Normal or Separation Anxiety

[Milliemoo]

Hi,

We adopted our bitch, an american cocker spaniel, from a lady who had 8 other dogs and was struggling to care for them all. She is 3.5 years old and so affectionate and loving.

When we got her, she was matted, under weight, scared of moving cars, other people and other dogs. It doesn't seem like she was very well socialised, and her old owner explained she was bottom of the pack and bullied by her other dogs which explains her fear of fellow fluffy friends. She doesn't seem to know how to play with toys and knows no basic commands, although she is clever and learns quickly.

We have now had her for almost 3 weeks. She rarely leaves my side, wont go in the garden without me unless she's absolutely bursting and when we leave, I know from the doggy cam that she howls for half an hour-ish before settling and going to sleep. She isn't destructive, doesn't have any accidents but she wont eat the treats we leave for her until we return.

Does the above sound like a dog getting used to her new environment and routine or does it sound like a growing separation anxiety problem?

I may sound like a mad woman but I can't help but worry about her. I love her so much already and just want to give her a happy life!

I should mention that we work 9 - 5, but a lovely dog walker comes in and takes her out between 11.30 and 2pm, so that she isn't alone for more than 3 hours at a time.

 

[merlina]

Aw-w! Well done you for rescuing her! Poor mite. OK well the only thing she's been rich in is company so she will be scared. You are obviously doing everything right but she's terrified I guess. We've had rescues that looked as if they'd landed on the Moon for the first few months. It does take a while. I'd let her take in the new regime and not mess with it too soon. She will howl. It's a case of 'What has happened?' And we all hate change, even a good change. (I cried myself to sleep for a month when I got into grammar school!) Gradually you can give her new experiences- to meet nice dogs, say- but it's such early days. I'd let things ride. SA can be a problem with any dog but I think at the moment she is just zonked at these massive alterations. Good luck.

 

[Michele83]

I'm not sure of the official definition of separation anxiety, but if she's ignoring treats then it would seem she is anxious. But I don't think it's insurmountable at all! My dog also had the same anxiety, howling etc, when I went away. She is now completely fine when I leave the house - if it helps, these are the things that really worked for me:

1. Making sure I always left the house after she had just been for a walk so she was tired - is it possible to take yours for a walk before work?
2. Just before you leave or put on any shoes, coat etc, give her the most high-value treats you can e.g. cooked chicken, sausage etc, something she really can't ignore, then leave while she is distracted so she doesn't actually get to experience the you-leaving part. Mine came to associate me leaving with her getting a really good treat.
3. Leave the radio on for her - classical or talk radio.
4. Use Adaptil
5. At random times, make noises/motions like you are going to leave the house (coat, keys etc) and give her the tasty treat, but then don't leave the house. Just take everything off and stay at home. This is to help her associate your leaving noises with something positive which doesn't necessarily result in you leaving.

Worth saying too, that if your dog gets much better then you won't have to always do these things!

Good luck!

 

[Milliemoo]

Thanks for your replies. I just feel such a responsibility to make sure she is happy now.

Following me from room to room doesn’t bother me so much, I quite like her company but the 30-45 mins of howling when we leave does. I hate to think of her distressed.

I left the radio on for her this morning and checked doggo cam, within 10 minutes she had stopped her crying and went for a snooze in the sun. Who knew Zoe Ball could have such an effect?!

She still isn’t paying any attention to her toys or treats but the one time she did get up to have a stretch she had a happy wagging tail. Maybe I am just over thinking too much.

 

[Nanny71]

Dudley gets upset if one of us goes out in the evening. Keeps looking out of the window, even with the curtains closed and just does not settle until we are both in. We try not to leave him alone. We usually shop on Thursday, the only time we go out together. Usually out about an hour and a half. He seems to know if he has his Kong we are both going out. We do have a dog cam and know he just finishes the Kong and goes in his bed until we return.
If we are both out in the evening he goes to a friends house and is quite relaxed there.

I do think not liking one going out is a form of anxiety. This only happens about one a month.
I have discovered that Alexa can play relaxing music for dogs. Just ask for it.

 

[JudyN]

It's normally suggested that you shouldn't leave her for any longer than she's happy being left, which at the moment would mean not leaving her on her own at all. But if she's now settling down after 10 mins crying, it's heading in the right direction. I'd keep working on 'going out' for 5 seconds/minutes at a time to help her get over this.

It doesn't occur to some dogs to entertain themselves when you're not there, even if they are relaxed - they'll just sleep/doze instead. Likewise, some dogs don't tend to eat until their owner comes home, even if they seem otherwise to be OK.