Re: Canine Separation Anxiety
- From: UneElle <mstadnik@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:12:34 -0700 (PDT)
On Aug 22, 2:48 pm, "Zeke" <kedzieav...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
In the spirit of Fredo using RMAS like Google, I use it like a neighborhood
tavern. If I were sitting in a tap right now what I'd be asking my
neighbors is, "does anyone have any good methods for reducing canine
seperation anxiety?"
We got a new pooch from the pound a few weeks ago. She's a sweet girl, but
anxious.
When one person leaves the house she notices. When two people leave she
paces. When a third person leaves and there is only one person left at home
she sometimes cries, and occasionally even howls. So far, she has not been
left alone in the house, but that day is coming and we're thinking she might
chew off the piano legs.
Anybody here dealt with this? What worked? Thanks in advance!
===================================
Better bring your own redemption when you come
To the barricades of heaven, where I'm from.
Jackson Browne
Hi Zeke,
If she's at all food motivated, then you're on your way to a
solution. Start with VERY TINY steps. Have someone leave the house,
WITHOUT SAYING GOODBYE TO HER OR ACKNOWLEDGING HER IN ANY WAY and as
they are leaving, give her a high-value treat (dried liver, boiled
chicken, piece of cheese, etc.). If she remains calm and focused on
the treat, praise her by saying, "Good girl!!!" Then, have that
person RETURN in a minute or so. When he or she returns, have them
basically IGNORE her until she's calm and relaxed, then they can pet
and/or praise her. Do this a number of times until, when someone is
getting ready to leave, she LOOKS to you for a treat. Then you're
ready for the next step. Have two people leave, and give her MORE
THAN ONE TREAT (preferably two). Keep up this new regimen until she
looks to you for her treatS when two are leaving. If she reverts to
previous anxious behavior, back up a step and only have one person
leave at a time (treating, of course!).
Keep this up until she begins to ASSOCIATE PEOPLE LEAVING WITH
SOMETHING GREAT HAPPENING *TO* HER. It may, and probably WILL take
time and a lot of effort, not to mention patience, but if you're
consistent, it'll work. Oh and one other BIG THING....do NOT *EVER*
make a production of anyone leaving. By that I mean, don't TALK to
her, don't say "BYE", don't fuss over her, don't look back, just
SMILE and act VERY relaxed. Dogs read body and face language. If you
get anxious, she'll be quardruply so. Also, don't make ANY big deal
about coming home. Walk in the door, and essentially IGNORE her until
she settles down and is calm. Then, VERY CALMLY pet and praise her
for her behavior.
Separation anxiety is a bitch (sorry for the horrid pun), but it CAN
be overcome with patience, time, treats, and consistency from the
humans in the house. If you need further help, email me and I'll
forward you some stuff that'll help.
Good luck (and DO NOT say anything when you're leaving the house! :-)
L
.
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