separation anxiety, what do you think

[marian]

We haven't got a crate still, but we're at the limit. We're trying to train Vilma to be alone, but almost everytime she's left alone she poops and walks all over the kitchen, climbs on doors and makes a mess. Do you really think she will not go crazy into the crate? She is 4 m.o. now.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Tigger-Roo]

I would try crating...

I would definitely try crating. Your pup is very young to be fully potty trained especially while unattended. I've only crate trained my current dog, Tigger and it was Godsent. He can now be left alone and without a crate and NEVER has an accident. He also loves his crate and is still calm as ever when we put him in it, which is rarely. I would never leave a puppy unattended at least for several more months. It's also not safe because they can and usually will get into trouble by climbing on things or getting into drawers and such. Even if all drawers and such are out of reach, a puppy may even eat a piece of furniture or cabinetry if bored enough. I would definetley get a crate and try that.

Hope it works!

 

[tesster]

Definitely, definitely, definitely crate her. Too much room is overwhelming for a puppy. Especially one with separation anxiety. The fact that she defacates and urinates immediately definitely indicates that you're not dealing with a puppy that just had to go and went, you're dealing with separation anxiety.

My boy has MAJOR SA. Read some of my previous posts for details, but he would injure himself and has to be medicated. We're using fluoxitine (prozac), which works wonderfully. He is crated when he can't be supervised because he is a threat to himself (and my sanity) if he's not.

You MUST crate train first, though. Don't just throw her in the crate and figure that will solve your problem. It won't. You need to slowly adjusting her to the crate by creating a positive environment. Do a search on crate training here and you'll find much detail on the process of crate training. Never leave her in the crate with her collar on, just in case she tries to escape, you don't want her to get strangled. SA dogs will do very harmful things to themselves to escape.

The advice BasilStreets gave you is right on. Definitely try to implement the things he/she detailed, especially making comings and goings non-eventful. Try to find The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell and implement her methods for comings and goings.

Finally, Bach Flower Essence is a good idea. You don't need a perscription. It's just flower essence. You can find it at health food stores, holistic healing shops, etc. They are for humans, but are very useful in emotional problems in dogs. I swear by Vine for aggression and dominant behaviors in dogs.

For SA - It sounds like Cherry Plum might be useful. I'm not an expert, but I found that the ones I've tried definitely work. They are benign, meaning, they can only help, they don't hurt, so you might as well do some research and give it a try. I just did a google search on "bach flower essences for dogs" and started my research there.

As always, behavior modification is the key to long term behavior change, so definitely work on those things in parallel to any medical/holistic form of treatment.

 

[KonaKoffe]

I don't think her behavior is to uncommon for her age. I would not consider that as serious separation anxiety. All dogs go through that when they are young. I would try the crate. She may have to much freedom in the kitchen.

 

[marian]

Thanks for your advice, I've chosen a crate, they're sending us during this week. Promise to tell you how it works.

 

[bekeur1]

Separation Anxiety

I am a firm believer in crate training.......leaving a pup in a large area is just a recipe for disaster. All of my pups once used to their crate rather prefer them when we are gone. They run to their cages because we've giving them positive reasons to do so. A Kong filled with treats, a shirt that smells of either my husband or myself. Maggie was my first boxer and at 9 months is finally beginning to be ok with her cage. This turned around when i would freeze kibble and yogurt in a kong. It kept her busy while we were at work and we've seen positive results. Good luck with your baby!!!

 

[marian]

Yesterday we've received the crate. I put a blanket and a mat that take all the inner part.Vilma has accepted it very well, I gave her some treats and toys and now she's sleeping into the crate. I haven't still closed the crate's door, I think perhaps it's too soon. I'll try to practise this several times before we leave her for the first time in the crate when we go out. Please, cross your fingers. Thanks for your advices.

 

[marian]

about the crate

Hi, we've left 3 times Vilma in the crate and no accidents there . She gets a bit anxious when she's left alone but by now she's doing great at the crate. Thanks for your support and advices.