New member. Hi!

[Belynda]

I have never been a part of a forum. So this is new to me. Just rescued a 7 month old black lab and need help.

[smartrock]

Hi Belynda and Welcome! Tell us more about you all! We'd love to know your pup's name and, when you have enough posts, we love to see photos of our new member pups!

Lots of folks here to give you help and suggestions.

[Belynda]

Hi, Smartrock!

Thank you for responding. Her name is Bella Grace. We have had her for two weeks. We have never had a big dog, just small ones. We rescued her from the shelter and have no idea about her history. She has severe separation anxiety. We started her on medicine last Thursday. We are unable to leave her alone, and don't know what to do. The first time we crated her and left for several hours, we came home to have her meet us at the front door. She had managed to undo the top latch of her crate and squeeze out. Still unaware that she had separation anxiety, we left her again. Just thought she was Houdini. But this time we put three caribeners on the door to keep her in. Came home this time to blood, she broke one caribener, her pillow soaked with drool from salivating so much and there was a puddle of drool. It took a while to calm her down. Next attempt we gated her in our bathroom. No crate, just blanket and toys. Came home to her greating us at the front door again. We have no idea what to do. Only one of us can go out at a time, because someone has to be with her, or we have to take her with us. HELP.

[smartrock]

You poor guys and poor Bella, too! I haven't had to deal with separation anxiety but I know others on here have and some of our members work in rescue. Hopefully someone will be able to give you help. It's a bit quieter here on weekends so don't be too discouraged if not many responses come in right away. You've probably looked stuff up on line about separation anxiety but if not, here are a few places to start: Separation Anxiety | ASPCA Relieving a Dog's Separation Anxiety | Whole Dog Journal

We had a member several years ago who had a dog with wild separation anxiety who just tore the house up when left alone after escaping from his crate. He ended up getting a crate we jokingly referred to as Super Max. There was an issue with the forum a few years ago so posts from back then are sadly no longer available. The crate was similar to these, super expensive, but it seemed to help for him. Strongest Heavy Duty Dog Crates and Cages for Larger Dogs

I hope someone can offer some help to you and Bella.

[Belynda]

Thank you so much! I have read several articles, and appreciate the information you have given me. I look forward to being a part of this forum. Have a great weekend.

[Jollymolly]

Hi welcome.

I hope it eases soon and highly suggest crating for your pups safety and your houses. I learnt the hard way. Maybe try this I found it helped in many ways https://www.upwithpup.com/resources/o...laxation_part1

[Jollymolly]

Hi and welcome

i hope you find some solutions. I found doing this with my baby when she was younger helped

https://www.upwithpup.com/resources/o...laxation_part1

[POPTOP]

Hello and Welcome!

You've been given some great information. You might consider a behaviorist. Also, a basic obedience class will help with bonding and confidence, for both of you.

Looking forward to pictures.

[Belynda]

Thank you!!

[Belynda]

Thank you!