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separation anxiety

July 21st, 2009 at 10:10 pm

Jed has some serious separation anxiety that we thought might get better as he got used to us, but instead seems to be getting worse!

I have been researching how to stop his cries, and apparently the best method (which in retrospect is completely obvious and makes a lot of sense) is to take him for a walk in the morning. They said 'you can't expect a dog to sleep all night in his kennel, then sit around all day while you are at work'.

Then you have to take him for a walk in the afternoon.

They also said the worst thing you can do is yell 'No' or 'Shutup' at him, as this only reinforces his behaviour. Unfortunately, that is what our neighbours do. (the ones that threw water at our dogs). I don't want to talk to them again about the dog, because they have never once come and said anything to us about their problem. I have always been the one to try and clear the air with them. They are very odd, as well. I would rather just have nothing to do with them. Alas, if I hear them yell at him again, I will have to leave them a note in their letterbox, telling them they are making it worse by doing that.

So from now on, DF takes him for a walk on Monday morning (I can't because I start at 5.30am - which means I would have to get up at 3.15am) Tuesday and Wednesday I get up at 6.30am and take him for a 30 minute jog. Thursday I get up at 4.15am and take him (because I start at 6.30am). Friday DF takes him (he starts at 7am most mornings, on Fridays I start at 6am). Saturday and Sunday we will either go together or take turns. I will take him in the afternoons most days too.

Why do I do all the work, you may be asking? Well, I do not do a lot of exercise. I get bored, so having a dog will give me a reason to do it. Also, DF's job is also very physical. While he needs to get his heart rate up, I don't want him to tire himself out too much or he might make himself sick. Basically you could compare his work to being at a gym doing muscle definition, for 8 hours. Big Grin

So! We'll see how this goes. Hopefully it puts a stop to his crying.

Posted in | 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “separation anxiety”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    July 21st, 2009 at 10:16 pm 1248214572
    1248214572

    Good luck. My sister's dog is having similar issues. They do walk their dog, too. It started after their other dog died(natural causes). I think my sister's dog needs a friend!!

  2. Caoineag Says:
    July 21st, 2009 at 10:35 pm 1248215746
    1248215746

    Our dog used to get nervous when we would get ready for work or were going to leave but we cured him of that by giving him a treat everytime we leave. Some mornings, you can tell he can't wait for us to leave to get the treat. But then, pugs are highly food motivated. The walking trick should work if your dog really loves walks. All in what they love.

  3. cptacek Says:
    July 21st, 2009 at 11:42 pm 1248219755
    1248219755

    I know our dog gets really, really excited when we come home if we leave him on his outside chain all day. He is so bored and full of pent up energy he can't help it. I have recently started exercising and make sure to take him with me when I go for a run, and whenever I go out to the farm he comes with me. That really helps.

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