https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 16 May 2026 22:50:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011831 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 21:41:00 +0000 ladybee 1011831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: our dog used to hate his crate. We gave him a treat every time he went in on command and now he loves it. So much so that I can't bring myself to take it down even though I know he doesn't need it. Please watch that what you give him during the day isn't something he can choke on like a raw hide. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011795 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 21:22:04 +0000 Happygal 1011795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs Brewer: I would say it's teen behavior. My friend who worked at the SPCA said 6-9 months if the average age people surrender puppies. They look like grown-ups, but they're still very puppy! Bear has learned when you're going and doesn't want his people to go, or he wants to at least join you on your outing. </p> <p>Our dog doesn't get the hidden kibble until we're out the door. But I had to work up to getting her to understand that she had to stay on her bed while I hid it and leaving. She's super food motivated, so that helps. Your dog may spit out treats while you're there, but he will probably eat them when you're gone, which is what you're going for. But for now, a kong sounds like the best way to go. Be careful with chew toys given while you're gone--some are choking hazards. </p> <p>This sounds almost like a game for him. Think about it--he knows when you're going to leave, and he gets all your attention as you try to get him away from the door and are running around. Fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011317 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 17:09:26 +0000 Cole 1011317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did the high value treat when our dog went through a similar phase and it really helped us get through that period. Frozen kongs are his favorite and he also loves these balls with a dried sweet potato or dried chicken breast treat in them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/JW-Pet-Company-Extreme-5-Inches/dp/B0002DJXGC/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1376345275&#038;sr=1-2&#038;keywords=hollee+roller+dog+toy" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/JW-Pet-Company-Extreme-5-Inches/dp/B0002DJXGC/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1376345275&#038;sr=1-2&#038;keywords=hollee+roller+dog+toy</a> . </p> <p>It might also be worth spending some time to make the crate a really desirable place too. Our dog went through a phase where he wasn't a fan of the crate and we kept giving him treats to go in and we stashed his favorite toys in the back of it so he would go in to get one to play with. On stormy days our dog seems skittish so we crate him those days and he seems to prefer it.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011239 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:32:44 +0000 MrsBrewer 1011239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsH: I would love to try crating, but DH made a very bad decision a couple months ago that ruined crating for us during the day. He used the crate for punishment once (which we talked about time and time again not to do) well now Bear doesn't like going in the crate except for at bed time. I don't blame him, it's DH's fault.</p> <p>I think I need to look into an obedience class though for sure for him. We did the puppy classes when he was little, but now I think it's time we start the next level with him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011218 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:27:33 +0000 MrsH 1011218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I have two labs and we just crated them through that period. Have you thought about an obedience class if our pup won't listen? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011170 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:06:09 +0000 MrsBrewer 1011170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Happygal: What would you consider it? Just an annoying behavior? It very well could be. I know that all he does when we are gone is sleep! He's not destructive at all, he really is a great dog! But it's just hard leaving the house! I have no idea what set him off to be like this either!</p> <p>I have read though that with Labs, around the 9 month mark is when they go through another tough stage. I guess they are trying to test your limits again just like when they were tiny puppies. Maybe this is just a phase? hmm</p> <p>Thanks for all the awesome ideas with the Kong and hiding the kibble. I'm not sure if hiding the kibble would work though. I know when we give him treats before we leave, he pretty much spits them out and still focuses on the door when we're trying to run out! He's one tough cookie! He's sooo smart too which is the hard part, it's sooo hard to trick him! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011146 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 15:56:21 +0000 Happygal 1011146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: a frozen kong is a great way to go, and they aren't too messy. I've experimented a lot, and found that kibble mixed with a little bit of wet dog food is the best combo. My favorite thing to do is to make my dog go to her bed and watch me hide a handful of kibble around the room. I then walk to the door, say the release word, and know she's going to stay busy for a little bit! Remember that how you come home is just as important as how you leave--walk in calmly and let him outside to reinforce that it's no big deal if you leave, and no big deal when you come back.</p> <p>I don't think what you're seeing is separation anxiety though, which is a good thing! Separation anxiety is usually seen with destructive behavior, and physical signs of stress (panting, whining, and so on). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011031 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 15:04:46 +0000 MrsBrewer 1011031@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: Well that's good you haven't had any messes yet! I've been tempted to just try it one of these times. I have a carpet cleaning groupon that I have yet to schedule yet. So maybe I will give it to him like the day before the carpet cleaners come just in case!!! :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1011003 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:58:20 +0000 MrsBrewer 1011003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nana87: I know my dog looooves deer antlers! Maybe I can get him one for only when we leave. Great idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010996 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:57:10 +0000 pui 1010996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I don't have carpets, but thus far it hasn't created any mess... I have a low-energy and small 7lb dog though lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010985 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:53:44 +0000 MrsBrewer 1010985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: I've been wanting to try this!! But I'm nervous because I don't want it to create a huge mess! Do you have carpets? Is it messy for your dog? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010981 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:52:49 +0000 nana87 1010981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: yep! she only got that bone when they were leaving, and they would take it away while they were home </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010978 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:52:16 +0000 pui 1010978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I prepare Kongs with peanut butter/cream cheese in them ahead of time and freeze them. Then I give one to my pup before I leave. It takes him hours and hours to get through one so it affectively keeps him distracted while I am gone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010965 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:49:17 +0000 MrsBrewer 1010965@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nana87: Hmm...like a high value treat?? That's a good idea! right now we have just been giving him a milk bone treat when we leave.....maybe we have to up the ante! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010963 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:48:44 +0000 MrsBrewer 1010963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@brownie: @Torchwood: We have a crate for him and he loooves it! Buutt.....he only goes in it at night when it's bed time. He won't go in there during the day like when we tell him to. So that' really isn't an option....boo </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010957 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:47:20 +0000 Torchwood 1010957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second the crate. It really helped our puppy (though he's 9 pounds full grown, so not exactly the same). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010955 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:46:51 +0000 nana87 1010955@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my parents gave their dog with separation anxiety a rawhide or nylabone with a little peanut butter when they were leaving to distract her </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010939 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:41:52 +0000 brownie 1010939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our dog was the worst (he's 90 pounds now). He still can escape the room we put him in. One thing that really helps is the crate. He loves his crate and we will put him in there and he can calm down. We also made sure to do stuff with him before and after work to run his energy off. Much like a kid, routine is paramount. He knows what comes next and even if he doesn't like it, he does it. We also got a second dog (which I am sure you are not ready for) and that helped a lot. </p> <p>Maybe a doggy friend can come play or going to a doggy daycare? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/separation-anxiety-in-dogs#post-1010930 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:39:23 +0000 MrsBrewer 1010930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our puppy is 9 months old now (I can hardly call him a puppy anymore with him weighing over 80lbs already!!)</p> <p>Recently, I would say within the last 2 months has developed pretty bad separation anxiety when I or DH leave. As in when he sees us getting our coffee ready, or me grabbing my purse he immediately sits in front of our back door and doesn't move. We then have to get him into another room, and focus on sit and stay commands (which he normally breaks) and we have to run/sneak out of the door. </p> <p>It's a horrible situation right now, and I know if we don't start treating it right away it's just going to get worse and worse.</p> <p>I never leave him for more than 5 hours at a time, so it's never a long extended time that we are away. Luckily he hasn't torn up anything, or peed in the house. It's just really really hard to us to leave the house. It normally takes at least 5-10 minutes to get out the door without him barreling us over trying to get out the door with us.</p> <p>Any one with any experience on this?? </p>