Claustrophobia

Re: Claustrophobia

Louise B — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:12:09 GMT

I had a dog that found it traumatic being shut in a kennl (could cope with being stuck in the car though) and would try to break his way out of it. I thought it was just separation anxiety for a while but then found that there was a marked improvement if I tied him up in the kennel - and then left the door open. He would settle down and go to sleep.

Re: Claustrophobia

Fiona Leathers — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:58:43 GMT

Bonnie's claustrophobic in the garden when the back door is shut on her! You would think that the world had come to an end, the noise she makes. Even if we're outside with her, the back door has to be open!

Re: Claustrophobia

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:22:09 GMT

Hmmm strange.

Re: Claustrophobia

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:26:10 GMT

Yup l know Wibs has the seperation problem it is because she has gone from her 2 surrogate "aunties" all her life from about 2.5 weeks old to them both passing on a couple of years ago. So l know where it comes from and we work around it.

But no l mean l am sitting at my desk and she is right by me hassling for the door to be opened. Sniffing, digging then looking at me and poking my leg then back to the door. Once open she goes and lies down again and l have not moved. Well apart from opening said door and sitting back down again.

Re: Claustrophobia

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:16:17 GMT

Hi Carolyn,

I dont know if it is claustrophobia or the need to be near you or not, but one of my dogs follows me round like a lost sheep, I even had to get some behaviour advice regarding it, as it was gettin beyond the ridiculous.

Circe is my dog and I am pretty sure would lay down her life for me, she shadows me wherever I go and is I have to say very obedient.... she so wants to please me.Not a bad thing, but she can also become possesive in the sense that if I give her too much attention she will exert her "elevated status" on the other dogs... ie not being very nice to them.I have to keep her at a certain distance since I have become aware of this,and although it breaks my heart sometimes I have to do it for the greater good and stability within the house.

I sometimes would love it to be just her,as she would be such a faithful companion, and I have seen such faithfulness first hand with my dad and his dog, and I have to say it is a once in a lifetime thing.

Anyway I am beginning to ramble now.

Circe will even lie on a stair that is about 12 inches wide and sleep there if I am upstair.Now this cannot be comfy for her, but she does this to be a s near to me as possible, and although lovely, it is also a shame that I cannot share her un divided attention.

I probably have not answered your question as such, but maybe your dog just wants to be near, I think that is what I want to say.