Re: What behaviour/calming aids do you use? Help!

nickyc — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:30:05 GMT

I feel your pain.. My own dog developed sepration anxiety at 8 years of age where she had been totally fine about being home alone before this.. It was a hugely stressful time especially as she was barking and disturbing my night working neighbour! Anyway I sort the help of a behaviourist who put a modification programme in place.. I used Clomicalm and calmex capsule, dap collar and plug ins, built a den, and used xanac on really bad days ie: fireworks night, and also a thunder jacket. You have to completley change rountine to avoid any stress.. ie: for me this was never leaving my dog home alone at all! Until the medication started working and she was feeling more settled about life. I was fortunate to have friends/family who would happily have her then she would be fine if I left because she still had someone she knew with her, but it she was also more anxious at home then anywhere else.. Also finding out any trigger factors ie: for my dog turned out to be more leaflets being put though the frontdoor more regularly- we moved house, and she is a guarding breed! Partial cruciate rupture which meant lead rest, and no vent for frustration plus pain.. It has been tough but now 18 months on I have got her back into her normal rountine, and have managed to wean off all medication (fingers crossed) I did do a lot of research and would consult more then one behaviourist, and someone else might suggest something that the other hadnt thought of..Interactive toys were also my saviour and now have a very large collection but I rotate these, and never leave home unless she has something to occupy her mind.. Also (finally) long walk before you leave home, and also do some training so both body and mind is tired, and also feeding a high carbohydrate meal which aids serotonin release, but also makes them feel more drowsy.. I did also spend many hours sitting on the doorstep, and going in and out of the house pretending to leave then not going, also another trigger for my dog was my work uniform, so I started changing at work. Also leaving via the back door also helped...

Re: What behaviour/calming aids do you use? Help!

funkyfish — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:24:30 GMT

Alprazolam, diazopam, Clomicalm, Fluetxitine, L-tryptophan and B vits. Amyltryptoline, DAP. Time out from stress to reduce stress sacking- if inter dog- don't walk the dog for a few weeks etc.

Increasing headonistic budget

Body awareness to improve self confidence. Mental stimulating at home with games. Increase support and bond from owner so dog has a safety crutch.

Re: What behaviour/calming aids do you use? Help!

Emma Bartlett — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:36:02 GMT

I have used Tellington Touch groundwork, bodywork and wraps for my dogs. I have been to a couple of workshops and had consultations for specific advice for individual issues http://www.ttouchtteam.co.uk/TTouchHistoryof.shtml