New Puppy with Separation Anxiety

[L.West]

HELP!!!! We recently purchased a puppy (a boxer) from a less than reputable breeder - we seen the ad in the paper and went to see the puppies - I was disgusted with how the pups were being kept and felt sorry for this little guy so we bought him (I know we should have just walked away but couldn't).

Anywho, we took him to the vet immediately to make sure he was okay. He had numerous issues such as parasites, fleas, a hernia. After 6 weeks of good care and good food he is doing great - has gained 12 lbs since we got him - he is going to be a big boy.

Well, my initial question is about separation anxiety - this is the first puppy I have raised that will not adjust to being crated. When I crate him he gets sooo upset that he foams at the mouth and howls - he just can't calm himself down. We have opted to confine him in the kitchen with a baby gate when we can't be home and he seems to do pretty good in there. He will give us trouble when he first senses that we are leaving but I try to divert his attention with a toy or treat.

My problem is that I would much prefer to get him trained to stay in the crate while we are gone - any suggestions from anyone or should I just leave him be in the kitchen and resign myself to the fact that he will never be a crated dog??

Your thoughts on this.

Thank you.

[Elise.m]

I just watched a show on Dogs 101: Puppies the other week. It said when you're bringing home a puppy, to bring home a blanket from the breeder that they used to lay on, that way it's easier for them to adjust. They also said to put something with your scent in the crate, that way he has his old scent that he's used to, and a new scent that he'll get used to.

I'm not sure if this has actually worked, but other than that I wouldn't know what to say.

[Snakeman]

if he starts to act up when you leave him and respond to it, he will learn that doing that will get you to let him out. dont fall for it. ignore him and he'll soon learn that he cant get your attention that way. and only let him out when he has calmed down and quieted.

[Snakeman]

I just watched a show on Dogs 101: Puppies the other week. It said when you're bringing home a puppy, to bring home a blanket from the breeder that they used to lay on, that way it's easier for them to adjust. They also said to put something with your scent in the crate, that way he has his old scent that he's used to, and a new scent that he'll get used to.

I'm not sure if this has actually worked, but other than that I wouldn't know what to say.

a new scent from you, the new owner. like a shirt or sock you wore that day.

[L.West]

The breeders house was soooo disgusting I wouldn't want to bring anything home from that environment - it was full of fleas - yuck!!!!

His reaction to the crate was beyond anything I've seen before with other puppies - it wasn't just the crying and whining - it went way beyond that to the point of foaming at the mouth and literally chewing the metal crate in an attempt to get out - I just couldn't stand by and ignore that - I had to react and take him out.

From what I have read - it seems that he was taken from his mother way too early - which I already knew but the loser breeder was just pushing them out the door to make a buck -very sad situation.

I am managing his separation anxiety with utilizing the kitchen to confine him but was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this.

He is very smart - basically already potty trained by 12 weeks. It is just the anxiety at being separated from us that is our big dilema.

[Elise.m]

Try leaving a clothing item you've worn the previous day with him while you're gone. It might help.

[L.West]

Thanks. I will leave a used shirt with him tomorrow when I leave for work. I also give him a "kong" filled with peanut butter - this tends to distract him for awhile.

I've just ordered another book on the subject also - I am eager to learn all I can to alleviate his anxiety.

Thanks for your help.

[SquamishSerpents]

the mistake you're making is that when he senses that you're leaving, you give him a toy or treat. this teaches him that if he acts up as you're leaving, he is rewarded by a toy or treat. the key to beating separation anxiety is COMPLETELY, and 100% avoiding them while leaving your house, or returning to your house. if the dog comes to the door as you get home, ignore him completely, no pets, don't make eye contact, or even talk to him until you have gotten home, hung up your jacket, took off your shoes, etc. and when you're leaving, don't say bye or give them a rub or a treat.

if you do, you are telling them that you leaving is a big deal that they should fuss about, because YOU fuss about it by giving them treats and pets and saying goodbye.

if the kitchen is doing well for him now, leave it at that before you try the crate again. he probably needs a little while to settle into his new (good) home before you will be successful with crate training.

[singingtothewheat]

I would simply leave the crate open , within the kitchen. And try to make it inviting. maybe you could tie a piece of rawhide somewhere inside. DO not force him in. If he will get in it on his own his whole attitude about it may change.
I can really really feel. About 16 years ago I got a farm puppy. While I don't believe c.j. (the dog) was removed from momma to soon, I know she was out in a barn for 8 weeks, with little human interaction. She was the MOST FREAKED OUT DOG I'd ever seen. She got better but literally, she was always a headache, till the age of 12 when she had to be put down due to brain cancer. I loved her and I called her my box of rocks.
The other suggestion that I would make is start getting her out on a leash and get her leash trained as soon as you can. Activity more than anything in the world seems to help dogs with psychological issues.
I have an invisible fence and once the training is done, it is the BOMB. We love it. Is there a kennel or something outside she could stay in during the day?

[Emmastaff]

Here are some articles to get you started:

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/sep-anxiety.pdf

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/crate-train.pdf

If you want to PM me I can give you some more info and possibly refer you to someone who can help, I am in Michigan too.