Q: We are having some difficulty with our 9-year old female German Shepherd. My husband and I have recently taken her to live with us after the death of my Mum, who had her for those first 9 years of her life.
The only problem we have, and believe me she is so good in so many other ways, is when we have to leave her. In the whole of her life with my Mum she NEVER had to be left on her own. What happens is that from the moment we leave her to when we return she barks and cries and even howls loudly. We have had complaints from neighbors and it also leaves the dog very distressed. We have tried to follow the advice of a local lady regarding the way we treat her generally and this does seem to have had some effect on her general behavior but nothing seems to be working on the main problem. I am at my wits end now and am seriously considering asking my veterinarian if he will give us sedation for her for the hours we have to be away from home working. Do you have any suggestions?
A: I think the sedation would be completely in order, when combined with other things to help her settle in. Try to keep as regular a schedule as you can. Take her places if she likes to go out, because taking a dog on outings increases her bond to you. Spend a few minutes every day grooming her -- this is good for bonding and other things too.
When you are leaving her alone, leave her with a treat, but make a calm departure. When you return, walk in the door, keep walking to hang up your coat or to walk her to the back door or to put your things away -- talk happily to her, but don't stop to stand and encourage her in getting overexcited at your return. Create the atmosphere that your comings and goings are nothing for her to be worried over.
She has lost her home and at the same time lost her routine of not being left alone, so this will take time. If one of you can pop in midday and give her a snack and an outdoor chance for relief, that could ease her transition, too. Then leave her calmly with a fresh treat. Dogs sleep about 14 hours a day, so she can learn to sleep much of the time you are gone. I think a short-term course of medication makes a lot of sense in this case.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. I'm sure she would be very pleased at your loving care of the dog who must have meant so much to her. God bless.