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Post by mellymoo on Oct 10, 2012 13:38:28 GMT 1
Hi, not sure if anyone can help or not. I have a whippet who is now 10 years old. I have had him since he was six months old and he has always been a very anxious dog when he was left on his own. I have seen behaviourists and tried all sort of behaviour programmes to be able to leave him for periods of time, which has been very hard work being working parents and having 4 children ... but we have persevered and I can now leave him for the few hours that I am at work. We have been through a lot with his destructive behaviour and just as I thought we have turned a corner, there are days, for no rhyme or reason, he will suddenly revert back to being destructive, the most recent being scraping chunks of foam out of our sofa cushions. I'm really not sure what I can do to calm him down and don't really want to resort to putting him on drugs. We recently went on holiday and I put Tommo into homeboarding for a couple of weeks. The lady there said that he was good in the company of other dogs and calmed down with one particular dog that was there as it was quite laid back. Has anyone got any advice they can offer? We are quite frustrated with Tommo's behaviour problems as it always feels like it's one step forward and two steps back and sometimes it's just not feasible to take your dog everywhere with you. Especially in the summer months when you can't leave them in the car in hot weather. I have even been reported once for leaving my dog tied up outside a supermarket whilst I did my weekly shop. The old lady thought he was mistreated because he was skinny (obviously didn't know what a whippet looked like). I really do not want to have to try and re-home him as he is such a good dog in all other ways. I've even thought about getting another dog for company for him, but I'm worried that Tommo's anxiety problems might rub off on a new dog and I couldn't cope with two dogs with issues. What advice can anyone offer?
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Post by Boothros on Oct 10, 2012 17:56:38 GMT 1
My first thought when reading was to suggest getting him a friend if he seemed happy in the boarding situation. I would talk to the boarder if you are still in contact to see if you can gleen more info about the dog that he took to as I think it would be quite important to find the 'right' dog for him. At 10 years old and with the huge amount of work that you've put into him already, I can't see him changing for the better sadly but it sounds as though during your hours of work, being used to having a large number of people around him at other times, he is simply lonely. I quite agree that it would be wrong to drug him and not removing the actual problem but have you tried to use a DAP diffuser?
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Post by mellymoo on Oct 14, 2012 15:06:38 GMT 1
Hi Boothros - thanks for your reply. I have spoken with the boarder, it was a springer spaniel that Tommo took to and apparently it was very laid back for a springer. I used to walk regularly with a friend who had a springer so I wonder if that was why he took to her so well? I have booked in to see my vet's behaviourist as I have recently changed vets and will see what they think about getting a companion for him. I have tried a DAP diffuser in the past, especially around this time of year with fireworks on the horizon, but I haven't noticed any difference in his behaviour unfortunately. I did buy a thundershirt last year though that did help a little so am continuing to use that. Thank you for your suggestions and words of wisdom though. All the best.
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Post by jazzmine on Oct 18, 2012 8:37:40 GMT 1
My daughter has a very anxious whippet x collie, now 11 yrs old, and he gets upset by loud or unusual noises, heavy rain, thunderstorms, fireworks etc etc.
She recently bought a Thundershirt and is amazed by the difference it has made to him.
They are available through a lot of pet outlets and I think Amazon is the cheapest AND they come with a 45 day money back guarantee.
It may be worth investing in one as its just like wearing a coat so no stress for him and no drugs!!!
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karla
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by karla on Nov 2, 2012 11:57:42 GMT 1
Have you ever tried crate training with him? If done correctly this can be a god-send..
A crate covered over with a blanket is one of my most valuable items for any stressed dogs that come into foster with me. It becomes their safe haven and once comfortable with it they can even be left crated whilst you go out resulting in a non-stressed dog and no distruction in your home.
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Post by loopylou on Nov 5, 2012 23:28:52 GMT 1
Our Greyhound Suggs was a nervous wreck when we rehomed him, not destructive but literally a bag of nerves. Getting him a companion was the best thing we ever did. Lisa at Gap asked lots about him and suggested an older, confident girl.We adopted 10year old Molly from Gap( I dont think she meant that old but Molly was looking for a home) She was a batty, bossy , (but not nasty in anyway ) Greyhound lady. Sadly she died 11 months later but did Suggs the power of good,since then we have added another four Sighthounds to the pack and with each one Suggs became more and more confident. I'm not suggesting you go that far ;D ;D but the right companion may make all the difference to your boy.
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