Category: Top Dog

My dog (7 year old, pug/jack russel mix) constantly, and I mean constantly begs at our pantry door for treats. We keep his food and treats in there.

Any tips on how to break this habit? I ignore him, but I also feel like he does it for attention.

We have a 21 month old at home, so he is adjusting to that. And the winter months have us all stir crazy especially since we had a few weeks of really freezing temps where I couldn’t get him out for walks multiple times a week like we usually do.

It drives me nuts and I hate being upset at him especially when I definitely made him this way.

Please and thank you!

So we just got a dog from the shelter about a week ago. He’s a very sweet boy who is house broken except for occasional accidents when he gets super excited. He usually only does this when we come home or in the morning right before we take him outside. Otherwise, he never has accidents. I’m curious if I should worry about this being a medical thing like bladder issues or something. He is a young dog (around 2 years) Labrador/daushaund mix for reference.

Thanks!

My 13 y/o male lab got out of his harness yesterday and ran off into the forest after a deer. He’s been gone for almost 24 hrs. There is about 20” of snow on the ground. (Luckily it’s warmer today than yesterday) but I’m worried he won’t be able to find his way home.

Any ideas or advice on getting him home would be welcome. Or any advice on dealing with the grief and guilt of not being able to find him.

Editing to add an update:

Thank you everyone for your ideas and support. I’m looking into a drone/ tracking dogs in my area. I’ve seen locals post about using dogs to track deer.

I went out and searched where we last saw him and followed any tracks that looked remotely like dog prints. I left a blanket out on the ground. I’ll update again if we find him!

So my dog is 6 months old and he seems to go through toys like no one’s business and I’m just looking for some recommendations on good durable toys for him

Welcome to the fortnightly separation anxiety support group!

The mission of this post is to provide a constructive place to discuss your dog's progress and setbacks in conquering his/her separation anxiety. Feel free to post your fortnightly progress report, as well as any questions or tips you might have! We seek to provide a safe space to vent your frustrations as well, so feel free to express yourself.

We welcome both owners of dogs with separation anxiety and owners whose dogs have gotten better!

NEW TO SEPARATION ANXIETY?

New to the subject of separation anxiety? A dog with separation anxiety is one who displays stress when the one or more family members leave. Separation anxiety can vary from light stress to separation panic but at the heart of the matter is distress.

Does this sound familiar? Lucky for you, this is a pretty common problem that many dog owners struggle with. It can feel isolating and frustrating, but we are here to help!

Resources

Books

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Don't Leave Me! Step-by-Step Help for Your Dog's Separation Anxiety by Nicole Wilde

Be Right Back!: How To Overcome Your Dog's Separation Anxiety And Regain Your Freedom by Julie Naismith

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Next Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices by Malena DeMartini-Price

Online Articles/Blogs/Sites

Separation Anxiety (archived page from the ASPCA)

Pat Miller summary article on treating separation anxiety

Emily "kikopup" Larlham separation training tips

Videos

Using the Treat&Train to Solve Separation Anxiety

introducing an x-pen so the dog likes it (kikopup)

Podcast:

https://www.trainingwithally.com/the-podcast

Online DIY courses:

https://courses.malenademartini.com

https://www.trainingwithally.com/about-2

https://separationanxietydog.thinkific.com/courses/do-it-yourself-separation-anxiety-program

https://rescuedbytraining.com/separation-anxiety-course

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Introduce your dog if you are new, and for those of you who have previously participated, make sure to tell us how your week has been!