Question:
In the last couple of weeks, my 6 1/2 mo. old chocolate lab totally destroys anything in her crate when left alone even for short periods of time (like 30 min. or less). There is also excessive drooling, so the floor pan is covered and she is all wet. What is going on? This has been getting worse over the weeks. We got her from a shelter about 3 weeks ago and I’m sure she was in a crate a lot then. How do I get this to stop?
Answer:
What you are describing sounds like excessive separation anxiety. Labradors are prone to this type of anxiety as they are people lovers.
Seeing as your puppy is not only destroying things but also has excessive drooling, my advice would be to seek the assistance of a dog behaviorist in your area to work directly with you and your puppy. The best place to start is to ask your veterinarian if she or he can recommend someone.
Most of the time, this can be solved without medications, as it is a behavioral issue. With time and consistent training, your puppy should be good – but only but working directly with someone in your area can you start on the right track.
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Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air – explode softly – and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth – boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn’t go cheap, either – not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination. ~Robert Fulghum
Great post. Separation Anxiety in dogs is very similar to children’s as well. It is the emotional need and attachment that causes these behaviors, it requires so much patience…! I liked your answer
Yes, a dog sitter does come in handy. If you have someone that can watch your pup while you are away, then I suggest that you have one to help alleviate the stress of separation. Great point!
Labradors are so prone into this. In my case, I hire a dog sitter so that my dogs won’t throw tantrums.
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