Seperation Anxiety - Page 2

YR, why do you say the dog doesn't have separation anxiety? 

Why would you breed a dog like that?

Heather,
I was not criticizing you.
Taking on a rescued GSD at the age you mentioned requires a lot of time and work for even the most experienced.
A large breed, especially a GSD require a lot of space, and activity, indoor living most times is not enough.

Left to themselves they will create their own activities.

Letting the dog destroy inadequate means of confinement teaches the dog to continue destroying crates and cages.
This could even result in injuries to the dog.
Same goes for chewing up things without corrections, this teaches wrong behavior and takes experience to break these behaviors, very time consuming and can be difficult.

By the way, find a new Vet, Xanex is not for dogs and in my opinion dangerous.

This dog needs extensive training and socializing to overcome these problems, not for the faint of heart, or someone who cannot devote fulltime to the process.
Some dogs do not overcome baggage from their past no matter what one tries despite what some will tell you.
A dog this size can also become a risk, as you say you don't know it's history.

Most rescues I have had dealings with are lacking in knowledge, experience, and while they claim to care they are misguilded.
All they want to do is send the dog out without any consideration for what would really be best for the animal, and little concern for the position they put good caring people in.

I see real fear, not just anxiety.
And I see reinforced bad behavior probably from it's original home.
Possibly previous abuse.

These can be hard to overcome and personally I do not believe you are capable of correcting this on your own.
That is not criticism, it's what I believe.

If you had the time, and some outside help, you might do ok, but the odds are against you even at that.

Just being honest,

Moons.

Wow Moons your first statement was harsh .

I just took in a shepherd to foster from a VET. I had no clue she had SA and I wasn't told. Grrr had Iknown, I would have never taken her. She was absolutely horrible. Fine with another dog but if the dog or I wasn't around, watch out. She tried to chew through a wire crate and I never could figure out how she was able to pull the sheers from the window into her crate. I wonder how much time that took. I work too much to devote to her behavior and contacted the rescue who was going to sponser her to place her. She is actually doing better with them, but I wonder what she will be like when she is placed in a home and she has to once again face being alone.

You have done everything humanly possible to give her a chance. Be proud of that then say good bye. You have two options, take her back to the rescue (for which someone else may have the same problems if the rescue chooses not to say anything) or have her put down. You didnt mention what the rescue has done to help you. I ask this because it will help you decide whether to return her or option B. I do agree with Moons that there are plenty of rescues that think ALL dogs should live and the thought of puting one down is a crime. I am not of that mindset and if cant trust the dog, then it doesn't get adopted out. Pretty simple. I STILL ask myself why I wasnt informed about the dog I took in.

All your free time is spent thinking about this gal and it gets old and you burn out. Its time to let go, take a rest, then try again. Let us know where you are and maybe someone can offer a rescue close (if you want to go this route) that is honest and will tell you the truth.

HeatherFeather,

   You have tried a lot of things, but have you tried taking this dog to a trainer to be evaluated? Also, Have you tried confining her for small periods of time (minutes) with success and then slowly increasing to longer periods and making even the smallest amount of time a positive experience?

   I personally would NOT listen to opinions suggesting putting this dog down based on what you have written here. Sounds to me like you are willing to try and help this dog, if you post where you live maybe there are some good trainers that can take your girl and spend a little time evaluating what her issues are. Then you will be able to determine what is best for the dog.


   I hope the best for you and your dog....: )


   Deanna...

 

Ruger,

This isnt meant to sound mean but have you had to deal with a severe SA dog? After awhile you learn to hate the dog because the life you ONCe had is no more.

Heather...have you tried putting a cone (Elizabethan collar sp?) on a dog? I know this will not solve her issues but it will slow down her destruction of your things...

I love how everybody is ready to jump on the assumption that the dog was abused, it is in a rescue it may not have been abused it may be a dog that was owned by somebody who did not research the breed, and didn't know what they were doing.  The dog was in a rescue so it was probably bounced around a little before getting to the OP.  I have had a dog with these problems and she did come out of them.  I have since trained several dogs that had these issues, we didn't have to put them down.  No medications are not the fix all, however when they need to be used for a short period while you are working through the issue it is ok.  I have seen a lot of pretty decent results with Elavil, the dog is not doped up and they aren't on it forever.  We don't know what the level of experience the OP has, what her lifestyle is like etc.  Everybody is making assumptions that may or may not be right.  The thing that typically stops the seperation anxiety is the bond, the dog learning to trust the handler and knowing the handler will always come back.  Yes that takes some time and it takes some effort. Not only should you train the dog in basic obedience etc.  Find something both you and the dog enjoy doing and do it.  Spend time with your dog, take it places socialize the hell out of it.  No this isn't a behavior everybody is willing to spend the time and energy to work through, but the OP just might be one of the people that is, and the response you can't do it just put the dog down isn't very helpful.  We aren't talking about an aggressive dog that is a danger to people, we are talking about one that has been passed on by every person it has had a bond with and naturally it is a little worried that his new person is going to do the same.  With the proper training, patience, and somebody that is willing or wants to work through this it can be done, it has been done.

Donner,
I agree it has been done, I disagree with medications as you describe.
My thoughts are with every mistake the problem only gets worst making recovery even more difficult.
I agree socialization is paramount, also a better means of containment that the dog cannot escape or harm itself while confined.
And yes this all takes time and great effort.
While I do not know this person (op) I know what is written and I am certain outside help from the right person would be a positive step.
I also know sometimes animals should be put down as a few have suggested, just saying.
Very few rescue groups would even consider what would be best for the animal.


Good advice,
A knowledgable evaluation
Training and socializing
Better means of confinement
Time
Then consider all options.


Moons.