Quick question... How do I help my pup (Teddy) to not have anxiety when left alone for a couple of hours. He drools, barks, shakes... I come back sometimes from a 2 hour appointment to a puddle of saliva. Quite sad. He cries on my arrival and doesn't stop right away. Wants to be on my lap for reassurance I'm not leaving again...
I have soft calming dog music for when I leave for a couple of hours. I leave toys, bone, some water (NAME IT! lol) Help / tips needed
Teddy's anxiety
- Teddy2017
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- First Name: Caro
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- Riesen16
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Re: Teddy's anxiety
Maybe a dog box would be good for him. You could put his favourite towel or rug in it. Don't leave him many chewy toys etc. unless you are sure they can't harm him.
You can also cover the box with a rug so that it is dark inside. You would have to get him used to it first of all and see how he reacts.
Let us know how you get on, please?
Gill
You can also cover the box with a rug so that it is dark inside. You would have to get him used to it first of all and see how he reacts.
Let us know how you get on, please?
Gill
- zeta1454
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Re: Teddy's anxiety
If Teddy has not been gradually introduced to being left, it is natural that he will be anxious as he has no idea when, or even whether, you are going to return. Has he had any 'training' regarding being left alone - either when he was with the breeder or since you adopted him? Puppies have usually come from a close family set up with mum and siblings always around or nearby and going to a new home with different routines and where they may be the only dog is quite a traumatic experience, especially if no socialisation and early training has been done by the breeder to prepare them for new experiences and time alone.
The best way to accustom a puppy to being left is to start by leaving him for just a very short period (a minute or two) and build up gradually to a longer time so that he learns that you going out is not abandonment but that you will return. Certainly leave safe chew/play items, background music playing, a cover over his crate etc but the most important thing is to teach him that you leaving does not mean you will not return and that is going to take time and patience. Try to ensure that Teddy has had a good play session and has been outside to toilet before you leave so he is ready to settle down for a nap but, if he is really suffering high anxiety and you do not have the time to accustom him to you leaving for long periods, you may need to consider a dog sitter (friend, family member or professional).
The best way to accustom a puppy to being left is to start by leaving him for just a very short period (a minute or two) and build up gradually to a longer time so that he learns that you going out is not abandonment but that you will return. Certainly leave safe chew/play items, background music playing, a cover over his crate etc but the most important thing is to teach him that you leaving does not mean you will not return and that is going to take time and patience. Try to ensure that Teddy has had a good play session and has been outside to toilet before you leave so he is ready to settle down for a nap but, if he is really suffering high anxiety and you do not have the time to accustom him to you leaving for long periods, you may need to consider a dog sitter (friend, family member or professional).
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras
Magic - Silversocks Sharade at Darksprite
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud
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Magic - Silversocks Sharade at Darksprite
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud
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Re: Teddy's anxiety
Does Teddy have a pen or given free access to a room when you are out? A pen makes a pup feel secure I think and you are better able to control what happens when you come home if pup is confined. If note some pups can pace endlessly and get very stressed. The most useful thing I have found is a kong filled with nice food/treats. That keeps my boy happy for quite a long time helped with a piece of apple wedged in the hole to prevent everything coming out straight away. He enjoys it so much he doesn't even notice when we have left. If you have a pen you can give him a kong whilst you are in the house, keep popping in and out of the room but don't stay with him. Keep doing this until he is quite happy and calm when you are in another room. Then you can progress to going out. I try to replicate what the environment is like when Otto is going to bed at night (with a light on if dark though). As soon as he has finished terrorising his kong he sleeps and waits for us to come home. Also, if you have a pen, don't make a fuss when you come in. Act nonchalantly and don't let him out immediately and don't try to reassure as you should be trying to give the impression there is absolutely nothing to worry about. This is fixable Caro with a good plan as he is such a young dog.
PS. welcome to the forum
PS. welcome to the forum
Man cannot survive with wine alone...
we also need a schnauzer.
we also need a schnauzer.