Stressed Dog

[Too Late]

So, i have a 8 year old Boxer and a 18 month old westie.

The boxer is getting increasingly anxious when we leave the house unexpected. During the week they know we leave at a set time and get back in the evening, thats fine. Today my wife was off we work and i went in late, she dropped me off at the station gave the dogs a good walk before taking them home, doing a few house chores then leaving.

We got a call from a neighbor that Molly, the boxer had escaped, ran across the road and into a neighbors house. Luckily the wife was only 20 mins away.

Any idea on trying to relax her when we go out, we literally have to take her everywhere with us, we have replaced 3/4 fence panels, put chicken wire and then stronger metal fencing up to stop her in some places...

Thanks
N

[DavesFlaps]

I was going to suggest something like Adaptil, however I don't know how effective it is for older dogs. I'm sure someone will be along shortly who'll know though.

[ali_kat]

Pet Remedy - a plug in diffuser in the places they spend time in during the day?

Zylkene - sprinkled on food - Or talk to your vet who will be able to help

Increase the security on your garden

Get a dog walker to come in?

[R1gtr]

ali_kat said:

Pet Remedy - a plug in diffuser in the places they spend time in during the day?

Zylkene - sprinkled on food - Or talk to your vet who will be able to help

Increase the security on your garden

Get a dog walker to come in?

if leaving her indoors try leaving the radio on too, helps with some dogs that have seperation anxiety.

My 8 year old Boxer Daisy has seperation anxiety and like yours is fine with the normal routine but gets upset if things are altered.

[AdiT]

I take it from yourpostthat the dog is either left in or has access to the garden when you're out. From there it must seem like the best option is to get out and follow you. Wouldn't it be better/safer to lock her inside?

Then it's a case of leaving and returning within mins with no fuss and repeat over days/weeks/months until he get's used to it with gradually longer periods away.

[Too Late]

AdiT said:

I take it from yourpostthat the dog is either left in or has access to the garden when you're out. From there it must seem like the best option is to get out and follow you. Wouldn't it be better/safer to lock her inside?

Then it's a case of leaving and returning within mins with no fuss and repeat over days/weeks/months until he get's used to it with gradually longer periods away.

That's not a bad idea.

Thanks for all the ideas. She has a dog flap so maybe we need to look at stopping her during the day.

Thanks
N