Separation Anxiety.

[lunasmom]

My four year old shih-tzu, who I have had for about two years has recently started getting really bad separation anxiety. There are certain shelves/objects that she knocks over every time I leave, and she barks while I'm gone. She used to be quite the angel when I left...she never messed anything up, it was extraordinarily rare to hear her bark, and she was just so well-behaved. The only thing I can think that is different is that school is out, so I spend more time at home with her, so now that she is used to that, she gets really upset when I leave as opposed to being used to me going to school everyday.

I tried leaving in increasing periods of time yesterday..one minute, two, five, ten...we got all the way to 15 and she was doing perfect. Then I took a couple hours to make lunch and watch a tv show, and when I went to try it again, she couldn't even get through one minute without barking. I know an anxiety problem isn't going to go away in just one day...but I am baffled as to why she backslid SO much. Should I just keep doing the same therapy over and over and over until she gets comfortable, or does anyone else have any ideas???

She is an only dog, and while I know separation anxiety is caused by missing their person, not other dogs...I feel like she might be lonely for another dog (just the way she acts when we get to go visit other dogs) ...at least then I when I leave she would still have a "pack". I have been thinking about getting another dog for a while (of course I wouldn't get another just as a "quick fix" for the problem, I really want the addition)...could this help at all??

Thanks for reading all that...and thanks for your help :-)

[KittyGurl]

Here is a really good site that I found on separation anxiety. http://www.wagntrain.com/SeparationAnx.htm I hope this helps! Good luck and keep us updated.

[Giselle]

Yes, getting another dog could certainly help with separation anxiety, but something seems different about your situation and I would actually approach it a different way. A lot of behaviorists are starting to think that SA is actually a by-product of weak leadership. At the risk of sounding like a Milan fanatic (which I'm not ), how is the relationship between you and your Tzu? Do you tend to spoil her alot?

Also, how do you greet her when you come back and how do you leave? Are there certain things you leave behind when you leave (i.e. kongs, turning the TV on, closing the window curtains, etc.)? Or do you just leave and hope for the best?

My grey also had mild SA when I first got her, but she was trained out of it just fine. My schedule fluctuates all the time, and she has had no problem adjusting even when it was just her and my little dog (and the two of them don't even acknowledge each other's existence LOL). Hopefully, we can figure out what's going on with your pup, too =)

[luvofallhorses]

Getting another dog could help with seperation anxiety.. but when you leave just leave dont make a huge scene or it will make it worse and if it's that bad get a crate and crate her so she doesnt end up hurting herself. have you tried giving her a kong with peanut butter in it or some indestructable toy of that sort so she has something to do when you're gone? good luck!

[lunasmom]

Hey, guys...thanks SO SO much for your replies. I would have to plead guilty to spoiling her...I know that could contribute to the problem...she definitely knows she has to listen to me, and there's no problems getting her to come when she's called or sit or stay or anything, but she is still a spoiled pup.

Also, I used to make a big deal out of coming and going since I first got her, (I had other dogs who did big greetings their whole life and it was never a problem, so I guess I was in the habit) it wasn't a problem for the first couple of years, but since she's started showing signs of SA, I have really stopped that. I unemotionally tell her "bye Luna", and I leave, and when I come back, I ignore her until she is calm, and when I do acknowledge her I stay calm and quiet and just give her a gentle pat. I'll definitely keep doing that, and I'm off to buy her a kong and some good treats today. She doesn't eat while I'm gone, so I'm not sure it will work, but it's worth a try.

Thanks again!

[lunasmom]

Oh yeah..I forgot I had another question... I was talking to someone about whether or not getting another dog would help, and she seemed to think it would, but also said that I should get a male because of same-sex competion. I have always had female dogs, and never had a problem with competition between them. Does anyone else have any experience with this? Or advice on the matter?

[Varga]

I've also heard that dogs get along better if they are the opposite sex.. But I have had two females in the past and never experienced any problems.

I have also taken care of a male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel once when I only had my female Jack Russell and they didn't get on at all. He wasn't much of a gentleman I'm afraid.

At the moment I have my JRT and a male Border Collie mix and they get along superbly. They play together and my JRT has gotten a lot better with her anxiety of being in the car since he got here.

So yeah. I guess what I am trying to say is that dogs don't automatically get on well together just because they are the opposite sex but it probably has more to do with their individual personality.

[Giselle]

It depends on the breed. Certain breeds tend to have same-sex aggression. Tosa Inus come to mind. However, Tzus are very gregarious animals and I have never heard of a Tzu attacking a pack member simply due to gender. A general rule is that multiple females are worse than multiple males. I, however, have not found that to be true. In fact, I haven't heard much about same-sex aggression in real life, so I think you're safe to bring in either a female or a male into your home. Just allow them to meet properly, and the rest will fall in place =)

I hope your SA is getting better! One thing to try is NILIF, or Nothing In Life Is Free (just Google it). It will help the SA indirectly because your dog will realize that you are a calm, firm, benevolent leader and nothing bad can happen to her while you are thus. Also, it's good to leave and come nonchalantly and do it frequently. Stay calm, stay consistent, and stay positive. Remove anything that induces stress (I had to close the window curtains) and give her anything that will encourage calmness. Stuffed Kongs are a very good choice! My dogs looooooved Kongs stuffed with yogurt, real meat, peanut butter, honey, bananas, etc. Be creative!

[lunasmom]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I found a yorkie on craigslist, and he came home with me today for the first time. We're trying it out for a few days to make sure everything works, but he seems to fit right in. He and Luna have already been playing together quite a bit, and she seems happy to have the company.

Luna didn't really "get" the kong at first, but once she realized that she could get the treats out, not just smell them and carry the kong around (LOL!!) she really took to it. I think that's helping too...