Ack! Dog with seperation anxiety!

[carlitasway]

Has anyone delt with this? She is about 2 years old. I'm not sure how many owners she's had. Ava has major seperation anxiety. If any of you have dealt with this what did you use? She's tore down my blinds, tore up two pillows, some clothes and now is moving to my dust ruffle. I have a large wire crate I use to put her in to minimize the damage but it's next to my bed. And now it looks like she's doing something to the walls. My house isn't big and my bedroom is the only place that has room. I'm tempted to change her name to shadow because she follows me everywhere and won't let me out of her sight. Not even my kids are this clingy! I love her to pieces but she's driving me insane! Help!!!

[Ceashels]

Can you move her crate away from the walls?

Our Lacy has separation anxiety as well, but not as bad. Cleo was here before her and I think that helps stabilize her part of the pack. Do you crate her while you ARE home so she can feel she is in a safe place knowing you are still around? Does she sleep in the crate as well? Those 2 things will help her view her crate as a safe place to be whether you are home or not.

When DH leaves, Lacy runs from window to window barking until the car is out of site so I distract her with a toy or food. When I leave, I give each a 1/3 of a pigs ear treat to occupy them for a few minutes till I drive away.

Have you tried a Kong ball that will hold peanut butter or some sort of treat that she can work on while you are away? Some of the issue may also be boredom along side the separation issues.

I wish I could offer more advice. We have had Lacy for 18 months and even though her behaviors are better they are not gone.