Can someone please give me some advice! My lab is 8 months old and I can not leave her. Did the crate training when she was only 9 weeks old which was fine until she was 12 weeks and then messed in her bed every time, even though I only left for an hour. Now here I am she's 8 months old, she allows me to go and hang washing out but I can't even leave her for 5 minutes without her getting very stressed, hot and barking madly, she does chew anything but makes no difference when I leave her treats etc. I need a life, I can't even have a bath in piece, it's worse than having a new born baby, someone help me please!!!!!
Hi there - so sorry you are having a hard time at the moment with your pooch! I'm sure you are frustrated! It would be good to get a little more information from you before we can give you some advice. What is your regular routine with your pooch? (What's her name?) Do you work? If so, how long is your pooch alone when you are gone? Separation anxiety is best diagnosed by an expert such as a vet, who can give you some ideas on what to do. But it could be that there is something else going on so if you give us a better idea of what your dog's routine is from day to day we can give you some ideas. Try not to despair, there are things you can try to address this problem, whether it is separation anxiety or not!
Hi. My dogs name is cookie. She was only 8 weeks old when I got and yes I've spoils her. I was working when I first had her but I was able to take her to work with me during the day. I also worked a couple of hours at night so longest she got leftbLone was 2 hours. Unfortunately 2 months ago I had to stop work so she is with me 24/7 which I know isn't good for either of us. She is able to stay calm if I go in the garden to hang washing out and leave her inside but to go to the shop which is only 5 minuets away she goes mad. I've been unable to get another job for fear of leaving her. I know I've brought this on myself by being with her constantly but I am at my wits end now as would just love to go to the shop and not have to take her with me, I feel like a prisoner in my own home and worse than having a child. I love her to bits but I feel this situation is not good for either of us. Her routine is the same everyday, we get up go in the garden play for a while, then for a walk in the fields. Sleep and she wakes goes back in the fields again and play. If I have to go anywhere she comes with me but I can't leave her in car so now even have to have my shopping delivered. I've leaving her and just sitting outside no she's fine, she obviously knows I'm there, when I do leVe her she's bRking before I even get in the car and acts strange even before I leave. Sorry for the essay but I really am at my wits end.
Hi Sharon, I am sorry to hear that you are having a hard time You might find it helpful to try starting crate training right from the beginning again, as though she were a new puppy, following the instructions here: Crate Training Your Labrador You can find more information on separation anxiety here: Separation Anxiety in Labradors It might also be worth chatting to your vet and potentially getting a referral to a local positive reinforcement behaviourist who can assess the situation too, for your peace of mind. Best wishes, Lucy
