Help with Separation Anxiety - have tried everything

[turnerj]

Hi there
We have a rescue dog who is 18 months old, we have had him for just under a year now. He has a fixation with me being the primary carer and he follows me everwhere - I get up from sofa to make coffee and he's there, go to the toilet, and he's there - won't stay put at all. When I go out he howls and barks, even if my daughters and husband are still in the house. He is obviously worse when left alone. I have managed a year with this behaviour so far and have 'adapted' my routine and life to deal with him, but enough is enough!

I have tried pretty much everything I have read to ease the separation anxiety:

Tried the Kongs and other treats such as pig ears etc, but he is not interested in these at all when left and they are untouched when I come back.
Have tried the leave for 5 mins, 10 mins appoach etc but this isn't really practical as there are times when he must be left and then back to square 1.
Tried confining him to certain room in house when go out so he is not running round the whole house frantically.
Have even tried medication prescribed by vet but that just made him drowsy and didn't affect the anxiety when left.
I do all the no touch, no eye contact, no fuss thing when I leave and return.

I'm at wits end and don't know what else to try. It is affecting our life and restricting what I can do which affactes what I can do with our children - can't go swimming, clothes shopping, cinemas etc etc as I can't leave the damn dog alone for too long - I leave him for max of 1 hour as come back and he is panting, sweaty etc.

Any additional tips or advice would be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance
Julie

[nick_j007]

Oh boy. Separation anxiety can be a complex condition to resolve.

What I won't do here is to offer you additional tips as you have already tried everything as you say.

S.A. is more likely to be seen in rescue dogs in my experience and it is also right down to the way you relate to the dog on a minute by minute basis.

I know I say this a few times here, but you are at a point where by you would benefit from some one to one time with an experienced behaviour practitioner that can get to the root of your dog's concerns and assist you through the changes he sees being left alone. It can take time and a lot of hard work to get the dog off this hook as it were.

It is doable, and I encourage you to seek help with a person that has extensive knowledge of such behaviour, and has successfully resolved it many times before.

Where are you please? I can point you in the right direction possibly.

[turnerj]

Hi Nick

Thanks for replying - had a feeling you were going to say get help and I have started looking for help. Unfortunately I live in Germany so don't think you'll be able to point me to someone close! My German is not great which is why I think I have taken this long to get help, plus you always think you can do it yourself but have realised that I can't. I am waiting on some trainers to get back to me and am keeping my fingers crossed that they speak a bit of English. Will update once I get futher.

Thanks again

[nick_j007]

I'll ask out for you ok?

[nick_j007]

I have sent this on to three of the top trainers in the UK...they'll be well connected.
I have also Twittered it 1200 people
and posted it to Linked in too.

Let's see what we get.

Nick

[nick_j007]

This has come in and looks positive:

Canine and Feline Behaviour Association - Ross McCarthy, Canine Behaviour Practitioner and Dog Trainer I am told she travels back and forth to Germany.

I shall update as others come in.

Nick

[turnerj]

Thanks Nick

I have sent her an email to see if there is anything she can do - not sure where she is based.

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by turnerj

Thanks Nick

I have sent her an email to see if there is anything she can do - not sure where she is based.

I understand she's in the UK somewhere, but travels to Germany and therefore may have a contact for you...or may be able to help directly.

Best wishes.

Nick

[turnerj]

How lucky is that - Bettina is in Germany at the moment and she lives not far from me!! We have had a good chat on the phone and she is coming on Friday to sort out an action plan. She seems very positive that it can be sorted in 6-7 weeks as long as I put in the work required.

Thank you very much for the contact. Will keep you posted.

[nick_j007]

That is bloody awesome!

I'm so pleased about that!

We were on a wing and a prayer, but it was meant to be eh?

Very best of luck. Serious S.A. as you describe takes hard work and consistency but I'm sure you can do it.

DO keep us posted.

Well done.

Nick