ChatterBank2 mins ago
Seperation Anxiety....
32 Answers
My dog has developed seperation anxiety:(
He was always fine when we went out. In his bed in the kitchen and was always still in the same place when we got back. Recently when we have returned he has been distressed and panting. This has happened the last few times and it's very upsetting. Why has he started doing this? Any ideas how we can help him.
He was always fine when we went out. In his bed in the kitchen and was always still in the same place when we got back. Recently when we have returned he has been distressed and panting. This has happened the last few times and it's very upsetting. Why has he started doing this? Any ideas how we can help him.
Answers
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by jubieanna. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
The usual reason that it starts is that something scary happened while you were out. Its always worthwhile getting a vet check if you have no idea what has happened. How old is the dog? Can you think of anything scary that might have happened while you were out? Loud noise? firework? thunderstorm?
The gold standard for treatment is a book by Malena di Martini-Price but it takes some organisation and commitment on the part of the owner.
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation
The gold standard for treatment is a book by Malena di Martini-Price but it takes some organisation and commitment on the part of the owner.
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation
Would help to have more background - how long have you had him, is he a rescue, what breed, has anything changed in his life, how old is he, have you made any household changes etc and what's his temperament and has he had recent medical problems. Lots of things need to be taken into account before a considered reply can be given.
Clearly something has happened to distress him or the fact that you are around much more has made him more used to company. - he's gotten used to you being around and if that's the case then even when you are there you need to 'go out' for short periods - don't put the radio just as company for him cos that will act as a trigger - have the radio on all the time - when you go don't make a fuss of him but gradually withdrawn your company prior to leaving then go out for 10 minutes as though it's the most natural thing in the world, don't even look at him when you leave and don't make a fuss of him when you get back. If hes stressed after 10 minutes then you have a problem and we need to look further.
Oh I see. Well I suppose a good start to recovery would be leaving him for very short periods to start with, no more than a few minutes at a time and gradually lengthening the time as he improves. Don't make a fuss when you leave or come back. Poor boy, I hate to see or hear a distressed dog. Yes do let us know how he goes on.
