Separation Anxiety

CarrotTheFrenchie · Apr 10, 2017

Seeking advice on how to deal with separation anxiety with my furbaby. I'm afraid I've created this situation as I rarely go anywhere without Carrot and if I have to leave her, I usually leave her with someone. I rarely leave her alone in her crate. I didn't think it was a problem before but now I'm realizing that I've probably done her a disservice by not training her to be okay on her own. She also wants to be with me ALL THE TIME. I think she's constantly afraid I'll leave without her.

Jakeyjake · Apr 11, 2017

I would practice short periods of time in her crate while you are home with a special treat, stuffed kong, etc. The goal would be to make her crate a safe, quiet, enjoyable place for her to be. Never take her out if she is whining or barking as this will only make matters worse. Also don't make a big commotion when you leave or when you come home. Ideally the dog should be ignored when you first come home until she has calmed down and then give her attention. I know it's hard when they are so happy to see you, but it truly works. Frenchies can be velcro dogs so I hope you can find a solution to make her less anxious about being left.

CarrotTheFrenchie · Apr 11, 2017

Thanks for the advice. I will have to work with her on the crate. She goes in at night, no problem, but she definitely doesn't love her crate like some dogs do. She doesn't see it as her special place or her safe space. And the weird thing is, she's not as interested in kong-like treats when she's in the crate during the day. She's far more interested in what's going on OUTSIDE the crate. She definitely has FOMO (fear of missing out)

Mavis · Apr 11, 2017

Can you drape a sheet over the sides and back of the crate to make it more den-like? We do that with Bambi and Ginger's crates and they seem to like it, plus I think it cuts down on drafts. I don't know, I imagine otherwise maybe they feel exposed but somewhat trapped (?). If someone wants to make a gazillion dollars, they should come up with a top, sides and back fitted crate cover that is washable. I'd buy it.

Good luck.

Alice Kable · Apr 11, 2017

Jakeyjake said:
I would practice short periods of time in her crate while you are home with a special treat, stuffed kong, etc. The goal would be to make her crate a safe, quiet, enjoyable place for her to be. Never take her out if she is whining or barking as this will only make matters worse. Also don't make a big commotion when you leave or when you come home. Ideally the dog should be ignored when you first come home until she has calmed down and then give her attention. I know it's hard when they are so happy to see you, but it truly works. Frenchies can be velcro dogs so I hope you can find a solution to make her less anxious about being left.

Exactly!!!

WeeDex · Apr 12, 2017

Mavis said:
Can you drape a sheet over the sides and back of the crate to make it more den-like? We do that with Bambi and Ginger's crates and they seem to like it, plus I think it cuts down on drafts. I don't know, I imagine otherwise maybe they feel exposed but somewhat trapped (?). If someone wants to make a gazillion dollars, they should come up with a top, sides and back fitted crate cover that is washable. I'd buy it.

Good luck.

We do exactly the same. He can only see out one end of the crate and I think it makes it feel a lot more like a safe place, and stops any distractions that might bother him. There are some great covers available on etsy! We couldn't get one as they're mostly available in the States and the shipping was too much, but definitely worth a look! You can get their names printed on them and everything!