My neighbour has his dog cooped up in a pretty small enclosure. He gets no attention or love. He had never been indoors, let alone for a walk when I found him. I asked the SPCA to investigate. They're happy that he's cared for well enough, so he has to stay where he is, but he's a boisterous and intelligent dog, so he has pretty intense needs. I now take him for walks and keep him with me for a few hours afterwards. He's learned to trust and now his personality is really coming out, which is lovely to see. He seems about three to five years. He has severe separation anxiety. When indoors, he will remain a foot away from me, following even when we're in the same room. It's been a few months since I met him, and he still hasn't become calm enough to sleep when he's here. He needs constant attention and of course, he goes ballistic about walks because he's never had them. Baths and brushes are just as exciting. He's learned to sit and take food well. The trouble is I can't keep him here all day every day, given he's not my dog, so consistency is impossible. I read that overexcitement is not a sign of a happy dog. He does calm down once he's had his walk, but I'm concerned. I want him to be happy, and I'm not sure how to help him feel calmer. I've read a bunch about positive reinforcement, but with a dog who's cooped up for most of the day, I'm wondering if it's possible to help him self-soothe. I want to give him the best. I just don't know what the best is, if that makes sense.
Welcome to the forum It sounds to me like you've made an absolutely massive difference to this dog's life already. It's so kind of you to want to do even more. What does your neighbour have him for?
Hi @Red as you've already reported the neighbour and dog to the SPCA who have investigated and are content with the level of care, I'm just wondering whether the walks, feeding etc are with the agreement of your neighbour. None of the behaviours you mention, staying close in a room and not sleeping, are really symptomatic of separation distress, only of a dog not sure of what is required from him in his surroundings
Hi Red, what kind of dog is he? And what is it you want to do - are you hoping to take this dog on, or just to make him so life a bit better? I do understand your dilemma, having been in the situation of trying to help a neglected dog in the neighborhood myself.
I would love to take him on, but with the SPCA being happy with where he is, I might not be that lucky, so I will just be trying to add to his quality of life. He looks like a cross between a collie and a spaniel. He has a collie's temperament and energy. He's also fiercely intelligent, so he really does need a ton of stimulation.
Yes, the neighbours have given their permission. He's never been indoors before. Do you think he will get a little more comfortable without any changes, or is it that I'm not giving him enough boundaries?
