Separation anxiety

[Senko]

My boyfriend and I just adopted a 2 year old female German Shepherd. When we leave her, she stresses out. We got a big kennel, she tore up it up. I left her in the house she tore the house up. I am now tying her up outside. I have a fence yard but she dug a hole under the fence. I researched some ideas on the web. It doesn't seem to be working. Help any ideas. I don't believe in drugs for her.

Thanks so much

[Karen]

Here are two of the several threads we have had about this subject that you might find helpful.

Poor girl, and poor you! And thank you for not only bringing her home in the first place, but for trying to help her and not just bringing her back.

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=71458

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=94570

[MRichardson50]

Have you heard of Ceasar Millan, the Dog Whisperer? Are you exercising your dog with daily walks? You might want to read his book. I found a copy at our local library. Ceasar gives you a good insight into how your dog thinks and what he needs. A dog that size would need a minimum of two walks a day. Preferably first thing in the moring and in the evening. The walks would wear her out and she would remain in a calm state and sleep. I strongly encourage you to read his book. As a new owner of a 3-month-old Cocker Spaneil, it's been highly beneficial to me.

Good luck to you!

[Senko]

Thank-You!!!

[polarpooch]

I also have this problem with a rescue dog (siberian husky). She went absolutely MENTAL if I left the house. She did the same thing your dog did--tore up a large steel kennel and the couch after she escaped. She was also self destructive, and once swallowed a WHOLE tshirt (yep, she needed surgery).

Two things helped my dog, besides behavior training (check out the great little book by Patricia McConnell): A smaller crate, and yes, DRUGS. I got a PetPorter size "large" that "fit" my dog. Too much room, and the dog starts to panic. Too much room, and you give your dog the space to get some good momentum going in tearing up the kennel! The plastic kennels also have more of a "den" feel then the large steel crates. I also put my dog on the anxiety drug Clomicalm, after my vet recommended it. This drug is available in the much cheaper generic Clomipramine. All together--the smaller, darker kennel, the drugs and the methodical behavior modification (I consulted a behavorist)--the results have been LIVABLE. It's a constant battle, though. She still cannot be outside her crate when I'm gone...but no longer freaks out INSIDE her kennel. In fact, I often come home, and she's snoozing away. Incidently, the BIGGEST difference in her behavior was after she started the DRUG. Yes, exercise is GREAT to tire out the dog, but it will not alone solve your separation anxiety problem. You'll need to do more than that.

Please don't say "I don't believe in drugs" for your dog. I said the same thing for 5 months when I got my dog, and for 5 months my dog was absolutely MISERABLE. My vet finally convinced me. This may be your best bet for help. All the drugs do is balance chemicals in the dog's brain. Just like a person suffering from depression or anxiety, a dog can get great benefits out of these medicines. The drugs don't change the dog's personality or make the dog "high". If the drug can help your dog, then try the drug!

Talk to your vet about it. That's always the best place to start.

--vicki

[shelby]

Don't use a plastic crate,get a metal crate. She will not be able to chew a metal crate. Check your local classified ads. Sometimes you can find one slightly used. Make sure it's large enough for you pooch to turn around, and stand comfortably.

[pitc9]

When I adopted my first GSD she was 6 months and would do the same thing. Destroy anything she could get her teeth on etc... we knew we eventually wanted another dog and when we adopted our 2nd GSD she no longer freaked out. She just needed a Friend! I know that's not possible for everyone, but that is what worked for Sierra.

There are plenty of holistic things you can use in the place of drugs;
Rescue Remedy
http://www.doggiesparadise.com/rescue-remedy.shtml

DAP Comfort Zone plug in
http://www.allivet.com/Comfort-Zone-Plug-In-Canine-p/15112.htm

just google: holistic stress relief in pets, it gives you tons of websites.
Good Luck!
Do you have any pictures of her? What color is she?

[poodleempire]

Hi,
I have read your thread with interest and the problems you are having with anxiety...
heres something youmight want to ask your vet to give a try as opposed to giving drugs...
D.A.P Dog Appeasing Pheromone...it helps stop or prevent fear or stress related signs in puppies and dog...it is a unit which plugs into the socket and releases a 'smell' only the dog smells...it acts as a calming influence.
We got ours after we lost our little girl and our little boy seemed to displaying classic seperation anxiety problems...he is now fine...we just plugged the unit into a socket in the room he uses most.
I dont know if this will work for you,but i'd say its worth a try.