keltec9mm

I was wondering if anyone else has a basset that suffers from this. Shiloh, freaks out if we leave him. I know he doesn't sleep because when we come home from a long trip he is excited for the first 5 minutes that we are home, and than poof he is asleep.

It use to be really severe where he would use the restroom all over the house (Thank God For Tile Floors), now he doesn't do that but I am sure he doesn't sleep and paces, and worries. We leave the TV on for him, and I always throw him an old shirt of mine to try to curb it. Anyhow I was just wondering if this is something that is common, and if he will eventually grow out of it?

tygrrrl

Our dear, departed Winston had separation anxiety issues. Apparently there was a lot of barking and howling when we were at work every day. If we went away for the weekend and left the dogs home with the neighbors feeding them, Winston would often dig out from under the fence and go off to find us. He was a senior citizen when I met him, and his anxiety only seemed to get worse with time.

I'd advise you to work on it now, as it will more likely worsen than go away.

2hounds

My boy Gibbs trembles, whines, barks, etc. whenever we leave him. I don't have an answer, but just wanted to share that he does it too. He's a rescue and not sure if that has something to do with it??

~Heather

__________________
Mommy to Gibbs and kitty kitty Eva

Dear sweet Lily (ATB ) you will never be forgotten.

Mikey T

It is possible but not likely bassets are more socialially oriented than many other breed making them more prone to seperation anxiety. It is one reason why many owner have more than one or at least another companion animal for them so they are not alone, That said many do just fine as single pets as well.

see Separation Anxiety
Absent this type of treatment often the only alternative if the use of anti-anxiety medication combined with behavior modification, such as prozac or clomicalm so you may want to discuss this with your vet you may be able to suggest a behaviorist as well to work with.

DOG WHO LOVED TOO MUCH
Here is first consumer-oriented discussion of the use and application of medication in the management and treatment of behavioral problems in dogs. Dogs experience the whole range of psychological problems that humans do; depression, anxiety, fear, aggression, and grief. The dog-owning public is seeking solutions to doggie problems which may include the application of human medications. A Professor of Behavioral Pharmacology at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, author Dodman's approach includes an in-depth understanding of behavior, making key changes in diet, exercise, environment, and at times, prescribing state-of-the-art medication. Case histories enhance the understanding of Dodman's theories. Fascinating reading!

gsally

Is it possible that the dog picks up on the anxiety felt by the owner for having to leave the dog?

I always wondered about that! I was a pretty nervous first time basset owner. Hope do do better this time around.

Our girl experienced separation anxiety. We worked through it, limiting alone time to not more than four hours at a stretch. She got better as she grew older, however, the holiday time when everyone was busy, she resorted to her old methods of acting out and was good for destroying at least one or two Christmas ornaments when she didn't get her "quality" time.

Mikey T

It is thought that de-emphysising departures and arrivals goes along way in reducing and alieviating speeration anxiety. So if a anxiety owner when leaving has an extensive and elaborate departure ritual as well as an exuburant greeting ritual upon arrivial will tend to make things worse,

2hounds

It's interesting Mikey that you mentioned the companion thing. When I first got Lily I had another dog, after Lil'Bit died Lily became very whiney when being left. About 3 1/2 years ago we got Gibbs hoping that he would ease her anxiety...well Lily doesn't seem to mind being left anymore, but Gibbs is another story. Like I stated above he's a mess when we leave him. He was found as a stray so I wonder if that has at least a small part in it. I do know that I'm not good at leaving him because of how he acts and I know it's a cycle. I'm not too worried about it though. It's nothing that's not manageable.

~Heather

__________________
Mommy to Gibbs and kitty kitty Eva

Dear sweet Lily (ATB ) you will never be forgotten.

keltec9mm

Thanks for the Replies.

We have recently installed a doggie door so that he can go in and out as he pleases. This helped with the problem a little. He doesn't seem to be as distraut as he use to be about us leaving. We kind of turned it into a game for him. When we get home he sticks his nose through the fence, I will give him a pet on the nose and walk to the door. Before I can make it the 15 steps or so, he is at the door wagging his tail. Than I will walk back to the fence. He will beat me there with his big long snout stuck out. I think the freedom of being able to torment the ducks in the pond, and chasing the squirls has curbed this a lot. And this has only been since I posted last.

murraysmom

Try giving him a stuffed kong when you have to leave him alone- Kong Dog Toys - Dog.com

I would give it to him only when you leave so he has something to look forward to when you go - it should keep him occupied for hours if you stuff it tightly- some people freeze them with cream cheese added to the treats, so the dog has to work extra hard to get at the food.

I use the large black one for heavy chewers-

Mikey T

Mental stimulation can go a long way in relieving bordom and stress Here interactive cames can be a big help, but the will have little or no effect on severe seperation anxiety only mild forms or problem behaviors born out of boredom not seperation anxiety.

see below for one of the most diverse collection of ineteractive toys anywhere.
interactive dog toys