Separation Anxiety

[Mesquite451]

I recently attempted to adopt an older boxer from a shelter. This was my second boxer. My first I had raised from a puppy and had him until his death from lymphoma at the age of 11.

I had no knowledge of the adopted dog's former life; we were told that he was picked up as a stray. Although perfectly behaved when he was with us, the moment he was left alone he went bezerk! If crated, he would chew on the crate until he had bloodied himself. (He destroyed the first crate the first night we had him.) If left alone in the yard, he would chew through the fence. We attempted to leave him alone in the house for about 30 minutes, and he (apparently) tried to go through a closed window and destroyed (and I mean totally destroyed) a mini-blind and peed on the floor. Other aspects of his personality were troublesome. He never barked, took little interest in the yard or his surroundings, and resisted our attempts to play. In fact, he seemed deeply depressed, more so as time when on, despite our efforts.

We tried anti-anxiety meds (no affect) and ultimately consulted a dog whisperer who advised that it was highly unlikely that a dog of that age (5-6) with such severe problems could be rehabilitated. Since we are working people, staying home and holding his paw in hopes he would get over his anxiety was not an option. Reluctantly (although we were emotionally exhausted at this point) we surrendered the dog back to the shelter in hopes a better fit could be found for him (if that is even remotely possible).

Just wondered if others had dealt with this problem and, if so, were you able to find a solution.

[AussieGirl]

Argh I typed a reply and I lost it , so I'll start again. Sorry for the ramble
You sound like you have been through alot. Separation anxiety is very common with rescue dogs. The usual treatment is working on coming and leaving with the dog - desensitizing, ensuring it has had heaps of exercise before you leave and doggie daycare while you work at resolving the issue, BUT you sound like you were dealing with VERY severe anxiety seperation which usually means a combination of meds a behaviourist, and lots and lots and lots of time, and like you said when you are working full time it is very hard to do - don't beat yourself up about it, because you did the right thing in acknowledging it was something you could not deal with, it just wouldn't have been fair to the dog to have kept it and not be able work on it. Here is a story on a Springer Spaniel who sounds just as you are describing (just so you can see you are not alone). As for not ever being able to be rehabilitated I think with the right owner who has a heap of time and the money to invest in the dog and getting a great behaviourist it could be. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

This link has some further info on Separation Anxiety I did have another one, found it, this one is from the Dog Trainers Network

[Spyglass Sally]

That's so sad. It sounds like you did all that you could do - you obviously had no idea the dog was like that or you would have known it wasn't going to be a good match.

Now that the shelter has a better idea of his problems, maybe they can get him some help. I know our trainer volunteers time to help with rehabilitating dogs and maybe they have someone too.

I hope don't give up and are able to find a dog that will be a good fit with you. And certainly don't blame yourselves. Just keep looking, there's one out there that's right for you.