Separation Issues

I think Carly is having separation issues! My husband usually takes Carly for her walks but he has been working away for the last month or so, ( we are in the process of moving), I have to go away once in a while to do things for our new house, my daughter is away on vacation at the moment and most days I am working so unfortunately Carly is left alone for a few hours. I better also say that I was away for a whole night and Carly was left with a carer, it seems since I came home she doesn't leave my side. I can't go anywhere without her following me. I love her dearly but this is getting tiresome. Will she get over this? She'll be happy "daddy" will be home this weekend.

she most likely wont get over it if you dont train her out of it.

i practice leaving and coming back into my room after putting my dog into a down/stay a few times a day.

I must try that, thanks.

One 20 minute walk a day might make her less ansy.

To me it sounds like she missed you.:)

Daddy is away.Mommy has been a bit busy.Mommy leaves for the night.Mommy comes back.Carly is sooooo happy to see mommy.;)

something i forgot to mention is that while you are practicing this NEVER come back when your dog is whining.

wait until the room is silent to come back inside.

this will hopefully teach the dog that you come back when her mind is calm, not anxious.

if you leave, and she whines and you return this will only amplify the behavior you are trying to eliminate.



is that right guys? someone back me up here.

I don't think this is a separation issue, more like loneliness. The one who walks her has been gone for a month (no walkies for an entire 30 days), the 2nd. one is on vacation and 3rd. one is too busy and getting fed-up wih her clinginess. Hopefully once everyone is back (especially the dog walker) she'll feel more secure and less alone.

I think Carly is just sad, and understandably so. Last weekend my boyfriend needed to be gone overnight, and by the end of the second day, Chase was moping, whining, and burrowing into Daddy's side of the bed. All this, and that's considering I was home, I am the primary dog walker and Chase NEVER acts like that and is well-accustomed to staying home alone with no fuss so i'm sure there is no seperation anxiety generally. I strongly believe, without a doubt, dogs have very strong emotions. I think they can have a favourite person, and they don't like the pack to be split up.

Brika - Carly will likely improve once your husband and daughter return. In the meantime, try to distract her with walks and playtime as much as you can manage, and try to talk to her in an upbeat, happy voice. I'm sure she senses your frustration with her right now.

I have started taking her for walks and play with her a bit more and she seems a bit more relaxed. Daddy will be home today so she'll be sooooooo excited. She really is a good girl.

Great news.