A friend for Maddux?

[Jen*Maddux*mom]

Hi everyone! I am having a MAJOR problem with Maddux. He seems to be suffering from seperation anxiety. He has destroyed many things while we have been gone. Most recently he chewed a hole in the wall of our laundry room. I have read some of the suggetions in the post about Draco and I plan on trying some of them. We have been talking about getting a second dog for a while now, and I was wondering if any of you think this would help with our situation. He is an absolute angel when we are home with him, but we are always treated to a suprise :eek: when we return from being gone. Any ideas about seperation anxiety and a second dog?? Thanks!
http://maddux.hamilton.homepage.com

 

[Jennifer -Pharaoh's Mom]

Jen,
welcome to the TEEN phase. Pharaoh was like this from about 4 months to 2 years. After much deliberation, I bought a crate (after my vet suggested it...she crates all her show dogs when she's at work). PHaraoh adjusted to it quickly and never had a problem with it. She stressed that I NEVER use it for punishment and that I NOT make a big fuss when leaving him or returning, but rather stay calm and act as this is all part of a normal routine..no babying him either when he had to go to his crate. Well, it worked! No more comming home to destructo dog! Plus, he was sooo happy to see me and I was happy because I KNEW that NOTHING would be destroyed. No more yelling at him. It was great! Then, at 2 years old, I started leaving him out on a trial period. He never did anything again, and has had free roam of the house ever since.
As far as getting a second dog. Well, I think that's a GREAT idea, as they'd have soooo much fun!!! However, this may not solve your destructo problem. Pharaoh had CUsh (my other dog) at home with him, and I know FOR A FACT that she (and keep in mind she's ALWAYS been the PERFECT dog..no destroying, nothing) joined in the destructo fun as they played tug of war (or should I say tug of rip) with my pillows.
Jennifer

 

[Linda]

I completely agree with Jennifer.
Crates are a great tool.

I would vote for 2 dogs (we've "always" had 2), but it may not solve your problem. You might end up with double-destruction. :p
I think my dogs are a little like my kids--one will push the other to do inappropriate things. Since we got Bailey, Remy started doing things he'd never do before. But 2 do keep each other company and are great playmates!

 

[Mac and Tigra's mom]

This is one of the reasons I got a 2nd boxer. My girl was 2 years old when we moved into our new house, she was so upset over this that she was being destructive and she was escaping out of windows. she would bust right through screens and would wonder arond the neighborhood looking for people. she had even crossed a busy street and found her way to my friends house, where she just wanted to "hang out" for the day. we decided another boxer would help her from getting lonely. I have never regreted my decision, she and Mac are best friends and Tigra has never escaped again. Perhaps you may want to consider rescueing a boxer, so you don't have to go through the puppy stage again. Tigra was never destrucitve again, it's Mac that was the problem.

 

[catcompany]

Hi Jen
I think Draco's seperation anxiety is taking a positive turn now (keeping my fingers crossed)!! When we leave the house we put him in the crate and very gently tell him that we will be back and that he should be a good boy. I also leave his favourite toy in the crate with him and I DON"T leave any thing on his crate (things which he can pull down and chew). I also leave the radio or TV on.
Draco still barks the moment we leave (that's is the only time he ever barks), but since the last few days we have noticed that his destruction rampage has reduced. Lets hope that this will stay. At home when we are there he is my velcro dog, he sticks around us all the time.
I just hope Maddux will get over this phase. A second dog doesnot seem to be a bad idea though. It often crosses my mind...but since we live in an apartment I am not encouraging this thought. Best luck to you and Maddux.



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"Juno"
Poppy--(Judy Old Flame Of Jojupama):Fawn, Female, FloppyEars, DockedTail....Rainbow Bridge
Draco:fawn male with black mask, natural ear and natural tail (long wiggly tail!!), neutered..Adopted on August 26th, 2000 from the Lone Star Boxer Rescue