Expert: Delores Beck - 2/3/2009

Question
I have a rescued 2year old male cocker- Carson.  We're his 4th family (we got him at 14 months). He had been beaten, bullied, and discarded 3 times already. He had LOTS of issues. Submissive urination, he had worms very badly and would hide in the house to go #2. We also got a puppy (Lab) at the same time. We crated trained them both and life was very good.  He responded very well and LOVES my husband.  He bonded with him immediately. We puppy sat for my mother's dog this weekend, & my cocker has gone off the deepend.  He wont eat, he wont come when called, he lays and pants and twitches, if you speak to him directly, he urinates.. the puppy has gone home now. How can I assure Carson that is isnt being replaced?

Answer
Poor Carson !  

One thing you can do with an anxious dog is put his short leash on him and kind of "keep him with you".  Not a lot of chat or attention...just where you go, he goes.  For some reason this is very calming.

Have you had a urinalysis done to make sure he doesn't have a lingering urinary tract infection?  No need to take Carson in - just collect some urine in a sterile container and take it directly in to your vet. (If you can't go immediately - refrigerate it).

Yes, the "new arrival" may well have been traumatizing for him.
For Carson, change has always meant bad things.  Now this may sound counter-productive but being casual and matter of fact with him for a few days...not calling him etc. but letting him get over himself a little will help.  The more you fuss - the more he thinks there IS something to worry about.

AND a lot of exercise will help.  Take him for huge walks alone.

Now that you know how he reacts to a visitor - the next time this happens make sure Carson meets the other dog on neutral turf first.
Have walks together -  a few very short visits in your house and I think he won't freak out.

I hope this helps.  Do write again if you have any more questions.
Big hug to Carson,
Delores