18
votes
What should I do if my dog fails a cycle of her separation training?
I'm sorry to tell you that, but your approach is wrong. That's not how you train separation and independence with your dog.
What you currently do is training a command. You say a specific word, your ...
Elmy♦
- 34k
12
votes
How can I help my cat avoid depression and separation anxiety after moving to my first apartment ever?
As far as the smaller room is concerned, keep in mind that cats are less interested in square feet of floor than total available square feet on all accessible levels.
Even if the room is smaller, you ...
- 2,932
5
votes
Accepted
My dog builds a bed out of my pillows and other things off my bed when I'm out
That is so adorable! (If annoying.)
I'd try giving your dog its own soft things, so maybe it will prefer those instead, and leave your bedroom alone. I've heard that greyhounds in particular get ...
- 16.4k
5
votes
How can I as a dogsitter care for separation anxiety?
If he's not interested in toys (some dogs just are like that) I propose engaging his nose instead. Treats with a strong scent (like cheese, sausage or fish) can easily distract a dog and redirect ...
Elmy♦
- 34k
4
votes
How can I help my cat avoid depression and separation anxiety after moving to my first apartment ever?
As an addenum to bgse's excellent answer, try to bring familiar scents to your new apartment. If your cat has existing furniture and bedding, shortly after moving is the wrong time to wash or replace ...
- 141
4
votes
Accepted
Is it possible to train a dog to not have separation anxiety right from when it's 8 weeks old?
The FIRST thing I would be concerned about is getting an Australian Shepherd (mini or not) when living in an apartment and having to leave the dog alone for several hours each day.
Are you experienced ...
Elmy♦
- 34k
4
votes
Why can my cat not sleep anywhere else other than my mother's lap?
She calms down only after someone of us comes to her and pets her.
If you respond to her meowing by giving her attention, then you are teaching her to meow for attention. This is a negative feedback ...
- 5,636
3
votes
Six-year-old dog peeing/pooping when alone at home
This sounds a lot like separation anxiety. He doesn't deliberately misbehave to annoy you.
First things first:
If you want to reprimand a dog (or any animal), you have to do it within 3 seconds of the ...
Elmy♦
- 34k
3
votes
Husky shows different behavior between households -- is this normal for the breed?
I can't help but feel, first off: whether Husky or not, this is a dog with a strong bond to you; and really, you and your family and pets are her pack. I'm tempted to add, what else seems obvious. (...
- 141
2
votes
Clingy puppy with insane separation anxiety
The first thing to say, sadly, is that depending on your mum's situation she may not be able to take care of a pup that requires constant company.
Also, this kind of dangerously severe anxiety ...
- 161
2
votes
Accepted
Bengal/Maine Coon kitten: crying loudly/repeatedly
The solution was to:
Keep it busy (aka quiet), when possible, by:
Letting it sit on people.
Be around other pets.
Tire it out via a mouse-on-a-stick toy.
When the above is not possible, put the cat ...
- 51
1
vote
Accepted
Will it harm our relationship with our dogs if we are away for three weeks?
This is a very interesting question and it hit home for me as well because I travel quite a bit for work. I did some digging and found an article with input from a veterinarian.
In short, most dogs ...
- 256
1
vote
Old cat kicked out of bedroom for new kitten, cause of anxiety?
Your older cat is male. If he isn't neutered, the chances that he will ever accept another cat in his territory are very slim. Male cats aren't very social creatures and usually choose not to live ...
Elmy♦
- 34k
1
vote
8 month old akita separation anxiety soiling on rug when away
Separation anxiety is always hard to combat and you need to have lots of patience.
I strongly advise against talking to your dog via baby cam. I once saw a Youtube video (sorry but I can't find it ...
Elmy♦
- 34k
1
vote
Clingy puppy with insane separation anxiety
In addition to Grim's answer, I suggest training "stay" with him.
You can make the training fun and rewarding for him by training "stay, then get the treat" or "stay, then ...
Elmy♦
- 34k
1
vote
Accepted
How long of silence/calmness to reward when crate training (9 week old dachshund)?
There's a vital difference between crate training and obedience training.
In obedience training, you say a command, your dog (hopefully) follows it and expects a reward for it. In crate training you ...
Elmy♦
- 34k
1
vote
Six-year-old dog peeing/pooping when alone at home
Since this is only happening when he is alone at home, it may be difficult to remove the behavior through direct training. My first recommendation is to prevent your dog from going upstairs when you ...
- 1,556
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