Adopted dog success stories?

Posted by Kathy @tcokeefe, Mar 14 6:12am

My husband, 78, and I, 75, adopted a little seven-year-old Rescue terrier seven weeks ago. He’s the cutest, most loving thing with the both of us at home. But we have discovered since bringing him home that he has terrible separation anxiety. We cannot leave him in a crate, or in a room or even in the house for a minute without terrible heartbreaking crying and barking. We even installed cameras and the barking and crying do not diminish no matter how long we are gone. So we have not left the house together now for over a month. We have spent a small fortune on a behaviorist veterinarian and trainer, and we are doing everything, including putting him on Prozac. We are hoping that sometime over the next several months things will improve, but it’s a challenge. Question, has anyone survived the sort of situation? Also, are we insane adopting a dog at our age? He may be seven but he’s a little so he might have a pretty long life. That part doesn’t worry me as much as the behavior issues. Finally, returning him probably means euthanasia so it’s a horrible, horrible decision whether to keep him or not.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

bocabird | @bocabird | Sep 9 10:31pm

Please see my comment below.

carmine100 | @carmine100 | Sep 10 7:20am

The cats took over the dog crates and the beagles had to sleep between them.

labrown | @labrown | Sep 11 7:33am

In reply to @carmine100 "The cats took over the dog crates and the beagles had to sleep between them." + (show)

I am seeing that in my minds eye and it makes me smile. Sounds like you have some smart cats and sweet pups.

mollygirl3179 | @mollygirl3179 | Sep 12 8:39am

Don't give up. I've always adopted rescue dogs and they all had separation anxiety. To get over that hump, I used a building block process to desensitize them to my leaving. This process will take some time and patience, and must be tailored to the dog.

Use increasing periods of absence several times per day, increasing the time away each week. When you leave and return DO NOT interact with the dog for about 5-10 minutes. This is important because we can give off subtle signals that create anxiety. Example:

Week 1- walk out the door and stand outside for 1-2 minutes, then return. 4x per day (or more)
Week 2- walk out and stay outside 10 minutes
Week 3- leave and drive around for a short time. (Several times per day)
Week 4- drive around a bit longer
Etc, etc

Important! Don't interact with the dog when leaving and returning! It feeds their anxiety. Tailor the process, depending on your dog's progress. Be consistent

surechamp | @surechamp | Sep 12 2:14pm

I’ve had a rescue dog with terrible anxieties being left alone. I started treating this by stepping outside for a few minutes at a time then returning doing a little longer each times, also took him in the car with us whenever we could. He did get much better in time but never totally got over his separation anxiety but we kept him & he was that once in a lifetime dog & I have had many dogs. I hope your able to hang in there & keep him especially if he’ll be euthanized & think you’ll be rewarded in many ways with him.

carmine100 | @carmine100 | Sep 13 2:49pm

In reply to @labrown "I am seeing that in my minds eye and it makes me smile. Sounds like you..." + (show)

They also share the beds throughout the house.

Funcountess | @funcountess | Sep 14 6:33am

All dogs have anxiety when left alone. Have you tried chew sticks, they get involved chewing, and forget you are away. It worked for my dogs.

kahki | @kahki | Sep 14 4:26pm

I am reading this with interest. I just saw a video on how some folks got a 'human' dummy. They talked and interacted with it as though it was a household member. The pooch took to it and it became his best friend. No problem leaving bc his friend was always home with him. Anything is worth a try right?