Pacing ?????

P

pixgal

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Been working with Miss Sadie so I can leave her in the Kitchen when I go somewhere. I usually leave her in the crate. I have a gate across the kitchen so she can't get into the livingroom. I put her crate in there and a blanket on the floor. I put the video on to see what she does. I left her for a half an hour at a time. She spends most of the time pacing back and forth and whines and cries. She doesn't do that in the crate.(I've left the video camera on to watch her)

Not sure how to help her get through this. I thought she would be happy to have more room while I'm gone.:confused2:
 
Don't feel guilty about using the crate and training your dog to be comfortable with it.

It's something that will come in handy, even when it is no longer required.

I haven't crated by dogs at night for 3 years, but they still go into a crate when we are boating over to our island cottage. They go in readily, because that is the routine. They know they will get out when the ride over is done. Period, end of story.

If Miss Sadie is pacing around after you go, then I would say keep her in the crate. Make sure she has water and toys. (I assume she is now housebroken?) And don't feel any guilt over it.

By nature, dogs sleep most of the day. You should not feel guilty about giving your dog a safe and comfortable place to sleep. The crate should be like a den to them.

I don't know what kind of crate you have, but try draping a blanket over it to give it some privacy. And again, if dog is house trained, put a really comfy crate pad inside.
 
The pacing is anxiety as I'm sure you probably know. Sounds like she is developing some separation issues. Is her crate in the room you are leaving her in? If not, then try leaving it with the door off to allow her to go into it at will.
 
Thanks for your comments. I have the crate in the room I'm leaving her in. I always have her throw blanket on the crate. It's like a little cave.

I thought she would have the crate if she wanted to go inside to sleep. I just figured she would love having more room to play in.

She is totally housebroke but not chewbroke. I can't leave her alone in the house yet. She's 8 months and still thinks she needs to chew on everything. I always leave toys and water for her. I may try a few more times and see if she settles down some.

Does anyone think I should try putting her in the kitchen without the crate?
 
pixgal said:
Thanks for your comments. I have the crate in the room I'm leaving her in. I always have her throw blanket on the crate. It's like a little cave.

I thought she would have the crate if she wanted to go inside to sleep. I just figured she would love having more room to play in.

She is totally housebroke but not chewbroke. I can't leave her alone in the house yet. She's 8 months and still thinks she needs to chew on everything. I always leave toys and water for her. I may try a few more times and see if she settles down some.

Does anyone think I should try putting her in the kitchen without the crate?
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Does she even go in it when you do leave it there? Either way, I don't think it will change her behavior. Have you tried tv or radio? Do you leave anything edible for her? Like a treat ball or something?
 
anxiety

when Beau gets anxious (i.e) pacing back and forth, shaking, from thunderstorms I put him in the crate and put a blanket on top of the crate. It works wonders. He settles right down. I feel guilty like I'm being a bad momma, but on the other hand I know he feels safe and I let him out once the storm or other activity (i.e) fireworks has passed.
 
Try leaving her for about 2 minutes without any goodbyes etc. and then come back in, again with no fanfare or big hellos. Wait 15 minutes and do it again. As she gets use to you leaving her then extend the time you go out. She is in a fear imprint stage for the next couple of months and you want to get through it without cementing the wrong habits.
 
Before I left the house, I used to leave Romeo something, like a frozen kong stuffed with dog food or a food dispensing toy with a couple of treats in it. He loved it when I left. :lol:

He never feels upset when I go, even now, when I've long stopped giving him anything. Juliet on the other hand, whom I've not done that for, gets anxious and unhappy when I leave (but thankfully stops after a minute or two).
 
Unfortunatly I am going to wait another week till I try again.
Last night (4th of July) just scared her to death. She wouldn't go out at all. She was very fearful, which I thought would happen but didn't think it would be that bad.

I took her out at 12:30 am on a leash and she finally went potty. I knew she had to go. This morning she was very aprehensive about going out the door. I again had to take her out on a leash. She still hasn't poo'd. I'm just taking time sitting with her and trying to comfort her. I don't want to add anymore trama for her.
 
Poor little thing. It's pretty scary having sudden explosions happening with lots of lights. I know a lot of dogs that get thrown completely off by fireworks. Hopefully she will realize that the "invasion" is over and will get her equalibrium back quickly. Give her a scratch and a hug from us.
 
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