Separation Anxiety, The Dog Park and some cute pictures

[ash90]

I've had Sophi for 4 days now and she's been great except for a few issues.

She doesn't really know any commands so this week has meant learning sit, this seemed to take her about 3 days but I made her sit for everything...food...to go outside....to play ball. Three days seems much longer than the puppies that I have trained at 8 weeks but she is 9 months and she might not have trusted me.

When we leave the house she is put in her crate with a kong filled with peanut butter. She didn't even touch it she was so distracted with being left alone. Instead she ripped up her bedding. Not Good Soph. Anyway, she doesn't like it when she is alone even for a few minutes. If I leave the room and she is with my boyfriend she whines a bit but eventually calms down. The same happens if he leaves the room. She seems to want everyone together. I've been thinking of feeding her in her crate to get her use to it because if she rips of her bedding I can't imagine not crating her at this point in her life.

Today we went to the dog park and it was the second time she had been there. The first time there was very few dogs there and I wanted to see if she would come back to me. Amazingly, she would run about 50 feet and then stop and turn and look at me. Then she would run back. If she took a turn and I was going straight I would yell "Where are you going Sophi?" and she would turn around and come my way. I found this to be amazing because it was only day two and she was checking to see where I was.

Back to today. There were many more dogs there today and she seemed to be either submissive or afraid. About 8 dogs ran up to her out of the blue (I didn't expect so many or I wouldn't have come) and she layed on the ground with her tail between her legs and then got up and trotted about 50 feet away back to the parking lot and stared at me. I got her to come back and we kept walking. We then see some other dogs and she didn't run but she seemed cautious.

THEN!

She seems two large dobermans. She bolts to them and wants to play. No fear! What the heck? Is my dog breedist? It was the weirdest thing ever.

She met some other dogs and was happy to see some and cautious with others...she didn't seem to even want to approach some of them and she happily came with me when I walked past.

What do you guys think about her being cautious with other dogs? Also, any tips for her not getting separation anxiety? Any and all advice is appreciated!

-Ash

 

[ash90]

 

[JanS]

Aww, she's such a pretty girl!

I'm sure she's going to have a few issues like that and she's very much adjusting to your routine right now, but it sounds like she's already trying to make that attachment with you so she can finally have an owner to love and protect.

It sounds like you're doing the right things, and as long as you keep the calm cool upbeat attitude while she settles in she'll probably work her way through the issues with a little good judgement from you.

I don't do the dog park thing so I can't give you first hand experience, but the others will most likely have lots of good tips for you.

I know it bugs us when they pitch a fit in the crate, but you have to try as hard as you can to ignore it and go about your business so she'll learn that no matter how much noise she makes it's not going to get your attention. Our Boris had issues with destroying his bedding and it was mostly to get our attention, so we just tossed something soft and comfy in there that was disposable and didn't let him manipulate us that way. He figured it out eventually and then he got the cushy comforters and such so he was totally content in his little den and looked forward to going in there to sleep while we were at work.

Good luck and keep us updated on how it's going.

 

[StarlightDobe]

Bella loves her cage when Im around and hates it when I leave her, however, she has to stay in it because I cant keep replacing baseboards and door frames. I think I am going to try the kong with her kibble in it next time I have to put her in it. The problem with her is we dont have to crate her that often so she really hates it when it happens.

 

[MyBuddy]

She's a beautiful girl and you seem to be doing a lot of things right! There may be a long transition time for her to feel totally secure. Make use of the bonding that you have going on now but edged with helping her to be independent too. It's easy to fall into "my baby needs me" type of thing, just because we love to nurture, but just like you would want your child to be successful out in the world, so do you want your dog. Once bonded, you will never loose this 'velcro dog'! It will come natural to them to want to be with you so helping with the independence will not create a dog that doesn't love you or want to be with you. It just creates a balance of both.

You can try and get her more used to the crate by putting her in there while you are home but out of sight. I'd put her in ("crate up!") no other words, walk away out of sight and when she is quiet for just a few minutes, came back and let her out. Lengthen the time in the crate more and more until she can stay in there for a longer length of time without a hissy fit. Doing this at different intervals during the day and night creates confidence in the dog that you ARE coming back, if she's patient and quiet.

I have always used garage sale/cheap blankets that are no loss if he chewed them up.

 

[Michele]

Please be careful at the dog park. Some dogs are naturally DA (dog aggressive) and if you (generally speaking) can't read dog body language and are not prepared, it can be a recipe for disaster.

As far as the crate goes, put a t-shirt with your scent in the crate. You might also try to put a high value treat in the back of the crate or a kong with kibble in it.

 

[Michele]

You might want to read this thread on crate training. Crossposted from Canine Chat:

http://www.canine-chat.com/community/index.php?threads/crate-training.119/

 

[Dobs4ever]

When a new dog is oeverwhelmed they will react this way. Our job as owners it to not put them into situations that they are not ready to handle. She has not even settle in with you yet so taking her to a dog park "to see how she would do" is a recipe for disaster. Of course, I thnk dog parks are a disaster anyway and not safe because I am sure everyone will agree that is always an element of risk involved if that one dog comes in that is DA or out of control.

In training there are two things I try to keep in mind - time and distance - as the dog becomes better at something I increase the time and lengthen or shorten the distance depending on what I am working for. So if a dog seems overwhelmend at something then I step back and lengthen the distance until they can handle it - then move forward. I hope that makes sense. When you let them get totally overwhelmed by pushing them too far too fast you create other problems. She has not even adjusted to her new home yet so she does not have a level of trust to help support her. She is feeling thrown out there on her own. If you already had developed that strong bond then she could handle more becasue you would know your dog and be more prepared to help her.

If the only timeyou crate her is when you leave it will tend to create more anxiety plus it sounds like she was not crate trained previously so she is anxious. Pick a couple times a day when you are there that you crate her. To start put her in leave the room and immediatley return and let her out if she is not making a ruckus. Give her more chewy toys in the crate - some dogs if they did not get the kong as a puppy like it. It is rubber. Only give her these treats when in the crate to make it more appealing.

Be sure when she shows these symptoms that you do not pet her talk to her or look at her. If you can ignore it then she will calm down.

 

[ash90]

Hi guys thanks for the advice. I just wanted to clear up that when I say "dog park" I don't mean a small enclosed area for dogs to run and sniff each other. It's actually a couple miles of trails that is set aside for dogs. I live in the city and this is really her only place to run. I have not noticed her barking in her case as of yet but I have only been putting her in there when I'm leaving so I'm going to start putting her in there more when I'm around so that she can see it's not a bad deal. The funny thing is her previous owners said she was crate trained but not housetrained. She hates the crate but only goes to the bathroom outside!

 

[DreamValley]

There is a huge off-leash area next to our house and it's awesome.
Asha and Gino walk there 3 times a day with us and our great dog walker.

Dogs have different senses. If she doesnt' like a dog there is a reason. Don't force her to come and meet every dog. Instead say: "Let's go" and pass a dog or move in the different direction. It shows your support. Don't baby her bending over and pet if she is scared. She has to deal with it. Just make her follow you...

Keep her under control all the time. You may use a long line for a few weeks to be sure she behaves OK. She will become more confident soon and you may see her acting different.

Socializing is very improtant.
If you don't walk her with other dogs (setting dog playdates or walking in the dog park) she may develop fears or agression.

 

[ash90]

I'd like to add that Sophie was left in her crate today for approx 4-5 hours. She had a kong, some food and a bone she likes. When we came home sophie greeted us at the door......

She busted out of her cage! The sidedoor was bent inwards while the front door of her cage had been rammed out of its hinges! I have no idea how she did this! However she didn't chew anything or do anything bad. She took one of my dirty shirts out of the clothes basket but she didn't do anything with it. I even bought a decently heavy duty crate. I don't think she likes to be confined. There doesn't seem to be much point in the crate if she can figure out how to get out of it.

 

[Rits]

You are going to want to crate train with shorter sessions if she's that bad. Then you can work your way up to longer sessions which would be hours at a time. How does the kennel door lock? If it can be pried open for her to squeeze a nose through, determined dogs will work at it and I would be worried she'd hurt herself. Maybe use a clasp or something so she can't wiggle the door open. Take it slow by only leaving her in there for very short sessions...if she can only be quiet for 1-5 minutes then that is where you will have to start.

 

[Katja Henriksen]

She may have been scared and overwhelmed with 8 dogs running up to her at the same time and had no problem with dealing with one or two dogs at a time. Our dog park/off leash area is a huge place consisting of several grass fields, a river and a bit of woods that we walk at. I think the most important part to off leash dog parks is that you keep moving and don't just stand around. I find that is when tension arises and the dogs get into trouble. It drives me nuts when people bring balls to the dog park. What exactly do they think will happen? My girls have enormous ball drive. I can tell them to quit, but when some other idiot holds the ball and keeps throwing it, there is not much I can do. Then they get upset when my girls steal it!!! One day I told someone that if they tossed it again they would steal it again. HA. Also why do to the dog park to play fetch. Aren't they there to walk, sniff, explore and socialise? They are not going to do that fixated on a ball. Rant over.

I think that some dogs suffer from claustrophobia and do better if they are not confined. I don't know if you know what she has gone though before you got her but there may be a reason for her very strong reaction. If she busts out of the crate she must have been pretty panicky. We had Bailey crated when she was little and out Goldie out. When we got Easter we would confine them to the kitchen. I know may people on here are for crating. I think it depends on the dog and if it causes her to get into a state it's not good for her.

 

[DreamValley]

We crate only puppies. When a dog hits 8-10 months we confine to the kitchen area (Katja we use the same area ).
Dobermans are bred for protection. What is the reason to lock them in crates? They should have the limited access to protect the property.
Gino has full access. Asha is still crated. She has not proved yet she doesn't like my underwear, toilet paper, phones and remoted controls

You may try to leave her alone in the kitchen (hide all food) for a few hours and see what will happen. If she behaves OK what is the reason to crate her?

 

[Rits]

While I do agree with the above and I understand, I'm only offering advice if you choose to want to crate. I understand that Dobermans are bred for protection but also think it's good for all dogs, regardless of breed, to be acceptable of being crated/kenneled for whatever reason may come up. Although, if it's becoming a safety concern I would understand not attempting to crate train too.

 

[Dobs4ever]

While I do agree with the above and I understand, I'm only offering advice if you choose to want to crate. I understand that Dobermans are bred for protection but also think it's good for all dogs, regardless of breed, to be acceptable of being crated/kenneled for whatever reason may come up.

A dog shold be comfortable being left alone and remain calm. The crate helps to teach this and helps the dog adjust. As a breeder I can say this - I feel so very sorry for the bitches when they come in for breeding if they have not been crate trained. It is hard on everyone, but for their safety and the integrity of the breeding they must be crated.

What if you have to fly your dog on an airline sometime - by not crate training and keeping it up you put the dog ar risk and limit options on when and where they dog can go.

It is unfair to a dog is you cannot promise that for the rest of its life it will never have to face a situation where it will have to be kenneled or contained. Then if it happens the dog freaks out. It is a safety feature as far as I am concerned. What about traveling???? When you go to motels most of them have a requirement that no dog be left loose in the room. OMG just imagine the distruction or annoying barking. So you crate the dog so all are safe in case a maid should open the door or the dog rip things to shred.

Gosh just when going to training the dog is crated in the van because I usually have tow or three dogs and like to leave the doors open for air circulation. So they must be crated. It is a disservice to the dog not to make this a part of regular dog training 101.

In my opinion crate training is a must and should be a part of every dogs life. We would have far less separation anxiety if dogs were correctly trained.

 

[MyBuddy]

In training there are two things I try to keep in mind - time and distance - as the dog becomes better at something I increase the time and lengthen or shorten the distance depending on what I am working for. So if a dog seems overwhelmend at something then I step back and lengthen the distance until they can handle it - then move forward. I hope that makes sense. When you let them get totally overwhelmed by pushing them too far too fast you create other problems. She has not even adjusted to her new home yet so she does not have a level of trust to help support her. She is feeling thrown out there on her own. If you already had developed that strong bond then she could handle more becasue you would know your dog and be more prepared to help her.

Time and distance! I love this because it explains, better than me, what I do too! Without knowing how to put it into words, this is what I keep in mind with any training I do, dogs or horses. And it's a great thing to remember.

I have not noticed her barking in her case as of yet but I have only been putting her in there when I'm leaving so I'm going to start putting her in there more when I'm around so that she can see it's not a bad deal.

When I read this post this morning, my first thought was.....do you really know how she is doing, when the only time you are putting her in there is when you are leaving?? And then I read further and see that she broke out of her crate!! Man, I can't even imagine that! That takes some doing to do that. My suggestion still stands:

You can try and get her more used to the crate by putting her in there while you are home but out of sight. I'd put her in ("crate up!") no other words, walk away out of sight and when she is quiet for just a few minutes, came back and let her out. Lengthen the time in the crate more and more until she can stay in there for a longer length of time without a hissy fit. Doing this at different intervals during the day and night creates confidence in the dog that you ARE coming back, if she's patient and quiet.

I know how you feel about having her in there when you leave so you don't want her in there while you are home, but really, those are the times that are the best! She learns that it's only for a few minutes (if she's quiet) and that you are coming back. I think it's mostly about the dog learning that it's not forever and that we did not abandon them.

And believe me, I've had dogs years before that I never crate trained, but I've come a long way in understanding how useful they can be. And regardless if you ever feel the need for one, it's still a great tool and just another learning lesson to further expand a dogs knowledge of our world. It may come in handy one day as D4E suggests. It's like never training a horse to enter a horse trailer because you don't have a trailer and never take your horse anywhere, why should you train?.........then one day there's an emergency and you need to get your horse to the Vet and now you can't get him into a trailer....because it's never been entered into his world!

 

[Dobs4ever]

My Buddy you get the honorary smart award for the day. Excellent advise and very well stated!!!

 

[Marinegeekswife]

It drives me nuts when people bring balls to the dog park. What exactly do they think will happen? My girls have enormous ball drive. I can tell them to quit, but when some other idiot holds the ball and keeps throwing it, there is not much I can do. Then they get upset when my girls steal it!!! One day I told someone that if they tossed it again they would steal it again. HA. Also why do to the dog park to play fetch. Aren't they there to walk, sniff, explore and socialise? They are not going to do that fixated on a ball. Rant over.

Gonna go OT for a second here. We bring a ball when we go to the dog park because we don't have acres for the dogs to run. We want them to really exercise and this is the only open offleash area around for us. They socialize as they go along and if the ball becomes a problem we hold onto it until we can get away from the other dog. We also bring multiple balls that are cheap so we don't have to worry about losing one. Not everyone is at the dog park purely for dog to dog socialization.

 

[DreamValley]

I agree to teach dog to be crated is helpful for all reasons Susan mentioned... but if your dog breaks her crate and can not tolerate it she may hurt herself.
Gino started damaging his crate when he hit 8 months. He was not happy to stay there. We decided to confine him to the kitchen area and he was perfect.
Then we allowed him to access other areas.
Asha is crate trained... but again... she is not happy to be locked. So far we ignore it and keep her crated. I don't know how long it will last.

Gino and Asha tolerate crating but they are not happy to be locked there.

We don't use the crates for traveling and most B&B where we stayed allowed dogs not to be crated. No issues there.