One Very Sad Newfy :(

[ZeusTitan]

I am writing because I need some advice...

Recently my parents separated and my dad moved out just while they figure things out with one another. Unfortunately, one of my newfies took it very hard. For the first time in the 4 years he has been alive, Titan has started pooping in the house. My mom took him to the vet to get him checked out and when they found nothing physiologically wrong they asked if the dynamics of the household have changed at all. Sadly, they have.

There are a few things to take into consideration:

1. My dad only sees the boys (Zeus & Titan) when he comes home from work around 8pm each night. The only part of their routine that has been interrupted has been the time that they usually spend watching tv together when Titan gets his nightly tickles from my dad and when Titan wakes my dad up in the morning with kisses. My dad never comes home during the day & my mom has always been the one to take them out in the morning so its not like Titan's going out schedule has changed at all.

2. Many of the times when Titan has pooped in the house my mom has been home with him and he has just come back inside from being out in the yard where, presumably, he usually does his business. So this doesn't only happen when nobody's home. My mom can be feet away!

The separation is only temporary so we just need to find a way to get the boys through this without putting them through too much emotionally. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever gone through a similar situation. Both of my parents feel absolutely terrible - its really sad to see a sad newfy

Can anyone make any suggestions?

 

[Thule's Mom]

This is very, very sad! Poor baby! The only suggestion I have is that the time usually spent with your Dad has to be replaced by something, equally as fun, something to divert his attention away from his sadness... a ride in the car? A nice long walk or trip to the dog park?

 

[noblenewf]

I don't really have too much advice but I can tell you that I am currently going through a divorce so there have been many changes in our household...and I will say that Newfies are incredibly perceptive (whether their routines have changed or not) and they very much pick up on the feelings and emotions of those around them. My boy has been doing a few strange things too that he never did before...like refusing to get in the car and at one point early on he was resource guarding his food around other dogs. Both totally out of character for him. The only advice I have is try to keep his routine constant and normal for him. Give him extra lovin' and attention whenever possible. Try not to scold too much or get angry if he does have an accident. He's emotionally distraught with the changes too. I found with time my boy seems to be adjusting well to our "new normal" and routine. I try to keep any upsetting conversations away from him (honestly...I try not to argue or get upset around him for now) and I try to keep my emotions in check as well. That's not always possible...but I try my best for his sake. He seems to be doing better now that it's been a couple of months now...but that might be because I am starting to get stronger and more emotionally stable as well. I know he picks up on my feelings.
I hope this helps. I'm sorry about your parents' situation. It's not easy!

 

[ZeusTitan]

Thanks so much for your advice and words of encouragement, it means more than you know. Jess, I'm sorry to hear that you are going through a similar situation. Sending happy thoughts your way and I'm glad to hear that you are growing stronger every day.

Its amazing how perceptive our big guys are though, isn't it?

 

[R Taft]

i agree with Jess........I think there will be so much emotional mayhem, that he is sensitive too. No-one will mean to be angry or sad, but it will still be happeneing and he can feel it. It might plainly be that your Mom is distracted and he is trying to get attention. And with dogs any attention even negative attention is better than what he might consider less attention. I know there might not be time and maybe no-one will feel like it. But I would suggest some extra "dog" time. Be it a short walk or a little training session. And these only have to be "sit/drop/stays" with lots of happy treat rewards afterwards. It is hard to get dogs out of their depression. we have only had it when we have lost other dog companions, but it is similar and walks/training has turned it around.
I am sorry your family is going through such a tough time :hugs: Ronnie

 

[Windancer]

what amazing dogs....

 

[ZeusTitan]

Thanks again guys, I passed along all of your suggestions to my mom and she has been going out of her way to spend extra time with Titan and it seems to be working! It's amazing how much the little things count with these big guys. I guess sometimes we just don't realize how much they pick up on our sadness, even when we're doing our best not to show it. Thanks again everyone

 

[new_2_newf]

If I was closer, I'd help with the lovin's!

 

[ozzysma]

i believe some newfs are just more sensitive to change or loss. we have two newfs, ozzy is my dog, stevie seems to be the daddy's girl. well my hubby just spent 10 days in newfoundland and i was home with the dogs. they are basically my dogs anyway, but is was ozzy that was really down and moping and looking for his dad, not the little daddy's girl who did not even seem to notice he was gone!!LOL!

 

[R Taft]

i believe some newfs are just more sensitive to change or loss. we have two newfs, ozzy is my dog, stevie seems to be the daddy's girl. well my hubby just spent 10 days in newfoundland and i was home with the dogs. they are basically my dogs anyway, but is was ozzy that was really down and moping and looking for his dad, not the little daddy's girl who did not even seem to notice he was gone!!LOL!

Awwwwwww, poor Ozzy, how sweet

 

[Thule's Mom]

i believe some newfs are just more sensitive to change or loss. we have two newfs, ozzy is my dog, stevie seems to be the daddy's girl. well my hubby just spent 10 days in newfoundland and i was home with the dogs. they are basically my dogs anyway, but is was ozzy that was really down and moping and looking for his dad, not the little daddy's girl who did not even seem to notice he was gone!!LOL!

Ahhhh! Ozzy knew where daddy went.... Newfoundland!

 

[ZeusTitan]

Haha you guys are the best :hug: