Does Your Boxer Have Separation Anxiety?

[AliandCane]

Not a rescue.

Ali went through phases. Since we have gotten Cane she doing really good. She just needes someone with her all the time.

 

[jldodge]

I believe (although I'm certainly not an expert) that crate training is leaving your baby in the crate while you are gone. I took mine to obedience training, to a very qualified lady. She feels that 4-5 hours is fine to leave the babies in the crate.

My crate is pretty large size, and it's door is always open when I'm home, and both of my babies go into the crates and sleep there, even with the door open. They feel secure in there.

Also, it can keep your baby from hurting herself while you are gone. She might ingest something that could hurt her, or make her sick, if she's chewing on things she shouldn't be.

Jane

 

[Julie Mac]

I know exactly what you mean about the crate training. I know that crate training has alot of merits, but it troubles me to think that you put your dog-who is really like a member of your family, in a box. May be it's just a mind set for me...I don't know. I just can't accept that mind set. As I have said before Tigger has an aversion to crates and literally freaks out in one.

Perhaps my only solution is getting another dog.

He really is a sweetheart, and he knows he has done a bad thing by getting into stuff he's not supposed to.

Any suggestions on what type of dog to get for a male boxer? Would a female be better?

 

[jldodge]

We have a female for our male.

I didn't have a choice because I rescued the male, but if you are seriously looking....take Tigger with you and let him meet any of the candidates. Our shelter down here, let's us take the dogs into the yard area, so see if they seem to get along. Good Luck.

Jane

 

[Julie Mac]

Great idea Jane! Thank you!

 

[Big B]

Hi: (kinda long)

My Buster had terrible separation anxiety. He displayed this by totally destroying my condo. I did not stick with the crate training because of the noise of him crying and barking and being in a condo, but I sure wish I had.

I finally had enough when he had destroyed the couch, chair, vcr, curtains, blinds, speakers, etc.......The breaking point came when he was about 9 months old - going through the teribble teenage years! It was a this time that I was no longer feeling the love and understood why it was entirely possible for some people to just give a dog to the pound and not look back. Not only were we both very unhappy, but I was starting to realize the danger Buster was in of hurting himself.

Even with all of this going on, he was still my baby, and I owed it to him and to myself to get some help. Serious help. I obtained the services of a dog trainer and we did some personal behavioural training sessions to determine what his trigger points were and what signs I was missing when dealing with him. My friends and family thought I was crazy, but at that point I couldn't afford not to spend the extra money - this was my home and my dog at stake.

I am very pleased to say that within a few weeks, all signs of separation anxiety had disappeared. It has been over a year and a half since we sought help, and we have never looked back or been happier. My condo is intact, and I have even bought new furniture etc and he hasn't shown any interest in it. Gone are the days when I get home from work and be scared to open the door in case of what I might find destroyed.

With the separation anxiety gone, his other behaviours also changed. I was now the alpha in the house, he was more respectful of people (no jumping up), listened more, was all in all a changed dog. He is sooooo much happier, and so am I.

I know this is very long, but I wanted to let you know that it is worth the effort you are going to of asking for ideas. You and your baby will be so much happier.

My suggestion is the one on one session with the behaviourist. It only took about 3 sessions for our problems to go away. I would definitely ask around for some recommendations before going ahead, I am sure there are alot of trainers out there, but you need to find the right fit for you and your dog.

Thanks for letting me share my story - Good Luck - let us know how you are making out!

 

[jldodge]

I am very happy for you, that you took the time to discover what a great companion Buster is.

My Fraser still jumps on people, loves them to pieces, but on first meeting them, he terrifies them.

I've thought of contacting a behaviour specialist - with your success, I think I'll go ahead and do just that.

Thanks and good luck with Buster.

Jane