Many of you guys know that sunshine is a rescue dog. She's perfect in everyway, almost. She has tremendous separation anxiety. She somehow hurt her foot Wednesday. My neighbor told me last night that when I was gone on Wednesday that she sat in the window screaming for 6 hours non-stop while I had to go to a meeting in PCB.
I take her everywhere I can but this is the third time a neighbor has told me that she screeches when I'm gone. I think she probably hurt foot falling off the window sill because that night is when the foot swelling and hopping started.
I have bought her a doll, a blanket. The cat is here with her when I'm gone but she just freaks when I leave her in the house. We don't know much about her history, so I'm beginning to think she was left in a house during the storm or maybe abandoned by the roadside when they couldn't take their pets on the bus during Katrina.
Tonight I went out and my friends brought their pug to babysit her. when we got home we got out of the car at the end of the street so she wouldn't see the car drive up and we could listen to see if she was yelling. While she wasn't screaming, she was sitting looking out the front door when we walked around the corner. Then we go through the "she's home" freaking out, running around me wanting to be picked up and it doesn't stop until I pick her up and hold her close until her little pounding heart stops pounding.
I really don't feel I can commit to another dog right now and have resisted putting her in a cage when I'm gone. Has anyone else had such problems with separation anxiety and found a solution without drugging the pet? I just dont know what to do and now she's getting so upset that she's hurting herself. Any suggestions would be great.
Cork On the OceanCork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challenged
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challenged4,698 views
Replies
114Cork On the OceanCork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthor
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthorSunshine's update:
Ok guys, just got finished cleaning up poop, pee and maybe puke:idontno: from Sunshine, all the stuff in the cage and the cage, both inside and out. :shock:
I felt pretty good after her nap in the crate last night so fed her, took her out potty early this morning and at noon went for a lunch meeting with her in the crate facing the door to look out. Came back about 3.5 hours later to hear her screaming. I went to the neighbor to get a report and he said she has been screaming not stop worse than when she was in the window because when she was in the window, she'd stop for periods of whimpering and wining. Today in the crate, she didn't stop screaming at all that he heard.
When I got into the house, the stench hit me. The poor little thing was shaking like a leaf and covered in mess. After her bath and putting the clothes, toys and blankie in the washer, I started on the box. The crate had poop all over the grate on the OUTSIDE of the door which could only have been done with her feet clawing at the door. An inspection of her feet showed a little shredding of the tips of her nails and her pads which were black yesterday are now white (no blood) but one section has skin peeling from the pad.
She's clean, in her jammies, calmed down and laying at my feet.
What's next guys :idontno:
Do I try it again? :( Do I give her longer times in the crate while I'm home? Do I try the crate for a half hour at a time only? She's clearly terrified of being alone. This little girl never goes potty in the house - never, no matter how long it's been.
Will order some kongs with the cheese/peanut butter treats. Does she need a break or do I continue. She is so tiny that I'm really afraid to give her anything oral for nerves and I'd really like to make the crate thing work. My heart is really breaking for her because I just don't know what she's been through. I've never had a dog that wanted to please me so much :wub: and I don't know if I'm just a softie or if she's a special need little girl. She's licking her feet pads now. :( I'm at a loss. Any thoughts are appreciated soooo much. :confused:
Ok guys, just got finished cleaning up poop, pee and maybe puke:idontno: from Sunshine, all the stuff in the cage and the cage, both inside and out. :shock:
I felt pretty good after her nap in the crate last night so fed her, took her out potty early this morning and at noon went for a lunch meeting with her in the crate facing the door to look out. Came back about 3.5 hours later to hear her screaming. I went to the neighbor to get a report and he said she has been screaming not stop worse than when she was in the window because when she was in the window, she'd stop for periods of whimpering and wining. Today in the crate, she didn't stop screaming at all that he heard.
When I got into the house, the stench hit me. The poor little thing was shaking like a leaf and covered in mess. After her bath and putting the clothes, toys and blankie in the washer, I started on the box. The crate had poop all over the grate on the OUTSIDE of the door which could only have been done with her feet clawing at the door. An inspection of her feet showed a little shredding of the tips of her nails and her pads which were black yesterday are now white (no blood) but one section has skin peeling from the pad.
She's clean, in her jammies, calmed down and laying at my feet.
What's next guys :idontno:
Do I try it again? :( Do I give her longer times in the crate while I'm home? Do I try the crate for a half hour at a time only? She's clearly terrified of being alone. This little girl never goes potty in the house - never, no matter how long it's been.
Will order some kongs with the cheese/peanut butter treats. Does she need a break or do I continue. She is so tiny that I'm really afraid to give her anything oral for nerves and I'd really like to make the crate thing work. My heart is really breaking for her because I just don't know what she's been through. I've never had a dog that wanted to please me so much :wub: and I don't know if I'm just a softie or if she's a special need little girl. She's licking her feet pads now. :( I'm at a loss. Any thoughts are appreciated soooo much. :confused:
SheilaSheilaSoWal InsiderSnellville, GA., Seacrest/Seagrove as often as we 5,781 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
SheilaSoWal InsiderSnellville, GA., Seacrest/Seagrove as often as we 5,781 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderSunshine's update:
Ok guys, just got finished cleaning up poop, pee and maybe puke:idontno: from Sunshine, all the stuff in the cage and the cage, both inside and out. :shock:
I felt pretty good after her nap in the crate last night so fed her, took her out potty early this morning and at noon went for a lunch meeting with her in the crate facing the door to look out. Came back about 3.5 hours later to hear her screaming. I went to the neighbor to get a report and he said she has been screaming not stop worse than when she was in the window because when she was in the window, she'd stop for periods of whimpering and wining. Today in the crate, she didn't stop screaming at all that he heard.
When I got into the house, the stench hit me. The poor little thing was shaking like a leaf and covered in mess. After her bath and putting the clothes, toys and blankie in the washer, I started on the box. The crate had poop all over the grate on the OUTSIDE of the door which could only have been done with her feet clawing at the door. An inspection of her feet showed a little shredding of the tips of her nails and her pads which were black yesterday are now white (no blood) but one section has skin peeling from the pad.
She's clean, in her jammies, calmed down and laying at my feet.
What's next guys :idontno:
Do I try it again? :( Do I give her longer times in the crate while I'm home? Do I try the crate for a half hour at a time only? She's clearly terrified of being alone. This little girl never goes potty in the house - never, no matter how long it's been.
Will order some kongs with the cheese/peanut butter treats. Does she need a break or do I continue. She is so tiny that I'm really afraid to give her anything oral for nerves and I'd really like to make the crate thing work. My heart is really breaking for her because I just don't know what she's been through. I've never had a dog that wanted to please me so much :wub: and I don't know if I'm just a softie or if she's a special need little girl. She's licking her feet pads now. :( I'm at a loss. Any thoughts are appreciated soooo much. :confused:
I am soooo sorry Cork! Poor little thing. Jdarg may have some advice about the next step. The only advice I could offer at this point is to discuss this with your vet. Maybe they have some ideas. :idontno: Makes you wonder what has happened in this baby's life to make her so traumatized.
Where is that "Dog Whisperer" guy when you need him. By the way. You are not a softie.:nono1: You are an angel to care so much for this sweet little girl. :wub:
Miss KittyMiss KittyMeow47,011 postsJoined View profileMessageMeow
Miss KittyMeow47,011 postsJoined View profileMessageMeowOh Cork, that is so sad to hear. Poor little Sunshine. Is there an animal behavioralist in the area? I agree with gttbm...you need the Dog Whisperer, but maybe someone else can help. I am sending you both a big hug after such an awful day. :(
dbuckdbuckBeach FanaticKY3,966 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
dbuckBeach FanaticKY3,966 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI know you must feel so helpless and at a loss on what to do. Oprah went thru this with one of her dogs and she hired a dog psychologist (well, now don't laugh, Miss Kitty got her dog braces). He told Oprah to pet the dog, then walk out the door, stay for a specified length of time like 5 minutes, then come back in. Each time you walk out, lengthen your time. This could take a while, but Sunshine will soon understand that you are not going to abandon her. At this point, anything is worth a try.
Cork On the OceanCork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthor
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthorI know you must feel so helpless and at a loss on what to do. Oprah went thru this with one of her dogs and she hired a dog psychologist (well, now don't laugh, Miss Kitty got her dog braces). He told Oprah to pet the dog, then walk out the door, stay for a specified length of time like 5 minutes, then come back in. Each time you walk out, lengthen your time. This could take a while, but Sunshine will soon understand that you are not going to abandon her. At this point, anything is worth a try.
Dbuck, great idea! Thank you for your hugs guys. I needed it tonight. I was thinking of that loony lady on the pet channel - the pet psychic that talks to the dog :floor: .
Something else that a friend mentioned and I forgot was the soft music that someone recommended. This same friend said she remembers coming to the house when I wasn't here and Sunshine was laying in her bed (not screaming) so don't know whether the neighbor is exaggerating or if she's getting worse. I do know that when she hears my car come up, she clearly starts the screaming. I'm wondering if all the construction guys make her think that I'm out there.
Maybe I need to close the windows, soft music and a Kong and reinforce that with dbucks suggestion. I'm so willing to work with her because she deserves it. She's just perfect. It certain that she made her front feet sore because now she yelps if I touch her one front foot. Very mixed about the cage again. I certainly don't want to bring back horrible memories especially if she was a puppy mill dog. I just have no idea what her past is. She could have been a rescued puppy mill dog that was housetrained and then left in a home during the hurricane . Wish she could talk and tell me.
You have all been so loving and kind and are really a huge help. Thank you.:wub:
Ocean LoverOcean LoverbeanBuckeye Country9,491 postsJoined View profileMessagebean
Ocean LoverbeanBuckeye Country9,491 postsJoined View profileMessagebeanI know you must feel so helpless and at a loss on what to do. Oprah went thru this with one of her dogs and she hired a dog psychologist (well, now don't laugh, Miss Kitty got her dog braces). He told Oprah to pet the dog, then walk out the door, stay for a specified length of time like 5 minutes, then come back in. Each time you walk out, lengthen your time. This could take a while, but Sunshine will soon understand that you are not going to abandon her. At this point, anything is worth a try.
Kind of like when we try to get a toddler to stay and sleep in their own bed.
So sorry you and Sunshine had a rough day. :( Wish I had some advice for you but others have given good suggestions.
iwishiwasthereiwishiwasthereBeach FanaticTennessee2,875 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
iwishiwasthereBeach FanaticTennessee2,875 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticOh I am so sorry for you and Sunshine. Maybe today is the worst...your vet might have a good suggestion or even a good trainer would give direction. Try the soft classical music to see if it helps. Just feel so bad for you both.
Cork On the OceanCork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthor
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthorOh I am so sorry for you and Sunshine. Maybe today is the worst...your vet might have a good suggestion or even a good trainer would give direction. Try the soft classical music to see if it helps. Just feel so bad for you both.
Yeah, think we're gonna take a little rest tomorrow and go for a nice walk. She hasn't been kissing me like usual tonight. She just keeps licking her front feet.
We have a strategy though and I think I just went too long, too quick. My fault. So we'll just take it real slow so she doesn't lose trust in me. I'm sure she'll be back to normal after she gets onto the beach. She absolutely loves the beach and running after the terns :floor: That will perk her up for sure.
CilCilBeach FanaticAmelia Island, FL1,491 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
CilBeach FanaticAmelia Island, FL1,491 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticSo sorry this happened, Cork. I have heard of dogs messing in their crates, but I do not have any personal experience with it.
Maybe it was too long too soon? I dunno.
I do know that a tired dog is a good dog. Perhaps a long walk at the beach (if her paws are okay) would help her be more relaxed during your absence?
Maybe it was too long too soon? I dunno.
I do know that a tired dog is a good dog. Perhaps a long walk at the beach (if her paws are okay) would help her be more relaxed during your absence?
JdargJdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
JdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertYikes! Oh Cork! So sorry you and Sunshine are having such a hard time!
GGTBM and everyone else have great advice. I think we are all on a mission to get Sunshine fixed up! Definitely talk to your vet. Also, the "working up" to longer times in the crate may help, and try keeping her in the crate some while you are home, so she gets used to you being there AND not there when she is in the crate. Sometimes mine start playing too rough, or start harassing Kate while she is eating ( a 4 year old is a dog's food dropping dream). Anyway, I will tell one or both to go "get in the house" and they usually go very willingly, and I keep them in there for awhile while we are walking around and doing stuff. We are to the point now where sometimes I crate them when I leave and sometime not. Fiona has to get in her house when I vacuum or she will kill the vacuum.
Like children, it's not overnight.
Oh- this is funny- the Dog Whisperer's promo material was at work Monday- I guess he is coming to town. For $150, you get Sat/Sun sessions, doughnuts, coffee and lunch. We were talking about the benfit of going to this program, and decided that even if he wasn't that good, it is still a good way to maybe re-think your dog's behavior and how dogs "tick" in general, especially for newer pet owners, or owners with small children. It promotes an awareness of concepts.
That said, my dogs are about a 4 on the 1 to 10 good behavior program. Too loving, too bouncy, love to lick too much. We are working on it, but I think I'm going to throw in the towel and go to a trainer for a few sessions to train me first!
GGTBM and everyone else have great advice. I think we are all on a mission to get Sunshine fixed up! Definitely talk to your vet. Also, the "working up" to longer times in the crate may help, and try keeping her in the crate some while you are home, so she gets used to you being there AND not there when she is in the crate. Sometimes mine start playing too rough, or start harassing Kate while she is eating ( a 4 year old is a dog's food dropping dream). Anyway, I will tell one or both to go "get in the house" and they usually go very willingly, and I keep them in there for awhile while we are walking around and doing stuff. We are to the point now where sometimes I crate them when I leave and sometime not. Fiona has to get in her house when I vacuum or she will kill the vacuum.
Like children, it's not overnight.
Oh- this is funny- the Dog Whisperer's promo material was at work Monday- I guess he is coming to town. For $150, you get Sat/Sun sessions, doughnuts, coffee and lunch. We were talking about the benfit of going to this program, and decided that even if he wasn't that good, it is still a good way to maybe re-think your dog's behavior and how dogs "tick" in general, especially for newer pet owners, or owners with small children. It promotes an awareness of concepts.
That said, my dogs are about a 4 on the 1 to 10 good behavior program. Too loving, too bouncy, love to lick too much. We are working on it, but I think I'm going to throw in the towel and go to a trainer for a few sessions to train me first!
AllifunnAllifunnFunnChef - AlisonCooks.comSt Petersburg13,635 postsJoined View profileMessageFunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
AllifunnFunnChef - AlisonCooks.comSt Petersburg13,635 postsJoined View profileMessageFunnChef - AlisonCooks.comCork...:( I sure hope thigs go better for you and Sunshine today...I feel so bad for both of you....I wish I had some words of wisdom for you ....this stress can't be good for either of you. Good luck girl!
audieaudiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossom
audiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossomwell cork - i am fresh out of suggestions... sorry you guys had a rough day. i know how upsetting it is when the dog isn't happy. good luck with your next try and keep us posted !
Cork On the OceanCork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthor
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthorGGTBM and everyone else have great advice. I think we are all on a mission to get Sunshine fixed up! Definitely talk to your vet. Also, the "working up" to longer times in the crate may help, and try keeping her in the crate some while you are home, so she gets used to you being there AND not there when she is in the crate.
You're right, everyone has had so many good ideas and suggestions so I have lots of options to try. I'm convinced that I just went too fast and that my little girl is gonna need lots of patience and understanding which is just fine. I'm sure that no matter how much she wants to love a new owner, it's going to take time to have complete trust and thats OK.
Sometimes mine start playing too rough, or start harassing Kate while she is eating ( a 4 year old is a dog's food dropping dream). Anyway, I will tell one or both to go "get in the house" and they usually go very willingly, and I keep them in there for awhile while we are walking around and doing stuff. We are to the point now where sometimes I crate them when I leave and sometime not. Fiona has to get in her house when I vacuum or she will kill the vacuum.
:floor: :floor: I wish sunshine would start bouncing around again right now. She's either exhausted from yesterday or mad at me. She'll be OK because she still follows me around everywhere and lays at my feet. She's just not her perky self.
We were talking about the benfit of going to this program, and decided that even if he wasn't that good, it is still a good way to maybe re-think your dog's behavior and how dogs "tick" in general, especially for newer pet owners, or owners with small children. It promotes an awareness of concepts.
Is that shaking what they deem "ticks"? That's a heartbreaker for sure. Plus with no hair, she shakes when she's cold :rolling: so no telling what her deal is. she certainly has the best routine I've ever seen if this is acting. :lol:
I do know that a tired dog is a good dog. Perhaps a long walk at the beach (if her paws are okay) would help her be more relaxed during your absence?
That's a great idea too CIL! Of course, it's difficult to always plan for an abscense. Like yesterday had a developer call and want to meet me in an hour so had to get some stuff ready for him, get dressed and run. There was no time for a walk BUT in the training process, I can plan for crate time with soft music (or even "alone" time without the crate) after a long walk on the beach. She'll be too tired to go ballistic :lolabove: . Great idea. Eventually, she'll learn that she's going to be OK and that I'm coming back.
SheilaSheilaSoWal InsiderSnellville, GA., Seacrest/Seagrove as often as we 5,781 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
SheilaSoWal InsiderSnellville, GA., Seacrest/Seagrove as often as we 5,781 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderEven though we use the palstic travel crates we also own a couple of pop-up soft crates. I bought them one time to try them out when I come solo to the beach. This may be at least the answer to poor little shredded paws. They are soft sided and really durable. Our neighbors son has a black lab and they keep one of those type crates at their house in Seagrove for visits from the "grandpuppy". The "puppy" is actually full grown and the crate contains her.
Just a thought. I feel really bad yesterday was so awful for you both. :(
Just a thought. I feel really bad yesterday was so awful for you both. :(
Miss KittyMiss KittyMeow47,011 postsJoined View profileMessageMeow
Miss KittyMeow47,011 postsJoined View profileMessageMeowEven though we use the palstic travel crates we also own a couple of pop-up soft crates. I bought them one time to try them out when I come solo to the beach. This may be at least the answer to poor little shredded paws. They are soft sided and really durable. Our neighbors son has a black lab and they keep one of those type crates at their house in Seagrove for visits from the "grandpuppy". The "puppy" is actually full grown and the crate contains her.
Just a thought. I feel really bad yesterday was so awful for you both. :(
Oh yes...I bought one of these pop up crates at Target for the car. It was larger than the one we had and Molly's bed fit in it. I hate to say this, but it would be easier to clean....never mind, think positive...that won't happen again.
Cork On the OceanCork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthor
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthorOh yes...I bought one of these pop up crates at Target for the car. It was larger than the one we had and Molly's bed fit in it. I hate to say this, but it would be easier to clean....never mind, think positive...that won't happen again.
Do these crates have any zippers or places where she could stick that pointy little nose into and get it open. that's what she did with her little purse/bag that I carry her in but now she's great with her as long as I'm next to the bag. There's hope for her. I'm confident that we're gonna get through this with the help of you guys. 😀
MKHMKHBeach FanaticMemphis, TN/Seacrest Beach, FL267 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
MKHBeach FanaticMemphis, TN/Seacrest Beach, FL267 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticDo these crates have any zippers or places where she could stick that pointy little nose into and get it open. that's what she did with her little purse/bag that I carry her in but now she's great with her as long as I'm next to the bag. There's hope for her. I'm confident that we're gonna get through this with the help of you guys. 😀
I have a soft-side crate for Halle, and yes it has lots of zippers. I had to keep Halle in her crate a lot when she was a baby, and she really liked it-like other people have said, it was her den, her safe place.
But Sunshine obviously does not feel that way about her crate. Even though Halle is a model dog now when I am gone, I am sure she would become agitated and scared if there was a lot of noise outside, like your construction going on. Get Sunshine a Kong and she how she takes to it. It will hopefully fascinate her (that's what they are designed to do) and distract her.
BTW, I always keep soft music on when I am gone for Halle to listen to. That's a good idea, too.
M
Cheering472Cheering472SoWal Insider5,295 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
Cheering472SoWal Insider5,295 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderCork and Sunshine,
This thread is breaking my heart. But stay strong, you'll both be fine. Shorter time intervals in the crate while you are home, then gradually increasing them worked for us. The Kong is the greatest. Go get 1 or 2 right away. Good luck!!!
This thread is breaking my heart. But stay strong, you'll both be fine. Shorter time intervals in the crate while you are home, then gradually increasing them worked for us. The Kong is the greatest. Go get 1 or 2 right away. Good luck!!!
iwishiwasthereiwishiwasthereBeach FanaticTennessee2,875 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
iwishiwasthereBeach FanaticTennessee2,875 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticDo these crates have any zippers or places where she could stick that pointy little nose into and get it open. that's what she did with her little purse/bag that I carry her in but now she's great with her as long as I'm next to the bag. There's hope for her. I'm confident that we're gonna get through this with the help of you guys. 😀
They do have zippers. Sophie is a master at undoing them when she wants to get out, but for some odd reason when we are gone she stays in there. The classical music helps, also. I guess because it is her safe place, but she would not want me to know that! Very independent and strong-willed dog. But sooo cute! :wub:
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.