Expert: Kaza - 1/7/2008

Question
I belong to a dog rescue in Ohio.  About 2 months ago a couple contacted our rescue and said that they "found this bichon walking down the street in the rain with a collar but no tags"  they said they could not find the owner and wanted to turn him in to a rescue, so they did.  When he (Howie) first came to the rescue, he was fostered by one of your foster parents and when was put in a crate the dog went crazy.  Turning in circles, barking and would not stop.  He was fine as long as there was someone in the room. So he was adopted out and within 10 days the lady who adopted him wanted to return him because of his behavior. So I started fostering him, I don't crate my dogs, only time I would if I was teaching potty training, so I kept him out of the crate and he has been a total angel since, he is the most lovable dog I have ever been around.  I also have a yorkie poo and those two are like soul mates.  And Howie is about 1-1/2 years old.  So my question is, are Bichons prone to separation anxiety?  And what could have caused this trauma?  The president of our rescue believes he may have been in a pet store and was there too long.  He really does not have bathroom issues in the house, he has had a couple of accidents but not anything too terrible.  Just looking for another opinion.  Thanks. Tracy.

Answer
Hi Tracy
Firstly well done on fostering , its often forgotten how many dogs come into our lives in this manner.
Now lets get down to business, crate training isnt cruel, I feel you may have this little man called guilt sitting inside your head and heart blocking what is actually a natural instinct for canines to den, that is to be alone when they have eaten, sleep etc. Crating, or denning is natural and should always be continued or commenced with pups.Consider this: If you had to go to hospital and your dogs needed caring for elsewhere, the dog would find his or her den a home from home, they would not suffer and emotional problems , psychological problems or any form of stress at all.
Bichons are not anymore prone to separation anxiety than other dogs, Howie is probably having difficulty because he spent long amounts of time (UNNATURALLY) in a crate.
A crate should nt be used for punishment, over 3 hours without a break and never be a home. Howie will come to terms with denning again, it will take time and it should be considered, it gives him freedom to experience canine instincts.
Please take a look at my health site and read the articles we have on this and many other issues. You may also speak with owners who have faced this problem before and resolved the issues.
www.eurobichons.com
Good luck
Karen