Separation Anxiety???

[elmwood]

Our 9 wk old boxer girl Marais has been having some 'separation-like' issues. We are currently taking our 13 wk old boxer boy Hudson to puppy classes on Friday nights for an hour. We put our girl in the crate when we go. The first time we went we put their stuffed boxer pal in with her and she did fine. The second time we went, we let her out to go potty and put her in their crate, but we forgot to put the stuffed animal in with her, and she pooped in her crate.We thought we'd try it again one more time, so the third time we went, we made sure she pooped and peed before we left and put her stuffed buddy in with her. She messed in her crate again. There was hardly any poo, it was almost like she forced it out. Both times she messed we gave her a bath right away and she of course wimpered, but would not stop until she saw Hudson. She loves to go in her crate voluntarily for naps during the day, so we don't think it is a crate issue. When we have to leave them both in the crate she does just fine. Has anyone had experiences like this?

 

[gmacleod]

I wouldn't go so far as to call that a form of separation anxiety. SA is a severe and abnormal psychological condition.

Some level of anxiety or distress is quite normal for a 9 week old puppy left crated on her own though. Especially if she's used to having constant companionship. You might try things like leaving a radio or TV on, or a treat ball so that she has something to do. You should also ensure that each pup does have a bit of "alone" time without the other (doesn't have to be long!). That will help to decrease their dependancy on each other.

 

[jennw]

i think it helps too if you put the tv on while they're in there. we usually have it on before we go to bed and it works almost like a tranquilizer for jake it also helps knock him out while he's in the crate when we go out - maybe he thinks we're in bed while he's in there? it's just part of his routine.