We videotaped hollie while out and she howled/cried all the time we were out, when I've asked the neighbours they said they couldn't hear anything (not that that is my concern to be honest hollies distress levels are). We always thought she cried a bit then went to sleep especially as we had been on a walk and she was pooped. How can we help her? we don't go out very often which is probably the problem (I work but hubby doesn't) We feel truly heartbroken that she has had to go through that but sometimes we need to go out together. I've mentioned before that she won't eat her treat/kong until we return. Thanks in advance
Re: Help needed Oh you poor loves! You and Hollie! I'm afraid I only have the usual ways of getting them used to being alone - to go for tiny amounts and build up gradually. I think I would be consulting a behaviourist if she was mine. Your vet should be able to help you find one. Wishing you lots and lots of luck in finding a solution *hugs*
Re: Help needed I would say try and read as much as you can about separation anxiety and put together a plan of action, which might mean that you will not be able to leave her on her own for quite sometime. You will have to start with very very short periods of leaving her, a minute or so, and build up very slowly. But if she has one stressful episode it will most probably set you back again.
Re: Help needed Thanks everyone, she is fine in her crate at night sleeps all night not a problem, we also put her in her crate throughout the day while in the house and she is fine with that also, even when we are up stairs for sometimes 20 minutes at a time!!!!! It has really shocked us how bad her howling was...full on head up in the air wolf howling for her pack. Going to start operation 'calm when left' tomorrow. Poor little thing
Re: Help needed Poor love , yes definitely leave her, just for a few minutes to start with . Don't make any fuss about going out , and no fuss when you come back, just make it into a normal event . Might also be helpful to leave a radio on and give her an item of unwashed clothing , it will comfort her
Re: Help needed Bless her. I agree with Kate - leave the radio of TV on as this will give background noise and might help. I hope you find a solution. Good luck and let us know how you get on x
Re: Help needed Oh poor thing, and poor you. If you can get professional help, it would be best - I understand true separation anxiety is a tricky thing to deal with, it's not the same as a dog just being upset at being left, or being bored. At least a specialist book, might help? Patricia McConnell has written a short book on this: http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/store/I-ll-Be-Home-Soon.html
Re: Help needed We have noticed she is a little jumpy at noises now sirens going past, wind howling, doors banging which have previously not bothered her, we just ignore this and act as nothing has happened, I've just read they can become scared of things in adolescence she is 25 weeks old???? Has anyone else had this problem?
Re: Help needed There is a desensitising CD you can buy from Amazon , I used it for one of my dogs years ago , she was afraid of thunder and fireworks . You play it at home whilst other normal stuff is going on around , the theory being that the noises become normal , there are loads of different noises , gales, hoovers , thunder, fireworks to name a few, it might be worth trying ?
Re: Help needed [quote author=kateincornwall link=topic=9063.msg129727#msg129727 date=1418316615] There is a desensitising CD you can buy from Amazon , I used it for one of my dogs years ago , she was afraid of thunder and fireworks . You play it at home whilst other normal stuff is going on around , the theory being that the noises become normal , there are loads of different noises , gales, hoovers , thunder, fireworks to name a few, it might be worth trying ? [/quote] We had one too - it helped but wasn't the whole answer when it came to Riley's sensitivity to shot
Re: Help needed Around 6 months Maisie became very anxious and jumpy around sounds that had never bothered her before. I spent some time re-socialising her with sounds/noise/people/scooters, kids, etc, etc! It did seem to do the trick and she settled to new and old noises again. I also found that Maisie was upset when I left her (like you I don't leave her very often), but by about 7 months she started to settle down and accept that I was going out.
Re: Help needed Oh I'm sorry and sad for you reading this,it must have given you a right shock....I've not got any experience myself but having read threads that mention this you've had great advice already .....whilst it's upsetting ,it is something that you can work on and change... Best wishes x
