Hey guys. Recently, my Doberman has been really anxious and I’m not sure why. I’ve been coming home the last couple of days to the door literally being chewed up. I work from home so he’s with me all day for the most part and is outside if we go out and run errands. He’s been licking his paws so much, and even has hurt his gums. I’m not sure what to do or how to help him.
My Dobie is Destroying my Door
- Thread starter Zion22
- Start date
Severe Separation Anxiety. Not an easy fix. High end crate ($500 range, not wire crates!) will prevent more house damage, but won't cure the problem.
Do you do any activities with your dog? Walks? Sports? Long hikes? Brain games like scent work? Dobermans want & need these things as well as close companionship with their person.
Do you do any activities with your dog? Walks? Sports? Long hikes? Brain games like scent work? Dobermans want & need these things as well as close companionship with their person.
remy
Active Member
How old is your dog? I agree with separation anxiety and there is likely an element of boredom too. Both things can lead to destructive behavior. You can see if there are any trainers who specialize in behavioral issues in your area to help work through it. If you try things that are suggested here and work with a trainer without seeing an improvement, he may need to try medication eventually, especially if he’s still hurting himself.
I agree with crate training also, like @Ravenbird said, make sure it’s not a wire crate. I’ve seen pictures of dogs who had severe anxiety escaping those and even getting injuries from it. If he’s not crate trained start introducing it by playing “crate games” and keeping things fun. Don’t put him in there for the first time and expect he’ll be fine for a few hours. Start slow. Toss a treat in there, let him get it and come out, repeat.
It’s rare for no one to be at my house, so I would purposely “separate” my puppy for about an hour while I worked (at home) each day. He’s also the type who thinks everything is edible, so if I’m not around to check up on him, he goes in the crate or a baby gated room that’s “safe.” I do think this has helped in preventing any separation anxiety! Once your dog is crate trained and his anxiety goes down a bit, I would try something like this. That way when you do have to leave the house, it won’t be such a big deal to him.
As for boredom, I would make sure to do some type of activity with him before you start working (and again if you are able to during a break). Quick training session, breakfast in a puzzle feeder, flirt pole, walk/run, etc… Make sure he is getting his needs met both mentally and physically!
I agree with crate training also, like @Ravenbird said, make sure it’s not a wire crate. I’ve seen pictures of dogs who had severe anxiety escaping those and even getting injuries from it. If he’s not crate trained start introducing it by playing “crate games” and keeping things fun. Don’t put him in there for the first time and expect he’ll be fine for a few hours. Start slow. Toss a treat in there, let him get it and come out, repeat.
It’s rare for no one to be at my house, so I would purposely “separate” my puppy for about an hour while I worked (at home) each day. He’s also the type who thinks everything is edible, so if I’m not around to check up on him, he goes in the crate or a baby gated room that’s “safe.” I do think this has helped in preventing any separation anxiety! Once your dog is crate trained and his anxiety goes down a bit, I would try something like this. That way when you do have to leave the house, it won’t be such a big deal to him.
As for boredom, I would make sure to do some type of activity with him before you start working (and again if you are able to during a break). Quick training session, breakfast in a puzzle feeder, flirt pole, walk/run, etc… Make sure he is getting his needs met both mentally and physically!
Kaiser2016
Well-Known Member
Any Doberman would love this but it’s not always the best thing for them. They need to learn to accept some alone time too. Start in small amounts and make sure he is tired before hand. Good luck!
It almost looks like a door that is inside your house? Do you close him in somewhere? If that is the case, try using a gate if you want to keep him in a specific room while you are gone....I know Dobermans freak out in general if you try and close them in anywhere....I have 36" gates I bought years ago to keep my male away from my girl in heat....
It helps if they can 'see' outside of where you want to keep them confined. Sorry you are going through this....
It helps if they can 'see' outside of where you want to keep them confined. Sorry you are going through this....
Kaiser2016
Well-Known Member
Any update?
Rits
Hot Topics Subscriber
Oh boy, I hope you have more than just that! Mine would clear that easily. Don't put it past them to turn into superman when a girl is in heat!
I would use a crate in both cases.
Yes, we didn't 'leave' them with just the gates; it was for when we were home watching them They were very respectful, because once knocked a gate over and it made such a clatter that neither would go near it again 
. At night, I slept in one room with the boy, and my husband in the other with the girlie ~. Glory is spayed, so no need to worry about Falcon with her.
