Small Anxious Dog- Anyone Help?

posted by Jenny on 16 Apr 2011 at 4:57 pm

Hi.
I have a small 7yr old terrier x, who is extremely anxious and barks incessently if left alone for any period. He is excellent with babies and children, although not good with other dogs. ( He barks at other dogs)
I love him dearly, but feel that I dont know what to do to help him and his behaviour is certainly becoming very stressful for me.
Can anyone suggest anything that might help improve things for him and me?
A dog behaviourist suggested we try that gentle stun collar, but I do not agree with using these. We have tried alot of things, leaving music on, etc,none of which works.
I would love to allow him to run free in an open space, thats what he needs, but I'm scared to due to fear of him being attacked by another dog. A previous traumatic experience of this nature with a dog I owned yrs ago has given me an intense fear of it happening again.
I feel he deserves better than the life he has right now. I'd be grateful for anyones help. Thanks for reading.

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Howling Dog

posted by Sue on 23 Apr 2011 at 4:18 pm

Best thing I know to do is to have a day where you come and go as much as possible, even just a for a few minutes at a time. You can build it up to 5, 10 mins etc as he gains the confidence that you will return.

However what you must do each time you leave is NOT to acknowledge him. Walk out the front door, don't make an issue of going and then come back in and don't acknowledge him on entering. Just busy yourself and avoid eye contact with him. If he creates tap him in the side of has neck - firmly but not cruelly, just enough to push him slightly off balance, telling him QUIET or whatever word you use.
Basically he has got to know you are boss and that you will return.
Build this up slowly over a period of time, weeks, months, but remember you must not get all soft and guey with him each time you return - that will be the hardest thing for you. You won't always have to be like that but to begin with you must.
Good Luck

Bless

posted by rose on 27 Apr 2011 at 9:23 pm

i think i can help you!
im very good with dogs!

Thanks For The Tips

posted by Jenny on 30 Apr 2011 at 11:59 am

Hi Sue
Thanks for your advice, I'll give that a try.It does make sense and can see how that might help make a difference. Just need my neighbours to be understanding in the training process!!
Thank also Rose.