[NAGDU] Treating What Could be Separation Anxiety

[S L Johnson]

Hello Joe:

First I would never take a job where my dog would not be able to be with me. 
furthermore, some dogs just hate a crate.  I personally do not use them 
because I think they are a form of cruel punishment.  No dog deserves to be 
stuffed into a crate.  You should consider using a tie-down where the dog 
would still be able to see you and be safely out of the way.  This can be 
achieved by wrapping the tie-down around the leg of something that cannot be 
moved.  Otherwise, screw an eye-bolt into the baseboard or wall, be sure it 
is not just dry wall but the stud.  I have done this at work and found it to 
work quite well.  The dog is restrained but is still able to see you and lye 
comfortably on a rug, blanket or bed while you go about doing your work.  A 
guide dog is naturally trained to stay with the handler.  Therefore you can 
expect the dog to be very upset when separated.  If you insist on allowing 
yourself to be separated from your dog, you must start slow and gradual. 
Leave the dog for just a few minutes but stay within the area so you can 
hear the dog's reaction to being left.  Hopefully the dog will respond to a 
verbal reprimand to be quiet.  As the dog remains quiet, then gradually 
increase the length of time until you reach your desired length of time left 
alone.  Sometimes it helps to let the dog have a favorite rug or blanket as 
well as a favorite bone and cuddly toy.

Sandra and Eva

-----Original Message----- 
From: Joe via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2016 9:00 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Joe
Subject: [NAGDU] Treating What Could be Separation Anxiety

Hello,

I have a situation with a dog that is experiencing something that may or may
not be separation anxiety. Because of the profession, the guide dog must be
left in a crate for a few hours at a time while the individual completes
tasks away from the dog. The dog proceeds to bark incessantly until it is
given attention or taken out of the crate and held on leash. Does anyone
have suggestions on how the dog can be sufficiently calmed during this
temporary period? The dog's demeanor is otherwise pleasant. Their work has
not suffered from these periods of not being used. The nature of the job
prohibits the use of the dog, so recommending exceptions, while
well-intentioned, would not make for a workable solution. Thank you kindly
in advance for any tips and/or referrals to great resources you can
personally point to.

Best,

Joe

--
Musings of a Work in Progress:
www.JoeOrozco.com/

Twitter: @ScribblingJoe




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