We have two working labs, and have had them from 8 weeks - all fine. Our oldest son and his husband have just got a 3 year old entire male from the same breeder - pretty dense in the field and rather too big so offered for re-homing. Used to living in outdoor kennels with other dogs. To make matters worse on antibiotics as the kennel guard dog bit his face last week! Has had a lip abscess drained. 2nd night last night and cried and howled for most of it - they have had less than 3 hours sleep (both medics so essential they get to sleep!). Hates his crate (mine are crate trained), they have fed him in this but not shut him in. Loving the love and attention but clearly terrified its going to get taken away again. As you would expect, he's a bit perplexed by what has happened to him. However, help and advice desperately needed please on how they establish bedtime and its ok to be alone downstairs. Shifts make it easier for them to not to have to leave him alone for extended long periods and they were planning on getting a dog walker for times when they are both on days. Big problem as they live in a semi-detached house. They need to get this right! Many thanks in anticipation........Jen
It’s really early days. The poor thing is probably terrified! I would take the crate upstairs and let him sleep next to their bed for a week or so. Then slowly move him further and further away. When they’re in the house through the day build up really short periods of time being left, a few seconds here and there. Have either/both taken any time off to look after him? He will settle but It won’t be an overnight thing - he’s had his entire life turned upside down.
Thank you, yes I agree. He's terrified of the crate which may also be a bit too small (my fault, suggested a size up from my much smaller girls! and he's a big boy). They've fed him in it but that's all, wouldn't go near it even to get his teddy out . They are definitely not forcing anything. Anxious about taking him to their bedroom in case he's there forever. One on days and one on nights this week and next so there will always be someone at home and then they have a week off.
Goodness, please keep the dog in the bedroom right by their bed! Feelings of security (a secure base) need to be established first, before separation can be started. If they continue to leave him alone howling, they are only associating separation with fear - and creating serious problems for the future. A dog must feel safe in the presence of the owner, in order for the dog to continue to have a sense of that owner's presence, when they are absent.
Thank you Jo. All helpful but in actual fact things have settled remarkably well with very thoughtful care and oodles of kindness from these two young men - I'm super impressed! He wasn't actually howling not stop just randomly. However, their house is open plan and he's choose his own spot at the top of their stairs. He even had a snooze in his crate yesterday! They understand he might regress and is very anxious of strangers, other dogs etc but I think they will get there in the end! They have read The Labrador Handbook from cover to cover twice already - thank you Pippa!
