Re: [pyrnet] seperation anxiety

I think the problem with Angel was, in part the fact that I was with her 24/7 the first three weeks she was with me. If I HAD to go somewhere, she came along (ever see a Pyr, even a "baby" in the backset of a Nissan?). She was not used to being alone, EVER, not at the breeder's nor here. I think I compounded the problem, rather than making it better, by adding the crate to the mix.

After giving it try yesterday and finding the house, furniture & drapes in tact when I returned, I think the fear is not only that of seperation, but is as someone on list suggested, fear of confinement as well. Allowed to remain free after I opened the drapes, allowing her to look out, and covering the cushions on the sofa under the window, she was alone for nearly 2 hours and didn't tear up anything, didn't wet herself, didn't rip down the drapes, didn't injure herself and was calm when we got home. I had only tried to confine her due to the chewing. I figured once she was over that part of the puppy stage, she'd be ok to leave alone.

While she may NOT like being alone, it's got to be much worse to drive her to injure herself while crated. So, for now, the crate door stays open while it sits unoccupied in the dining room. I'm just as happy to allow her free roam in the house, as long as the chewing doesn't start on my living room furniture and drapes. In fact, I'd almost rather lose my "stuff" than have her get so terrified. I'm also thinking strongly along the lines of adding a "brother" or "sister" for her. I'll make the decision over the next couple of months.

Thanks to everyone who has offered so many suggestions and shared your experiences. It helps to know I'm not the only Pyr mom who's had these problems.

We were adopted by our 5 1/2 yr. old pyr (6 yr. next month) last August. We already have an Australian Cattle Dog who just turned 11 yr.. old, who gets on well with older dogs, but has no patience for pups (hence the nickname "Grumpy Old Man"---doesn't nip, just vocal).

Anyway, our rescue pyr, TJ, had been in the shelter for 2 months when we found him. He had been surrendered by the breeder along with his buddy, a Border Collie. Needless to say, the Border Collie was adopted right away, while TJ waited for my sons and I. When we first brought him home, he and Tucker got along very well (and still do!), so I never even thought about separation anxiety! The first time I left the house for about 30 minutes, I was stunned when I returned: several large potted plants were overturned, he had obviously been pacing back and forth in front of the windows. There were giant scratches on the door to the garage and the front door, and copious amounts of drool everywhere!!!!!!! I felt so horrified that this sweet, gentle dog had suffered so much!! He was beside himself and couldn't even settle down for a good 20 minutes after I got home and sat gently calling him he was so worked-up.

Consequently, I tried the leave for a few seconds, then increase the time approach to no avail. I considered trying Rescue Remedy (Bach flower spray stuff), but wanted to just try some TLC first. I planned all of my errands either early in the morning or late in the evening and took both dogs in my SUV with me wherever I went, inconvenient, but time well spent. After doing this for a couple of weeks, I started with the gradual increase in the time I left the dogs home alone and gave them just the downstairs area to roam in (moving all the plants!). It worked! I don't know if it was the time the dogs spent together or just TJ understanding that we were his for good, or both............whatever it was, there have been no more problems since.

Deb