JustErin said:

im really hoping that will happen for us too

johnart said:

Ppl drive me insane when they just tell ppl to get rid of the dog if it does not behave as they feel it should.


Dogs with issues like separation anxiety take lots of patience and it is really trial and error in some cases. Once you find things that work, you have to be consistent.
All dogs respond to different things and different breeds have their own inherent traits to think about.
Lots of love, boundaries, toys, exercise, stimulation and patience.

nakedpianoplayer said:

I hope so.

And by better I mean, better but not cured by any means. Instead of hurting herself she became a serious barker when she was left at home alone - which thankfully hardly ever happened.

Anyway, good luck!

Other people have already given you good advice. Glad you're seeing progress.

I just wanted to add one thing. . . I assume the dog is neutered? Sorry if you already said that and I missed it. If by some chance he's not, for gawd's sake, get that done.

Dogs can also be put on, essentially, antidepressant therapy. Some sep-anxiety dogs benefit from medication (not sedatives. . . the goal isn't to make him dopey, it's to smooth the edges of his mental states). Some don't. If you can't get there with behavioral therapy, it's something to consider.

Good luck.

tackam said:

he has his surgery next week poor guy... hes gotten away with it for a lot longer than he should have because of my operation and that i couldnt drive over the past several weeks/months. im always sad when we have to get this done, but the pets are so much better for it in the end so im looking forward to the overall outcome of it

the vet and i have concidered putting him back on meds, hes been on them already once before, but if i can make things better by working with him, i'd really like to see that be what brings him around

so far, no more messes in the house, able to sleep on his own across the room from me - yet still come and lay with me when invited. his barking has gone down but he does still frighten easily. more work to come, but we're making progress

nakedpianoplayer said:

Good job.
One thing I do before during and after surgery is give them Rescue Remedy. Just something to take the edge off the anxiety.
We are trying Dylan on the Walnut Bach Remedy to help with change and transition. The Homeopath thinks that he is trying to adjust after his neutering and he will have to adjust to having a baby in the house.

As for you and the family, keep up the good work.

Your patience and care for this doggy is wonderful!

Poodles are pretty high strung, but also very quick to learn. One thing you absolutely MUST consider though, is to really not throw sticks or balls very much - poodles are very prone to becoming obsessed with things like this and any dog wanting to chase something again and again without end is not really enjoying it, they're locked in on it and it increases their stress.
You might want to try freestyle moves with him, or canine agility if you have access to some place with obstacles/fences. Freestyle has the advantage that you can do it right in your own back yard, and with music you like (if you want music with it).
And last but not least - you have done so very good so far, the both of you!

Standard Poodles are my favorite dogs. We have a couple and have done some Standard rescue, though we're taking a bit of a break to care for our aging gang. I just love them. Thankfully my guys are laid back couch potatoes, but then they are ten years old. Your posts remind me of the early days with one in particular. Oh my.

I'm glad things seem to be improving. If the poop begins again in another favorite spot, try feeding him in that spot.

Horsefeathers said:

oh my goodness, thats a FANTASTIC plan! i've never heard anyone say that before, i wonder if that would work?????


and your "oh my" puppy.... did things ever work out?

Dumbass me edit
[Edited 4/30/09 16:11pm]

Teacher said:

i know, that makes me very sad - its not their fault

nakedpianoplayer said:

OMG... I'm sorry, wrong thread I'm sorry, Kel Let's delete our posts ok? I'll repost on the flu thread
[Edited 4/30/09 16:15pm]