenty of positive reinforcement based training, calming protocols and desensitisation. As a side note, I own very high drive working Springer Spaniels and they are the most relaxed dogs in the house. Working/worrying in the home is simply NOT a trait I would attribute to any working Spaniel worth their salt. Edited August 15, 2017 by The Spotted Devil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam12 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 Thanks everyone! The behaviourist suggested the baby gate too but unfortunately due to the set up of our house there is no where I can put one to keep Gabby away from the front door. Instead I have just been popping her in her comfy cosy crate with a Kong filled with the very best treats when someone is at the door (which is best pulled off if I have a rough idea of what time to expect visitors, but the behaviourist recommended to have a kong always ready to go, for when we get those unexpected visitors!). I can't believe it but it has actually been working. I couldn't have bribed her with these exact same treats in one of her panics at the front door, but the removed/contained/safe place away from the front door seems to change everything. I am feeling hopeful. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvus Posted August 16, 2017 Share Posted August 16, 2017 One of my dogs has been on behavioural medication for generalised anxiety disorder for about 4 years, now. He's a troubled soul, but between medication, management and training, he is a happy troubled soul. He still stresses about a lot of stuff that other dogs don't worry much about, and he finds it hard to calm himself and adapt to new situations. But, he is so much happier on the medication. It helps him control his arousal and he is better able to relax and sleep normally. Just being able to sleep instead of constantly up and down checking on things and barking at things makes a huge difference to his wellbeing. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted August 16, 2017 Share Posted August 16, 2017 Have you considered using an adaptil diffuser in the area near the soft cosy crate??? ( in addition to the medication and behaviour modification training 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam12 Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share Posted August 18, 2017 On 16/08/2017 at 8:16 PM, dogbesotted said: Have you considered using an adaptil diffuser in the area near the soft cosy crate??? ( in addition to the medication and behaviour modification training I haven't! I will look into these right away thank you! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now