Separation Anxiety (The Tale As Old As Time)

[Guest kiwigoesup]

Hey Everyone!

 

I got Ella at the end of January, and she has been having trouble adjusting to her new life. I really thought that I was THE best animal person I knew, until I had a run in with this separation anxiety . HA! Anyways, she gets put in her crate (because of previously being destructive) and tends to do well in there; as in when I get home she's roaching comfortably. However, when I leave, she makes these pitiful whining and howling noises for about 30 minutes before she settles in. It hurts my heart to hear these. And yes, I have tried alone training, KONGs, etc, etc. I'm really stumped. I heard that some have used citronella collars, thoughts on these? I've read all the information on this forum and I'm out of ideas. She also had issues peeing in the house while we were gone, but I'm hoping these were due to the UTI she has (still on antibiotics now). Im moving to a non-pet-friendly apartment in a couple months (she is an ESA) and would really like to nip this in the bud before we get there and deal with neighbors .

Edited June 27, 2017 by kiwigoesup

[GeorgeofNE]

She should be housebroken by now, and you should have dog proofed. Why not try leaving the crate door unlocked? Most dogs don't need them after a while.

[krissy]

Congrats on your new addition. Adjusting and settling in can definitely be more of a process for some.

 

I heard that some have used citronella collars, thoughts on these?

 

Definitely no. With separation anxiety the barking is a symptom, not the problem. A citronella collar will only address the symptom but not the underlying anxiety. Your neighbours will be happier, but your dog will not.

 

That said, if this is true separation anxiety, it sounds relatively mild with no destructive behaviour when crated, and only a short period of time with vocalizing, and a happy dog a few hours later. I think this could probably be worked through with consistency in training, doing frequent but short absences starting with just a few seconds so she doesn't have a chance to get upset. I have also personally found it helpful with fosters and new dogs to crate them for periods of time while I am home as well... sort of enforcing some separation despite the fact that I am home. That is mostly just anecdotal, and I'm not sure if there's any real science there or if it's just been coincidence, but I continue to do it since it's certainly not harmful and has seemed to help. I'm sure others will have some more suggestions.

[ShebasMom]

No experience here, but after reading the various posts about separation anxiety, be prepared to have a possible setback after the move even if you get is under control before the move. Change of environment could trigger a revert back to SA for a while.

[PatricksMom]

Have you tried some soothing sounds--white noise, I dog sat for dogs that like NPR, or some music? That will also help cover over any whimpering if she's still doing it when you move.