My 10mo Supermutt (mostly Golden Retriever/German Shepherd/Pittie) is regressing in many ways. I know this is to be expected, but it's still extremely stressful. She's afraid of everything, including new things she's never been afraid of before. Taking walks outside, interacting with new ppl, being left alone for long periods of time in her crate, etc. All things she's been exposed to consistently and safely in her early months.
She is 100% crate trained (she looves her crate, always has) but has been crying/howling/pulling the cover off her crate when I leave the house longer than a few hours (out of routine that is, she's fine when I leave for work and come back at the same time every day). Or, if I'm home on the weekends and sleep in past 8am, she howls and cries for me. Which, understandable! She loves the routine. Also, everyday when I leave and come home, she barks and cries wildly in her crate the moment I pull in to my carport. She doesn't stop until I wait by her crate to let her calm down before letting her out.
My main concern is that I don't understand what the root of the issue is. Perhaps, seperation anxiety? Am I reacting correctly? I care a lot about her training and want her feel neutral. I'm mainly looking for advice as to help her, as this may be affecting the other factors we're facing. Better enrichment toys? More routine? Any advice or questions would be extremely helpful. 🙂
submitted by /u/dewleqf
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