New Member

Posts: 6
From:Racine, WI USA
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-27-2003 05:13 PM         

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Hi! I have a 4 month old boston terrior/beagle mix. She is a little lover. My problem is; is that I can't leave her alone. Every time I do, she get's nervous & poops all over. I left her in her crate for 20 mins 1 day & she left me a nice mess to clean up. (No the crate is not to big & Yes I do take her out potty before I put her in it - but it doesn't seem to matter) I have been told to just continue to put her in her crate & she will learn. Well I have been taking her to my grama's house everyday while I go to work bcuz I am concerned that this is unhealthy. She doesn't just leave a turd - she is nervous so it's really messy & it gets all over the crate & her. I would like to eventually be able to let her run the house but we obviously need to take it one step at a time. Token & I would be gr8full to any recommendations!

[This message has been edited by sistergoldenhair (edited 03-27-2003).]

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Member

Posts: 361
From:Vancouver, BC
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 03-27-2003 06:20 PM         

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Sorry to hear of your problem. I have recently read about dogs like this, the cases were similar to what you describe and what the dog is going through is termed Neurosis. Unfortunatley training doesn't help these dogs and not much else does either except medication. You dog is still very young and you can probably curb this behavior, but it will be trial and error and you will require much patience. You should start by getting a book from the library on Seperation Anxiety (this is what sounds like is happening with your dog). I would suggest starting by leaving for really small amounts of time, first start with one minute. Put the doggie in the crate (with an old shirt of yours, this will help ease the lil one while your gone and provide comfort) Go outside wonder for a minute and when you come in let the doggie out of the crate. Then, ignor the dog don't pet it, don't talk to it, just go about doing your own thing. Then if that was successful for 1 minute the next day try two minutes and keep doing this until you get the desired amount of time. It is important that you do not give the dog attention before you leave and after you come in. Seperation Anxiety stems from an owner paying too much attention to their pet.

Good luck

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New Member

Posts: 6
From:Racine, WI USA
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-28-2003 05:56 PM         

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Thanks Shmoopie! I appreciate your advice & will give it a try. Are you suggesting that I spoil my little girl?? I have to admit I am guilty of that! But I can't help it she is such a little lover. It's going to be hard to ignore her before & after putting or taking her in & out of the crate. But I will do my best so that my little pooper gets better!

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Member

Posts: 361
From:Vancouver, BC
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 03-28-2003 06:21 PM         

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Ohhhh, it breaks my heart too! I'm a real softie. I cuddle my guy all the time, but he has learned it is when I want to give him attention and not when he demands my attention. I know how hard it is, but don't ignor for too long only like 5 minutes, just enouph time to let the dog calm down a bit.

Not bad that you spoil your gal, just needs to learn how to respect you. You might be interested in taking a basic obedience course. This will be fun and teach you and the lil one lots and meet new friends too

You might want to leave the TV or a radio on while you are gone and definatley leave a shirt with your smell on it in the crate with the lil one.

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Moderator

Posts: 480
From:Harrisburg,PA USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 04-02-2003 02:55 AM         

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Just thought I would put my 2 sense on here. Check out the book the dog who loved too much it is a really good book on separation anxiety and other phobias. The reason you dont give your dog attention before and after you come in is because it elevates their emotions thus making the anxiety worse. Ignore the dog like 10 minutes before you leave then get all ur stuff causally say something like be right back as you are closing the door or i guess since your dog is crate trained you dont need that last part when you come home let the dog out then hang your coat up put your keys away get a drink whatever than you can give your dog tonds of attention you dont want the experience of leaving and coming back to be a big deal if you escite them before or after you leave that is what happens. Also do what schmoopie said about starting with one minute and gradually work up the time anytime your dog shows signs of anxiety stop at that time of go back a little till he is ok than bump up the time again. Good luck and keep us posted.

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Member

Posts: 361
From:Vancouver, BC
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 04-02-2003 07:37 PM         

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Rottymommy, great book suggestion. That was one of my first books on dog behavior and haven't found one that compares since!

Great advise

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