Will getting a second dog cure my dog of anxiety seperation?
I’ve got a Hungarian Vizsler X and she cannot be left alone, not even for five minutes before becoming destructive. I’m thinking that as dogs are pack leaders, perhaps a second dog will cure of her this problem? Anyone else had a similiar problem with their dog?
I worked with my dog one weekend I was home and I would come and go without saying anything to her. I started going out for just a minute or 2, then 5 min., I would just go next door and listen to make sure I didn’t hear any crying or barking and wouldn’t proceed to the next step until she was completely quiet the whole time I was out, I then would stay out progressively longer 10 min, then 15, 20 and eventually 30 min. I also left my video camera on while I was out so that I could monitor exactly what she was doing. After I got her to about 80% better when left alone (she would still occassionally bark for a little while when we would leave, but not all the time) we decided to get a little Shih-tzu, then a year after that we got another little Shih-tzu - now all 3 dogs are nice and quiet and will just sleep together up on the bed while we are gone.
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October 5th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
I had the same problem, got another dog, now I have 2 problems. But mine are yorkies so it might work for you
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October 5th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
crate traing would be better. you might end up with2 destuctive dogs.
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October 5th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I think it is a good idea. I have a 10yo and got a pup for her and she is so happy and has gone back to puppy mod. Getting a second dog will give your dog something to play with instead of playing with your washing and hoses ECT.
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October 5th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
No, you need to fix this anxiety problem. There is no need for it, I am sure someone will know of a trainer who has written on this problem. All I remember is when you come home do not make a big deal about it. Dog is told to sit and wait until you have finished getting in. Wish I could remember more, someone will.
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October 5th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
No and Yes.
NO
Because once your dog realizes ther is a second dog he will become very terotorial and start growling ,being mean and attacking
YES
Because your dog might be very lonely and want a companion it depends on the temprement of you dog
If you have a girl (not desexed) and get a boy (not desexed) or the other way around because that might help them get along a bit better
if you have a dog like not a puppy any more you could try getting a puppy because it might mother it.
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October 5th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I worked with my dog one weekend I was home and I would come and go without saying anything to her. I started going out for just a minute or 2, then 5 min., I would just go next door and listen to make sure I didn’t hear any crying or barking and wouldn’t proceed to the next step until she was completely quiet the whole time I was out, I then would stay out progressively longer 10 min, then 15, 20 and eventually 30 min. I also left my video camera on while I was out so that I could monitor exactly what she was doing. After I got her to about 80% better when left alone (she would still occassionally bark for a little while when we would leave, but not all the time) we decided to get a little Shih-tzu, then a year after that we got another little Shih-tzu - now all 3 dogs are nice and quiet and will just sleep together up on the bed while we are gone.
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October 5th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Sometimes having a second dog helps and sometimes it doesn’t.
Having Dio helped Shadow with her separation anxiety, but hers was only a minor case. She would just sit at the door and whine when we left. I always assumed that she stayed by the door because she was always there when we came back, but I don’t know for sure.
Benson will look out the window and bark as we leave, but the humane society said his separation anxiety was so bad he went through a plate glass picture window.
Having the other three in the house didn’t seem to help Spur out at all.
I usually keep Spur in the washroom when we leave, but one afternoon I tried leaving him in the house with the other three while I ran up to the post office.
I came home to find the knitting project I was working on strung throughout the house completely undone, couch cushions flung from one end of the living room to the other, every one of the dog beds torn apart including one of the comforters I use torn to shreds and to top it off he had gotten into the garbage.
I included a link in the Source section on a desensitization techniques tip sheet.
The only other advice I can offer is to talk to your vet. There are some anti anxiety meds that you vet can give you that can help out a great deal (using them with the desensitization tech.)
We had Spur on them for a while, but at over $100 a month for the pills it was too much for us to afford.
We have used that tip sheet and have made some progress with him.
Although he will still flip out a bit, he hasn’t destroyed anything in the last month and he has been spending a lot of time alone the last month (I had to go through physical therapy so he was alone for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursday every week).
In addition to practicing the techniques getting him used to being alone, we also started leaving a peanut butter filled kong and treats placed throughout the room.
It’s hard when your dog has separation anxiety and I don’t know if they ever get over it completely, but I’m buoyed by the progress that Spur has made.
Good luck!
ADD* I forgot one thing, don’t try Benadryl.
People and even some vets will tell you to try Benadryl. My SIL had one vet tell her to dose Spur with Benadryl when they had him (his separation anxiety is how we wound up with him) and the Benadryl made him worse than before.
My SIL said that it seemed to hype him up.
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http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/separation_anxiety.html
October 5th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Hi
Best thing I can suggest is to work on training with the dog you have. Your idea has it’s merit, but you may also double your trouble, by betting that another dog will cure the problem.
You might however, see if you can work something out with a neighbor or friend who will bring their dog over, and you can try your theory. Based on what you said [5 minutes], you should have some kind of idea, if this will help. If it doesn’t help, you know it’s not the best idea at this time, and can then focus all your efforts on training.
Best of luck.
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October 5th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
The term gets tossed around casually, but separation anxiety is a very serious matter. True separation anxiety is your dog’s panicked response to being left alone.
Here’s how to deal with it:
http://dogtime.com/separation-anxiety.html
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October 5th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Could you contact breeder where you had your dog from and ask their thoughts or ring your vet and ask them for advice would an item of your clothing and a teddy help know it may sound daft but if it has your scent might feel more secure?! Good luck
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