Expert: Jannie Balliett - 2/19/2009

Question
We have a 6-7 years female boxer name Mocca.  Lately, her behavior being lock in crate been out of control. She been crate all her life but now she breaks out of the crate & destroy stuff around the house.  She works herself up so much that by the time we get home, the crate is wet & she runs to drink tons of water.  She also tries to open the small crate so our Boston terrier (Oreo) can get out too. It was unsuccessful but she manage to move the crate with Oreo in it. She also is very sensitive to loud noise (fireworks, etc).  She shakes a lot when we force her to do something she doesn't want to do. She is so fearful of leaving alone.  Is this a separation anxiety behavior? If so, what is your advice?  I read some information about PetCalm, it is natural drugs that help dogs with anxiety. What are your thoughts about PetCalm?

Answer
Have you moved recently, changed the family work days or hours recently, any change at all in the family dynamics?

Those factors cause behavior problems too.

Separation anxiety does not just appear when there haven't been factors changed including the crate routine.

Are you crating her more often now than before?

I personally do not believe in crating for a routine and for long periods. Simply for necessity purpose, or time out purpose.

She is 6-7 years old, and why is it you don't know which? 6 or 7? Did you get her as a puppy?

If you feel she is fearful of being left alone, and never was before-- that means "something" has changed and is causing it.

She is old enough to be left out of the crate and free in the house while you all are at work.

Try leaving her out for 10 minutes, step out like you are leaving and don't let her see you, or actually drive away for 10 minutes. Before you walk out the door, tell her you will be back soon in a happy and reassuring tone of voice, give her a treat, give her a Kong bone toy, or a Nyla bone and a ball to play with, make sure she has fresh water and food available. (I believe in the self-fed method: food and water always available for them to eat when they want)

Then, come back home, and praise her, give her a treat, and reassure her upon entering if she has been good... if she has acted up, reprimand in a stern voice, using easy to understand words that you are disappointed in her behavior.

Continue this, and as it's becoming successful, increase the length of time you are gone by 10 minutes.

Within a few weeks she will be ready for you to leave loose in the house.