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
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AllifunnAllifunnFunnChef - AlisonCooks.comSt Petersburg13,635 postsJoined View profileMessageFunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
AllifunnFunnChef - AlisonCooks.comSt Petersburg13,635 postsJoined View profileMessageFunnChef - AlisonCooks.comMany 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.girl, I don't know a whole lot about sweet dogs...I have one...that lives at my ex's house...she is a real sweetheart...I resisted getting a dog for a long time...but she is the best girl in the world...but my thoughts are...get her a baby...take her to the animal shelter and let her pick out her own friend...????:idontno: you have already commited to one dog...another will be a piece of cake...if it helps sunshine...:idontno: :wub:
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 challengedAuthor
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthorgirl, I don't know a whole lot about sweet dogs...I have one...that lives at my ex's house...she is a real sweetheart...I resisted getting a dog for a long time...but she is the best girl in the world...but my thoughts are...get her a baby...take her to the animal shelter and let her pick out her own friend...????:idontno: you have already commited to one dog...another will be a piece of cake...if it helps sunshine...:idontno: :wub:
I'm so praying for another solution. When I commit to a pet it's for life and I travel every month and can't imagine dragging 2 dogs and a cat in my little car. It's such a big decision to take on another. Another thought was to get a straw bag that looks like a purse and sneak her in everywhere cause she;'s quiet as a mouse in her carry bag with me. :floor: She's so happy just to be with me. when we were getting ready to go out tonight, she wouldn't even look at Duke the pug, she just stares at me and follows me EVERYWHERE.
audieaudiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossom
audiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossomwhen dory was little many moons ago, she had some separation anxiety. we crated her from the time we got her at 8 weeks old and she loves her crate still to this day. it is her home and that's where she goes when she's ready for bed or if it is storming. anyway, our breeder suggested taking an old t-shirt or pair of shorts or something we didn't wear anymore, and wear it to get your scent on it. then we put it in the crate with her and it seemed to help. i would also play some soft music like jazz while we are away. to this day, when she gets lonely she either gets up in my hubby's chair (since he is her favorite ) or lays in bed on his side with her head on his pillow, i assume to smell him. it might be worth a try.... sure hope it helps ! we just in the last year or so quit crating her when we leave. she can always get in it, and most of the time that is where she is at when mr audie gets home from work.
sarawindsarawindBeach Fanatic30A582 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
sarawindBeach Fanatic30A582 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticWe had a similar situation and resolved it by crating the dog with his favorite
'babies' (stuffed toys) and a chew hoove (available at pet stores). We cover the crate with an old thin tablecloth to create a den-like atmosphere. Dog is happy now. Good luck.
'babies' (stuffed toys) and a chew hoove (available at pet stores). We cover the crate with an old thin tablecloth to create a den-like atmosphere. Dog is happy now. Good luck.
CilCilBeach FanaticAmelia Island, FL1,491 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
CilBeach FanaticAmelia Island, FL1,491 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI am sorry you are in such a fix, Cork.
Crating is not cruel.
A crate is the dog's den, the dog's security. Usually a dog will curl up and go to sleep there.
I know you are not Sunshine's first owner, but I know from experience that old dogs can learn new tricks. I would give the crate a try.
Your neighbors sound very nice but they are probably reaching the end of their rope with the barking.
Crating is not cruel.
A crate is the dog's den, the dog's security. Usually a dog will curl up and go to sleep there.
I know you are not Sunshine's first owner, but I know from experience that old dogs can learn new tricks. I would give the crate a try.
Your neighbors sound very nice but they are probably reaching the end of their rope with the barking.
JdargJdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
JdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertCrate for sure. Fiona goes in hers all the time- we call it her "house". Practice leaving her in it for small stretches of time, gradually lengthening them. She expects to go everywhere with you now and gets upset when you leave!
We had this problem with MacGregor, our first rescue. He was clawing the woodwork around the doors everytime I left- trying to dig his way out to find me. We ended up with a second rescue and all the issues were solved- the only extra work really is 4 more paws to keep clean. My problem now is ever having to separate them for any reason! Remember that dogs are pack animals- and your little dog has made you part of her "pack"- but you can't be around all of the time. She may be one of those dogs that truly needs another dog!
We had this problem with MacGregor, our first rescue. He was clawing the woodwork around the doors everytime I left- trying to dig his way out to find me. We ended up with a second rescue and all the issues were solved- the only extra work really is 4 more paws to keep clean. My problem now is ever having to separate them for any reason! Remember that dogs are pack animals- and your little dog has made you part of her "pack"- but you can't be around all of the time. She may be one of those dogs that truly needs another dog!
PaulaPaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
PaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticWe don't have dogs but most of our friends who do have dogs that spend a lot of time inside use those crates and the dogs seem very happy. And these are people who don't travel much -- the dogs just seem to like it (kind of like a dog house of their own - you could have fun decorating it).
iwishiwasthereiwishiwasthereBeach FanaticTennessee2,875 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
iwishiwasthereBeach FanaticTennessee2,875 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticLots of good suggestions already presented but here are mine(some of the same).
A crate is a wonderdful thing. Both my dogs go to their crates with no fuss. We love to travel with them so invest in a good travel crate. In the beginning she will not like it much, but in time will find it comforting. Put favorite toys, soft, snuggly bedding and something that smells like you. Our oldest, as I have mentioned before, has severe separation anxiety. She chewed herself until she was bloody...not a pretty site. We got another pet, and it did make a difference. They are great friends now, but for a month Maggie would not look at us. Introduce the new pet on neutral territory. I think our mistake was we brought her home and did not let them get to know each other a bit before Sophie became a part of the family.
Downside....a second dog is MORE work...I thought it would be no big deal, but it does require two of everything....doctor visits, treats, clothes, medicine, etc. That being said I would not change anything because the Sophie has helped Maggie so much that is worth the extra effort.
Good luck to you and that sweet pup of yours!
A crate is a wonderdful thing. Both my dogs go to their crates with no fuss. We love to travel with them so invest in a good travel crate. In the beginning she will not like it much, but in time will find it comforting. Put favorite toys, soft, snuggly bedding and something that smells like you. Our oldest, as I have mentioned before, has severe separation anxiety. She chewed herself until she was bloody...not a pretty site. We got another pet, and it did make a difference. They are great friends now, but for a month Maggie would not look at us. Introduce the new pet on neutral territory. I think our mistake was we brought her home and did not let them get to know each other a bit before Sophie became a part of the family.
Downside....a second dog is MORE work...I thought it would be no big deal, but it does require two of everything....doctor visits, treats, clothes, medicine, etc. That being said I would not change anything because the Sophie has helped Maggie so much that is worth the extra effort.
Good luck to you and that sweet pup of yours!
audieaudiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossom
audiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossomWe had a similar situation and resolved it by crating the dog with his favorite
'babies' (stuffed toys) and a chew hoove (available at pet stores). We cover the crate with an old thin tablecloth to create a den-like atmosphere. Dog is happy now. Good luck.
that is exactly what we did, only we had to get a king-sized sheet because dory's crate is so big. it is HER house, and no one is allowed in, you are only allowed to put your arm in to add water to the dish hanging on the side of the crate. i can only wash her bedding in there while she is getting groomed because she gets irate if you do it while she is home. i thought crating would be cruel too when i first read about it, but it truly is a life-saver!
audieaudiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossom
audiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossomone thing our breeder told us about crates is that you don't want to use it for punishment like locking a dog in there when it has been bad. if they associate negative thoughts with it, it will be a struggle to get the dog in. since dory is a perfect little angel and never does anything wrong this was not a problem for us. :floor: here i am lying on a sunday !
Miss KittyMiss KittyMeow47,011 postsJoined View profileMessageMeow
Miss KittyMeow47,011 postsJoined View profileMessageMeowTom Cruise would suggest a little Prozac for what ails your pup. Honestly, I have heard of dogs being put on drugs to deal with separation problems. I would definitely try the crate though. Cork, I really feel for you. Being a dog lover and owner has so many rewards...but when they suffer, I think we suffer even more! 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 challengedAuthorI can't tell you how much this has helped me with the crate decision. Not knowing her background, I've been so apprehensive because she could have been a puppy mill dog that had been crated 24/7 for her whole life but the fact that she's quite well housetrained makes me think not. I do have a crate that I got for my cat so that will work fine. It's roomy enough for her and seems like the best chance of protecting her right now. I have some good ideas of what to put inside of it. She really hasn't attached to anything but my lap :rofl: but she does lay in her little bed sometimes that has a removable pillow that will fit. I think I'll position it so she can look out the doors because she's always sitting at the door when I get home. (She jumps off the window sill apparently and runs to the doors when she sees the car.) Is that a good or bad idea? :idontno: . I'll cut up this big fleece blanket that a friend gave her and put a piece inside to keep her warm and some stinky piece of my clothing :floor: . Did I miss anything? I'll let you guys know how it goes with a Monday trial. The neighbor the other night is a builder that's building his own home so he's there all day long and he said they make more noice with their pounding. He said her screaming was just breaking his heart. I'll ask him to do a test with me monday and see how it goes.
If this doesn't work, I will consider another pet for her (probably a crested because they are so low-maintenence) but I've had the dog "pack" before and being single, all the extra work falls on me. Also, if my lifestyle ever does change :wub: , I'd hate to bring a crew into the picture.
:funn: :funn: She somehow got inside the duvet cover and was snoring and a minute ago, the whole comforter just fell off the bed onto the floor :funn:She brings me so much laughter :rolling:
Thanks so much guys you've really put my mind at ease about this crate thing. Will keep you posted!
If this doesn't work, I will consider another pet for her (probably a crested because they are so low-maintenence) but I've had the dog "pack" before and being single, all the extra work falls on me. Also, if my lifestyle ever does change :wub: , I'd hate to bring a crew into the picture.
:funn: :funn: She somehow got inside the duvet cover and was snoring and a minute ago, the whole comforter just fell off the bed onto the floor :funn:She brings me so much laughter :rolling:
Thanks so much guys you've really put my mind at ease about this crate thing. Will keep you posted!
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 InsiderI can't tell you how much this has helped me with the crate decision. Not knowing her background, I've been so apprehensive because she could have been a puppy mill dog that had been crated 24/7 for her whole life but the fact that she's quite well housetrained makes me think not. I do have a crate that I got for my cat so that will work fine. It's roomy enough for her and seems like the best chance of protecting her right now. I have some good ideas of what to put inside of it. She really hasn't attached to anything but my lap :rofl: but she does lay in her little bed sometimes that has a removable pillow that will fit. I think I'll position it so she can look out the doors because she's always sitting at the door when I get home. (She jumps off the window sill apparently and runs to the doors when she sees the car.) Is that a good or bad idea? :idontno: . I'll cut up this big fleece blanket that a friend gave her and put a piece inside to keep her warm and some stinky piece of my clothing :floor: . Did I miss anything? I'll let you guys know how it goes with a Monday trial. The neighbor the other night is a builder that's building his own home so he's there all day long and he said they make more noice with their pounding. He said her screaming was just breaking his heart. I'll ask him to do a test with me monday and see how it goes.
If this doesn't work, I will consider another pet for her (probably a crested because they are so low-maintenence) but I've had the dog "pack" before and being single, all the extra work falls on me. Also, if my lifestyle ever does change :wub: , I'd hate to bring a crew into the picture.
:funn: :funn: She somehow got inside the duvet cover and was snoring and a minute ago, the whole comforter just fell off the bed onto the floor :funn:She brings me so much laughter :rolling:
Thanks so much guys you've really put my mind at ease about this crate thing. Will keep you posted!
Our 2 babies have been crated since day 1. We learned from our first 2 that the crate actually made them feel more secure if we weren't at home. We also try and put an old t shirt one of us has had on. That way they actually feel like their pack leaders are close at hand. GTTBD travels alot. I have actually caught our little Bailey dragging something of "Dad's" into her crate if he's been gone for a while.
I know how heartbreaking it can be. I hope some of these ideas really help!
PaulaPaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
PaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticCork: How about giving her the comforter cover that she was inside and putting it or part of it in the crate. She may associate it more with you (as well as the fleece blanket). Maybe they should call these "crates" indoor dog houses -- the label "crate" sounds so negative and cold. I'd have fun decorating it.
Cork On the OceanCork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthor
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthorGTTBD travels alot. I have actually caught our little Bailey dragging something of "Dad's" into her crate if he's been gone for a while.
How cute is that :wub: ? Paula, that's a great idea but I had hoped that I could do it a little cheaper than sacrificing my DKNY comforter :floor: . She does sleep on it everynight though so if I have to, it's history. Maybe throw it over the crate. Then I have to drag it down 3 floors every time I go out :funn:. What we do for our kids! :roll:
audieaudiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossom
audiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossomOur 2 babies have been crated since day 1. We learned from our first 2 that the crate actually made them feel more secure if we weren't at home. We also try and put an old t shirt one of us has had on. That way they actually feel like their pack leaders are close at hand. GTTBD travels alot. I have actually caught our little Bailey dragging something of "Dad's" into her crate if he's been gone for a while.
I know how heartbreaking it can be. I hope some of these ideas really help!
that is so cute - dory does the exact same thing. when mr audie switched jobs a few years ago he had training in indianapolis, for 3 days so he just stayed up there overnight for 2 nights. dory was absolutely miserable and she got ahold of a pair of his undies while i was doing laundry and took them to her crate and laid on them. they became her panties and are probably still buried back in the bedroom somewhere.
audieaudiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossom
audiefartblossom10,946 postsJoined View profileMessagefartblossomcork, i think you will find the crate thing will give you peace of mind, you won't have to worry about sunshine getting hurt while you are gone. i may be rough at first, but stick with it, you will be glad in the end ! i hope to meet sunshine while we are down there !
RudyjohnRudyjohnSoWal InsiderChicago Area7,736 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
I haven't had time to read this whole thread so I may be repeating some things but, our 2 dogs love their crates too. They're sitting in one end of our kitchen. They're like their little "dens." I'm home most of the day because I can do my work from home, but we do crate them sometimes. Just be sure to remove the dog collar or the choker (if she wears one ? ) because dogs can get caught somehow on the side of the crate or on the door latch, become twisted and strangle themselves. (Know that's not a positive thought right now, but I had to mention it.)
Gotta go.
Gotta go.
Cork On the OceanCork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthor
Cork On the Oceandirectionally challengedSeacrest Beach2,450 postsJoined View profileMessagedirectionally challengedAuthorThanks guys, got a question. I was going to use a travel crate that i have that';s plastic. It's for medium size dogs and she's very tiny but John and others have indicated that she might want to use it in the daytime while I'm here so will that be adequate. I hate to have one of the big metal things in my living room. She now does quite nicely in her carry bag when we go out which is about 1/3 the size of the crate I have in mind. How much room does she need in there? I think she could stand up in it.
Audie, I think that this crate thing will give me peace of mind if it works and maybe someday I can leave the choice of going into her crate up to her. I'm sure we'll be walking around or if we put that sowal hunt together, sunshine can sniff them out :floor:
Audie, I think that this crate thing will give me peace of mind if it works and maybe someday I can leave the choice of going into her crate up to her. I'm sure we'll be walking around or if we put that sowal hunt together, sunshine can sniff them out :floor:
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