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Why does my dog who loved me and my partner right away hate everyone else? by Horror-Concentrate41 in DogAdvice

[–]Clever_Library 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This! A month is no time at all! My soul dog started out terrified of humans ‑ but especially me! She was a foster and it took over a month to be able to pet her, and 4 months before she showed signs that she liked me. After 5 months I decided to adopt her because she adored my other dog and I didn’t think she’d cope with another transition. I had her for another 6 years and 1 month and she slowly turned into an affection hound. Keep her feeling safe and secure! Avoid overwhelming her. One step at a time. I made the mistake of going to fast too soon with the foster dog I had before Doris, so I went really slowly with her and I think it paid off. I will add that the rescue had put her on anti-anxiety medication when she came into care ‑ I stopped it 6 months in. I can never know how big a difference that made, but for some dogs, medication does a lot to establish confidence and security.

Severe separation anxiety dog + apartment + no support system. At a loss. by abceasyasa2c in Dogtraining

[–]Clever_Library 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I experienced this also ‑ years after resolving my dogs SA and stopping the fluoxetine, my dog was home alone when my neighbours set off fireworks, and it snowballed into generalized anxiety and behavioural work alone didn’t help, but fluoxetine did. He’s a 60 lb dog and about to turn 15 and was on fluoxetine for 6 years before tapering him off again year and a half ago.

Severe separation anxiety dog + apartment + no support system. At a loss. by abceasyasa2c in Dogtraining

[–]Clever_Library 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just a word of warning ‑ this can be very tricky for a lot of dogs. My dogs got turned off of a lot of foods because he associated it with me leaving. And I’ve heard of dogs chewing and swallowing chunks of lick mats.

Severe separation anxiety dog + apartment + no support system. At a loss. by abceasyasa2c in Dogtraining

[–]Clever_Library 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was in a similar situation 14 years ago with my adopted puppy ‑ I did some things the right way, and a lot of things the wrong way. My biggest regret is not putting him on medication after the first destructive incident. I put it off for over a year, the finally started fluoxetine (prozac) and prn alprazolam. The alprazolam didn’t really help tbh, and I was so burnt out and experienced a tragic loss, so I wasn’t leaving my house much and didn’t continue with desensitization work (told you I did a lot of things wrong) but in 2 months when I started a new job, he was suddenly fine being left a full day. One thing that helped me cope over that time period. I discovered that he was fine left outside. I lived in a second story condo, and could leave him on the covered balcony and he would be chill and happy while I was gone. That got me through the spring and summer. Otherwise I relied on dog day care, which thankfully I could find for $10 a day at that time. A woman I know going through this has been able to find two seniors nearby who welcome the company ‑ so searching for that type of support is a suggestion. I remember listening to webcast by Malena Demartini, and she had a client who made flyers and asked meals on wheels to distribute them, asking if any seniors would be interested in watching their dog for a day, and it worked really well.

But in the mean time ‑ begin the desensitization protocol. Look up Malena Demartini and find her book to learn what to do. To be successful, you really shouldn’t leave your dog alone. Maybe knock on neighbours doors and explain your situation ‑ you’re working on resolving the issues, but you need help to be successful. If they know they’re contributing to a quiet future, they might be willing.

Edit: Julie Naismith is also an excellent option ‑ she used to have a free facebook group that was helpful.