Pets
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Separation Anxiety?

My boyfriend and I recently relocated from Cincinnati back to my home area. We originally had two cocker spaniels (Bella-girl, 7 yrs old and Cooper-boy, 4 yrs old). Bella is very dominant and was too controlling of Cooper so, luckily, my dad agreed to take her. We now only have Cooper and he has been amazing-with one issue, of course, lol. The dogs used to sleep in the kennel at night to control wetting in the house, but with Bella gone Cooper has been able to control himself and now gets to sleep with us at night! Now, the only time he has to be in the kennel is when we leave the house; my boyfriend is against trusting him anywhere in the house while we are gone. The kennel is in the back of our house, in our bedroom, and is always there with the door open until we leave. Every time Cooper is kenneled he drools/spits all over his cage! He does not do this any other time. When I open the cage there's spit everywhere and he's covered in it. I have to bath him every time. This only started since we've moved and I know this can't be healthy...any suggestions?

Re: Separation Anxiety?

  • There's a book called "I'll Be Home Soon" by Patricia McConnell that deals with separation anxiety. Perhaps it could help you determine whether separation anxiety is at play here and if so, how to treat it. If you feel you can't handle it on your own, you may want to hire a behaviorist (not a trainer, they are different) to help you.

    McConnell also has a book on managing multi dog households that I found helpful (we had 2 pugs for several years - our older one passed away 2 months ago), but it sounds like that ship has sailed since you already gave away one of your pups.
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  • You could always try putting something in the kennel that smells like you. Like take the shirt you wore yesterday and place it in there. The smell of you should comfort him. 
  • Thank you both for the tips! I will try putting my shirt in this next time and if that doesn't help, look into the book! 

    Caz1221- Im sorry for your loss! Pets are amazing and each one brings his/her own love and humor; I know he/she is greatly missed.
  • Thank you both for the tips! I will try putting my shirt in this next time and if that doesn't help, look into the book! 


    Caz1221- Im sorry for your loss! Pets are amazing and each one brings his/her own love and humor; I know he/she is greatly missed.
    Thanks so much - it was so hard to say goodbye to him, but we know he'll always be with us in our hearts. They truly are part of the family.
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