You Love Us So Much....

It has been a few years since Kiry aquired us.  She was around 4 or 5 at the time already.  Her prior owner wasn't too sure but knew it was in that range.  We rescued her as her owner was gone for long periods of time and couldn't take care of her any longer.

When we first brought Kirby home she suffered from seperation anxiety quite strongly.   Dachshunds are know for this type of behaviour so it was to be expected.  We weren't quite sure what to do about it at the time as this was our first pet with this problem.

We tried different techniques with some definately working better than others.  I thought I would share what we learned in case there are others going through the same things.

1. Be Patient and Caring;  We had to remember not to get angry with Kirby.  It wasn't as if she was really doing something wrong.  Just like a baby, all she really wants is to be with her family.
   
   
2. From above I wouldn't recommend shock or spray collars;  Both can be painful to your little friend as the shock can hurt (haven't you ever watched the guys doing it on America's Funniest Home Videos, now I am all for that) and the spray can get in their eyes.
   
   
3. As with all other training, reward for good behaviour;  We tried leaving her for short periods of time, like minutes, just listening outside the door and then coming back in.  If she was good during the time we were gone then she got a treat.  We were eventually able to increase the time gone until it could be a couple of hours easily.
   
   
4. Have a safe place;  Letting them have the run of the house isn't necessiarly the best option, even if bathroom trained.  When we left Kirby at first she would scratch constantly at the doors, eventually cutting into the wood.  It is better to have a place they can be comfortable in, like a pen or crate and that way when they are in that environment they will come to know their friends will return and all is good.
   
   
5. Don't get them excited upon returning;  It was so natural to want to play with Kirby when we got home because she was so exicted to see us.  However this would have a negative effect in working her up into a frenzy that would carry over into the next time we were gone.  We found that it is best to act normal upon returning home, almost ignoring her, until she would calm down.  Then a nice pet and treat and all would be happy.   The next time leaving would also not be as rough.
   
   
6. There are many right ways;  This is what worked for us.  Will it work for you?  Maybe or maybe not.  Try new ways but treat them nicely.  If you have anything that you would  like suggest or has worked for you please leave a comment for others to see.

Thanks!