Confidence?

[Roscoesmommy]

Me again, back with more problems This time it's Blayne. In the past week she has been exhibiting behaviors that would make me believe she has separation anxiety. When I come home to let them out at lunch time, she is covered in drool and there are puddles in her crate. It started last week when Roscoe was away for 1 1/2 days getting neutered. When he came home, she was fine, so I just assumed it was because he was gone. Well, yesterday I went home for lunch and she was covered in drool (dbf had just left before I got there, so she was only in there for about 10 minutes). I think that she has become too dependant on us and on Roscoe. She has really never been away from him, we always take them places together. She is always the first one up in your lap as soon as you sit down and licking your face. I love the fact that she is so sweet and cuddly, but I know that her being so dependant on us and Roscoe is not good for her well being. So...my question is...what can we do to make her more confident? I am sure this is a common issue with rescue dogs. I did take her for a walk by herself yesterday and I know that we should do things with them separately, but I feel SOOOOO bad taking one and leaving the other.

 

[ELubas]

Poor girl. You are actually doing right by her to take her out alone into the world without big brother. I am the same way, hate to leave one behind, but when one has an issue you need to tend to it. Building her confidence will make life easier on her . And as hard as it is try not to baby her too much-it reinforces with them that there is something to worry about it. My last sweet girl was very timid but we did agility together-without her big brother- and it really did help her. Good luck

 

[Roscoesmommy]

I was also told to crate her at different times during the day and not just when we are going to leave. But, again, I feel bad putting her in there when I am home...I know, I'm a pushover.

 

[ELubas]

I was also told to crate her at different times during the day and not just when we are going to leave. But, again, I feel bad putting her in there when I am home...I know, I'm a pushover.

You are a mush like me Just remember doing these things HELP her so even though you hate it in the long run you are helping her to get over things. I would do it in short intervals at first and then build up. I used to put my girl in, go out the door, and then spy on her from the window outside (I am lucky the neighbors did not call the cops ) Anyway it gave me an idea of how distraught she was. I kept extending the time and , like I say, after awhile she really did get over most of her fears. Good luck to you and your girl

 

[meliss&kash]

When you're crating her during the day when you're home, why not give her a nice yummy bone or stuffed kong to enjoy while she's in there? That way, you won't feel so bad, cause she'll be getting some quiet time to chew away... and she will associate the great with good things happening and learn to relax and enjoy her crate. Then, when you do need to go out, she'll feel good in her crate.