Hello everyone! I'm reaching out here to (hopefully) try and stamp out this problem before it gets worse.
I adopted a GSD/husky mix about three weeks ago, and everything has gone relatively fine. It's certainly been a stressful adjustment (I just don't handle change in routine well, not her fault), but all things considered we're doing great! My only concern is that as she's settling in and we're getting used to one another, I'm worried my new companion is starting to develop separation anxiety.
I'm currently a student in grad school, so I'm typically gone 2-4 hours a day, consecutively, for 3-4 days a week. Up until today, she's handled this fairly well, but when I got home today she had chewed up the blinds pretty badly. This obviously isn't the end of the world, but I can't afford for her to regularly start destroying my apartment any time I leave! She also constantly follows me around the apartment. Any time I move a muscle, she turns and stares at me like I'm about to run out the door. Any time I stand up, no matter if she's awake or asleep, she's immediately on her feet and right behind me. She's done this since I've gotten her, but it's felt particularly anxiety-induced lately for some reason. I've been trying really hard to make sure she's been exercised mentally and physically any time I leave (especially considering her breed) to prevent boredom, so I don't think it's that. We went on several short walks and then a longer scent walk, played for over an hour inside, and she had a frozen kong all before I left! We went on another long scent walk when I got home, and she immediately started snoozing afterward.
She also just started doggie daycare (only one day a week, when I'm working and don't feel comfortable leaving her home alone for 8-10 hours a day). Her first day was Saturday, and I can't help but feel that this has contributed to her behavior. She's been seemingly more energetic and harder to calm down since her stay. Is this something that could have sparked this separation anxiety or behavioral changes? It's also worth noting that now any time we go outside (especially if I've taken my keys) she tries to pull me to the car. I want her to be socialized and to have a good outlet to burn her energy, but I don't want it to put her in a state of over-arousal that starts a destructive cycle.
Is there any way to stop minimize these destructive behaviors before they really start? I've seen people recommend gradually acclimating anxious dogs to separation, but I can't just stay home 24/7 until we've worked up to extended absences. Is this my only option? I'm at a loss for how to give her a smooth and low-stress adjustment here, and any advice would be greatly appreciated!
submitted by /u/vibingval
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