Separation Anxiety

[lemch]

Help! I need help desperately. My sweet Sampson has started experiencing separation anxiety. He had surgery on this cruciate ligament on April 7, 2002 and I have rarely (with the exception of going to work because this is routine) been able to leave him.
He has always gone just about everywhere with me and now that he is recovering from surgery, he can't jump in and out of the car. I am trying to get him use to a ramp and he will go down but still refuses to go up the ramp. He must be leash walked for another month. Pre surgery...when I told him he had to STAY, he was OK with that because he could be outside. Now that he is confined to the house, he goes nuts when I leave (which has only been about 5 times in the last month). He actually broke out the kitchen door window 2 weeks ago. No excessive barking or soiling in the house..thankgoodness!!

Any experience with this kind of problem out there? Suggestions on how to curtail this behavior would greately be appreciated.
Lisa and Sampson

PS..It feels so good to be able to post. I have had to change my username and password numerous times over the last year, but now I have 3 whole posts under my belt with this new userid/password and no problems in site.

 

[dmcgynn]

Can you possibly crate him when you are away as long as it isn't for extended periods of time?

Diane

 

[lemch]

I have learned a valuable lesson. Even though was not necessary when he was a pup, you never know when crate training will come in handy. They say separation anxiety is much more prevalent in dogs that live in a one person home. This is something that has come on since his surgery. I just do not think there is any way to shove a 150 lb newfie through the 'eye of the needle'into a crate.
Lisa and Sampson

 

[Summer]

use lots of butter!!

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I think the crate is a good idea, also. I just throw a treat in the crate and my pup runs in after it. He may be unhappy, but at least you know he will be safe.

 

[mollysmom]

Well, wait till you hear this one...

My dear, darling Devi is usually just fine when I go out without her. But, on occasion (especially right after Molly goes out with me for obedience class without Devi) Devi is insistant about going out with me. She is a very well behaved lady except for these times when she decides she IS going - practically pushes me out of the way at the front door trying to get out. I don't take them with me in this heat.

Well, this one day, I left an angry Devi at home and I returned to a nice BIG present..... on my BED. She wanted to be very sure there was no misunderstanding. She was NOT to be left behind. She was promptly reintroduced to her crate.

My sister had a beloved Newf many years ago named Snow ??? . She usually went with my sister everywhere. She was left home one day and promptly chewed the entire arm off of her sofa in 20 minutes. Again, making her opinion of the situation very easily understood.

Sometimes I think the situation is more that they are upset (angry) with a change in routine than they are having seperation anxiety. But, then again, it could be argued that the pooping on the bed and the chewing of the sofa are acts of seperation anxiety. Me, I believe they're PO'd and want to make a point.

 

[Annie Milliron]

When Kira was in foster care, she totally destroyed a crate, from the inside out. Now keep in mind, she had been tied outside, and had never been crated before. Her Foster Mom was quick to realize that Kira was ONLY stressed when she was crated in a room BY HERSELF. She never reacted adversely to being crated when other dogs and/or family members were in the room.

She was taken to a vet, and diagnosed with Separation Anxiety. The Vet perscribed Clomicalm. It really seemed to make a difference. She came to us a few days later, and we never had any incidents. Granted, she's crated right by Cora, but over time, has been fine when left alone (crated, of course... makes me shudder to think of her having free reign!!!

)

Clomicalm is supposed to be used in conjunction with Behavior Modification training, whihc we did not formally do. We weened her off of the Clomicalm, and didn't have any problems. I think that while Kira probably does suffer from mild separation anxiety, that she has other issues, dealing with insecurity and self confidence. Poor Baby spent most of her crucial development time tied up outside, totally neglected. We're paying for that now. She's worth it... most days, anyway.

Russell & I were very impressed with the concept of clomicalm, and wouldn't hesitate to ask our vet about it for any dog. Here's a link the the website for anyone interested: http://www.petwellness.com/dog_clomi_home.asp

I'm not suggesting that Sampson needs this... it's just some feedback. However, if the problem persists, you may want to check with your vet!!! Good luck and keep us posted!