shih tzu separation anxiety
Hi there. My 2 year old female Shih tzu is perfect in every way (for me)..we are two peas in a pod. My biggest issue is whenever I leave, she is inconsolable and nothing I do helps. I have a video camcorder so I can assess... I've tried many things and combos of things... I rarely leave because of this and I'm starting to feel smothered. I'm shooting for up to 4 hour time periods where I can leave her without her being so distressed. Any help will be so appreciated.
Dina
I have a 4 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who barks when I have to leave him alone. I’m in a condo and I can hear him while I wait for the elevator which means so can the neighbours. When I go out, I tell him that I will be back soon and sometimes he stays quiet if he doesn’t hear me in the hall. He also barks when I am home and I have a BARK BUSTER that works but it isn’t always nearby. I don’t know if dogs miss their owners, but my husband passed away 7 months ago and my dog often sits on the chair near the door when I go out. That’s the same spot that he would wait for my husband when he did his errands, even if I was at home. Any advice?
Danee
I’ve recently taken in my late Mom’s Labrador. While we’ve had several over the years, he is the first that I’ve experienced having separation anxiety so this is very new to me. I fully understand as I’m still trying to figure out how to adjust and deal with this myself. I am up to three to four hours of being away from him. Like you, I will have the camera on when I’m away. I play the anxiety for dogs videos on YouTube on tv and have his kennel in front to watch or at least listen to the music. About a half hour before I depart I also give him a hemp calming treat, which he loves and thankfully has not equated them to when I am leaving but when I return I immediately play with him outside or go for a walk. I have also started to bring him everywhere that I can so we both gain comfort in his accompanying me while he gets the social aspect as well. If this doesn’t help for you, maybe an anxiety stuffed animal that has a heartbeat for relief on Amazon might help? Good luck to you both!
Rose
My dog is a Maltese, he does not like it when I leave. He will go potty on a bed each time I leave. He is very anxious when I get home and jumps on me until I pick him up. He is a rescued dog and about a year old. We have always had a dog, but never a Maltese. Thank you for any ideas.