hints on taming separation anxiety in newly adopted lab? - Labrador Retriever Dogs Chat Forum Board - Dogs, Puppies, Photos, Training, Pictures, Rescue Forums

Kris P · 10-05-2009, 07:50 PM

Hello!

I'm working with a lab rescue in my area and just adopted out a BEAUTIFUL yellow lab to a family who immediately fell in love with her.

Unfortunately, when they left her in the bathroom, she ate their wood trim.

When they put her in a metal crate, she pried it apart.

When they reinforced the crate with brackets, she broke out the plastic bottom--- and ate their front door trim.

They're worried and ready to send her back. They're read online that at her age (2 yrs), separation anxiety is very hard to cure!?!?!

help--
any ideas?
she's a great dog otherwise and deserves a great home!

KEP

Random Gemini · 10-05-2009, 07:55 PM

Vari Kennel.

They are spendy, they are bulky. They do not collapse. They are hard to tear apart. They are airline grade, so they are hard to escape from.

Also... if she really adores one family member or the other, put an old sweatshirt of that person's on her crate. She won't be able to pull it through a varikennel and chew it, but she will be able to smell the scent of someone that she knows loves her and it will help make her feel safe while they are away.

I cured it in a 6 year old dog. They can do it at 2. Labs are incredibly adaptable and incredibly trainable.

They might be best served if you send them our way so they can get more specific help. Also, pass along my congrats to them for adopting a Lab. It was a very brave decision. If they have the patience to stick it out, they will never regret that choice.

Edit: I should also add that I'm not sure that you ever actually cure separation anxiety. It's a mental disorder, sort of like depression in a person. You can train a dog to overcome it, but it takes time and in the mean time the dog must be crated every single time that you leave. I was not able to leave Reilly alone in the house, out of his crate, for about 2 years once his separation anxiety became apparent.

They should also know that she is doing this... because she doesn't want them to leave her alone. She's doing it because they make her feel good and when she's not with them, she doesn't feel so good. In a weird way, it's because she loves them.

Rocky911 · 10-06-2009, 10:56 AM

I am confused on how she got out of a metal crate? Brace the door so it cannot be opened and get a full crate (remove plastic bottom). Or suggest they try a vari kennel as mentionned above

I would leave an item with a scent she knows in the crate (as mentionned above) and leave either music or hte radio as well as a stuffed kong.

Also make sure she is getting enough exercise, both physical and mental.

Was this an issue in the pup's foster home, what was done there? Or did she go from a shelter to the adoptive family? If that was her first time in a crate that may not have helped either.

DuneDoggy · 10-06-2009, 11:36 AM

DAP Diffuser and spray and Quiet Moments tabs worked well for us. All at the same time I might add! We slowly weaned off these things as Dune became more accustomed to our routine.

Kris P · 10-06-2009, 12:52 PM

Thank you!

The family is currently wanting to return her--
and we're having a hard time figuring out where she would go!

She's apparently a phenomenal dog in many ways--
but this is obviously a challenge.
Ugh. I'm feeling very sad and frustrated right now.

Would you be willing to share your contact information--
for the family, or whoever might be able to work with her?

Thank you!

Random Gemini · 10-06-2009, 01:01 PM

I couldn't even begin to consider taking her.... I wish I could. I want a yellow girl, but hubby is dead set against having a second dog until next spring at the earliest.

If she becomes available, you could post her in the rescue forum here. The folks in the rescue forums here have worked some of the most amazing miracles.

Oh duh! I just re-read what you asked...

Sure. I'm not a professional though. I'm just a gal that really loved her dog. I'll PM you.

Kris P · 10-06-2009, 07:30 PM

Hmmm.

What are your husband's weaknesses?

I'll see if I can have a number of them delivered.....

I just had to have the foster/adopters take her to boarding at the vet. Sigh.

We've got to find something for her, and we don't have foster families with that level of experience.

Random Gemini · 10-06-2009, 08:00 PM

Separation anxiety really is NOT that bad. What you have to have... is one parent who stays at home, or works from home, and only leaves to run errands or is able to take the dog with them places, a really solid knowledge of crate training and a plastic crate.

Okay... maybe that is a lot actually..

Patience and a heck of a lot of love are the keys to bringing a dog out of this shell though. Anyone who loves her enough will be willing to do whatever it takes to get her through this.

Gah... I wish we could. Mugen's only 4 months old... and I think he might overwhelm her, but I would seriously love to have dog #2... Hubby's just not ready yet.

If I can help, feel free to PM me. I'd be happy to.

My hubby's weakness is electronics... I can try plying him with a Kindle or an iPhone 3GS... somehow.. I suspect this will not work.

Kris P · 10-06-2009, 09:10 PM

I would do it if I could, I'm just a relatively new foster-er myself, we have two of our own dogs (one of whom is a puppy), and two young kids. Oh, and we currently have two foster dogs!

I'm afraid I'd make everything worse rather than better!

Rocky911 · 10-07-2009, 05:02 AM

Do you have any history on this dog? Has he not been in any foster home (just hte family and the vet kennel)? Was he from a shelter or owner surrender?

SA is not the end of the world. The first week with a new dog (Foster or adopted) can be rough on everyone, but by building a routine, giving them a good amount of exericse (physical and mental) things get better.

IF this was the first time the dog was crated, and he was just put in there and left for 8 hours that may not have helped, some dogs are ok with that but others need build up (crate left there door opened, feeding in cratewith door open, feeding in crate door closed, short trips of 10 minutes with family around, short trips of 10 minutes family gone...).

Kris P · 10-07-2009, 06:57 AM

She had been pulled from a high-kill shelter in GA roughly a week before, was vetted (and I think spayed and microchipped at that time), was briefly boarded, sent up to NYS where she was adopted by a VERY NERVOUS AND TIMID Nellie who had owned a lab, but not one unlike the labs I've known.

After 24 hours this woman claimed she couldn't work with Nancie because she "barked and looked at her cats" (really!) and chased the cat when the cat ran along the top of the fence. I live very close to this woman, so I suggested trainers, free evaluations from behaviorists, etc., but she REFUSED (in spite of having signed the contract saying she'd work with the dog for 30 days AT LEAST). So Nancie went back into boarding at my vet's.
A family looking to adopt a puppy agreed to try her--
they're the ones who bought the metal crate and then BRILLIANTLY put her in a bathroom (since she could break out of metal crates--a vinyl and fiberglass bathroom seemed SAFE).

I clearly don't live in the smartest area in the world.

If I could adopt out or transfer my two fosters, I'd try and talk my spouse into taking her in, though I'd really like to try and get her into a more permanent (and more experienced!) situation.

She is beautiful, she is GREAT with kids, and oddly enough, the two houses didn't share ANY of the same concerns.

The anxiety house felt that she'd leave cats alone if you said "Nancie, no."

Argh!

Kris P · 10-08-2009, 07:01 AM

Nancie is now back in boarding at my vet.

I'll go over today to take her for a walk and get some more pictures.

*They* aren't seeing any signs of separation anxiety!

poor dog. She's clearly a very high energy dog who needs training, socialization, and stability.

Send her your good vibes! We're currently working to find her an experienced foster or adoptive home, ideally in NY or the surrounding states.

Will travel for the right home.

Random Gemini · 10-08-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris P

Nancie is now back in boarding at my vet.

I'll go over today to take her for a walk and get some more pictures.

*They* aren't seeing any signs of separation anxiety!

poor dog. She's clearly a very high energy dog who needs training, socialization, and stability.

Send her your good vibes! We're currently working to find her an experienced foster or adoptive home, ideally in NY or the surrounding states.

Will travel for the right home.

Yeah... from what you described in PM... it didn't sound like separation anxiety at all. With my boy it was compulsive and HUGE destruction every time I left. I think I told you about the door in PM... Nancie sounds like a typical Lab at this age.

I wish I could take her. She's such a cutie, but really I think if you just find a home for her with someone that knows how to handle a real dog, she'll be great. She doesn't need any particular experience on the part of the owner, but she needs someone that will take her to dog school and understands that sometimes, dogs get into the trash and sometimes... young Labs chew stuff. You know.. like drywall... and shoes... and your fireplace.

This couple that is looking for a dog that thinks a dog getting into the trash = separation anxiety... you might want to steer them toward a cat instead. I think a cat will be a better choice of pet for them.

10-05-2009, 07:50 PM	#1
Kris P House Broken Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Hartford, NY Posts: 79	hints on taming separation anxiety in newly adopted lab? Hello! I'm working with a lab rescue in my area and just adopted out a BEAUTIFUL yellow lab to a family who immediately fell in love with her. Unfortunately, when they left her in the bathroom, she ate their wood trim. When they put her in a metal crate, she pried it apart. When they reinforced the crate with brackets, she broke out the plastic bottom--- and ate their front door trim. They're worried and ready to send her back. They're read online that at her age (2 yrs), separation anxiety is very hard to cure!?!?! help-- any ideas? she's a great dog otherwise and deserves a great home! KEP

10-06-2009, 11:36 AM	#4
DuneDoggy Makin' it all happen... Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,134 My Mood:	DAP Diffuser and spray and Quiet Moments tabs worked well for us. All at the same time I might add! We slowly weaned off these things as Dune became more accustomed to our routine. __________________ Dune CGC RN CL1 (Gotcha Day 11/9/07)

10-06-2009, 01:01 PM	#6
Random Gemini Missing my Wagador. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington. Posts: 3,666 My Mood:	I couldn't even begin to consider taking her.... I wish I could. I want a yellow girl, but hubby is dead set against having a second dog until next spring at the earliest. If she becomes available, you could post her in the rescue forum here. The folks in the rescue forums here have worked some of the most amazing miracles. Oh duh! I just re-read what you asked... Sure. I'm not a professional though. I'm just a gal that really loved her dog. I'll PM you. Last edited by Random Gemini; 10-06-2009 at 01:04 PM.

10-06-2009, 09:10 PM	#9
Kris P House Broken Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Hartford, NY Posts: 79	I would do it if I could, I'm just a relatively new foster-er myself, we have two of our own dogs (one of whom is a puppy), and two young kids. Oh, and we currently have two foster dogs! I'm afraid I'd make everything worse rather than better! Last edited by Kris P; 10-06-2009 at 10:13 PM.

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10-05-2009, 07:55 PM	#2
Random Gemini Missing my Wagador. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington. Posts: 3,666 My Mood:	Vari Kennel. They are spendy, they are bulky. They do not collapse. They are hard to tear apart. They are airline grade, so they are hard to escape from. Also... if she really adores one family member or the other, put an old sweatshirt of that person's on her crate. She won't be able to pull it through a varikennel and chew it, but she will be able to smell the scent of someone that she knows loves her and it will help make her feel safe while they are away. I cured it in a 6 year old dog. They can do it at 2. Labs are incredibly adaptable and incredibly trainable. They might be best served if you send them our way so they can get more specific help. Also, pass along my congrats to them for adopting a Lab. It was a very brave decision. If they have the patience to stick it out, they will never regret that choice. Edit: I should also add that I'm not sure that you ever actually cure separation anxiety. It's a mental disorder, sort of like depression in a person. You can train a dog to overcome it, but it takes time and in the mean time the dog must be crated every single time that you leave. I was not able to leave Reilly alone in the house, out of his crate, for about 2 years once his separation anxiety became apparent. They should also know that she is doing this... because she doesn't want them to leave her alone. She's doing it because they make her feel good and when she's not with them, she doesn't feel so good. In a weird way, it's because she loves them. __________________ Stacy and Mugen: Chocolate Mr. Puppy Man Born: 6-5-09 Lucy: Yellow Miss Lucy Girl. Gotcha: 11-02-09 2010 Book Count: 11/50 Random Gemini's Blog Twitter! Facebook Last edited by Random Gemini; 10-05-2009 at 08:12 PM. Reason: Addendum

10-06-2009, 10:56 AM	#3
Rocky911 Senior Dog Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: here Posts: 1,933	I am confused on how she got out of a metal crate? Brace the door so it cannot be opened and get a full crate (remove plastic bottom). Or suggest they try a vari kennel as mentionned above I would leave an item with a scent she knows in the crate (as mentionned above) and leave either music or hte radio as well as a stuffed kong. Also make sure she is getting enough exercise, both physical and mental. Was this an issue in the pup's foster home, what was done there? Or did she go from a shelter to the adoptive family? If that was her first time in a crate that may not have helped either.

10-06-2009, 12:52 PM	#5
Kris P House Broken Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Hartford, NY Posts: 79	Thank you! The family is currently wanting to return her-- and we're having a hard time figuring out where she would go! She's apparently a phenomenal dog in many ways-- but this is obviously a challenge. Ugh. I'm feeling very sad and frustrated right now. Would you be willing to share your contact information-- for the family, or whoever might be able to work with her? Thank you!

10-06-2009, 07:30 PM	#7
Kris P House Broken Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Hartford, NY Posts: 79	Hmmm. What are your husband's weaknesses? I'll see if I can have a number of them delivered..... I just had to have the foster/adopters take her to boarding at the vet. Sigh. We've got to find something for her, and we don't have foster families with that level of experience.

10-06-2009, 08:00 PM	#8
Random Gemini Missing my Wagador. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington. Posts: 3,666 My Mood:	Separation anxiety really is NOT that bad. What you have to have... is one parent who stays at home, or works from home, and only leaves to run errands or is able to take the dog with them places, a really solid knowledge of crate training and a plastic crate. Okay... maybe that is a lot actually.. Patience and a heck of a lot of love are the keys to bringing a dog out of this shell though. Anyone who loves her enough will be willing to do whatever it takes to get her through this. Gah... I wish we could. Mugen's only 4 months old... and I think he might overwhelm her, but I would seriously love to have dog #2... Hubby's just not ready yet. If I can help, feel free to PM me. I'd be happy to. My hubby's weakness is electronics... I can try plying him with a Kindle or an iPhone 3GS... somehow.. I suspect this will not work.

10-07-2009, 05:02 AM	#10
Rocky911 Senior Dog Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: here Posts: 1,933	Do you have any history on this dog? Has he not been in any foster home (just hte family and the vet kennel)? Was he from a shelter or owner surrender? SA is not the end of the world. The first week with a new dog (Foster or adopted) can be rough on everyone, but by building a routine, giving them a good amount of exericse (physical and mental) things get better. IF this was the first time the dog was crated, and he was just put in there and left for 8 hours that may not have helped, some dogs are ok with that but others need build up (crate left there door opened, feeding in cratewith door open, feeding in crate door closed, short trips of 10 minutes with family around, short trips of 10 minutes family gone...).

10-07-2009, 06:57 AM	#11
Kris P House Broken Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Hartford, NY Posts: 79	She had been pulled from a high-kill shelter in GA roughly a week before, was vetted (and I think spayed and microchipped at that time), was briefly boarded, sent up to NYS where she was adopted by a VERY NERVOUS AND TIMID Nellie who had owned a lab, but not one unlike the labs I've known. After 24 hours this woman claimed she couldn't work with Nancie because she "barked and looked at her cats" (really!) and chased the cat when the cat ran along the top of the fence. I live very close to this woman, so I suggested trainers, free evaluations from behaviorists, etc., but she REFUSED (in spite of having signed the contract saying she'd work with the dog for 30 days AT LEAST). So Nancie went back into boarding at my vet's. A family looking to adopt a puppy agreed to try her-- they're the ones who bought the metal crate and then BRILLIANTLY put her in a bathroom (since she could break out of metal crates--a vinyl and fiberglass bathroom seemed SAFE). I clearly don't live in the smartest area in the world. If I could adopt out or transfer my two fosters, I'd try and talk my spouse into taking her in, though I'd really like to try and get her into a more permanent (and more experienced!) situation. She is beautiful, she is GREAT with kids, and oddly enough, the two houses didn't share ANY of the same concerns. The anxiety house felt that she'd leave cats alone if you said "Nancie, no." Argh!

10-08-2009, 07:01 AM	#12
Kris P House Broken Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Hartford, NY Posts: 79	Nancie is now back in boarding at my vet. I'll go over today to take her for a walk and get some more pictures. They aren't seeing any signs of separation anxiety! poor dog. She's clearly a very high energy dog who needs training, socialization, and stability. Send her your good vibes! We're currently working to find her an experienced foster or adoptive home, ideally in NY or the surrounding states. Will travel for the right home.