Expert: Delores Beck - 2/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: We just adopted a 2-year-old female English Cocker Spaniel in Honolulu. She
is very mellow when we're at home (naps most of the time). It's when we leave
that there's a problem. Several times she has pulled a Houdini act - when we
went out to dinner one evening, she climbed on the kitchen counter, chewed
out the screen behind the louver windows and slipped out (4-foot drop to
ground). The next day she found another window (that was closed but
unlatched) and did the same! Fortunately she waits in front of the house until
we come home.

I think she also opened the guest room door several times (I shut it before
leaving) only to come home to an open door. This is clearly a very smart
cocker!

Should we crate her or keep her confined to a room? I think if we gated the
kitchen, she would only jump on the kitchen counter again and try escaping
out the window (we will shut it for good, now of course).  I have a feeling she
could easily clear the gate if she can jump on the kitchen counter.

I think it's just separation anxiety, more intensely on weekends than on
weekdays. What are some ways to deal with her separation anxiety and to
keep her calm when we're gone more than 2 hours? She gets a 45-min.
walk/jog almost daily and we've tried giving her a bone to chew while we're
gone to keep her occupied. But she ignores it and pulls a Houdini escape act
instead!

Aloha,
Nina




ANSWER: Wow - Kona is a twin of my chocolate & white cocker.

Obviously safety is a first concern and it's amazing she hasn't hurt herself yet.

I'd like you to try something and while you're at home confine her for very short periods either in a crate or a secure room.
The trick to doing this is NOT to chat with her but to confine her for 5 minutes...ignore whatever she does...then let her out without comment.

And I really doubt this is separation anxiety...more like she'll call the shots about where she'll wait for you :)

However, whatever it is, she must be taught that although you go, you always come back and it's "okay" to be alone.

I'd like to know other signs of anxiety she may have...nothing you describe makes her sound distraught.  And also know that a rescue dog takes weeks to settle down and feel secure.  Don't forget she was abandoned not too long ago.

This may take a few chats, Nina - so try the very short confinements..be matter of fact with her about it and let me know what happens.  And under no circumstances try to soothe or comfort her.  I know it's our first inclination but to a dog you're
affirming there IS something to worry about.
Delores


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Delores,

OK we tried placing her in a bedroom with the door closed. At first she
seemed calm about it - a few pee spots on the bed. Second time, she
dragged the curtains down (she did this before in the living room and tore
holes in it). The third time, she started whining so I gave up and brought her
out with me!

Not sure if she has separation anxiety but she only seems to act up when
she's home alone. She has NEVER gone after the curtains or caused
destruction when someone is home (she calmly sits and naps or plays with
her toys). She likes to knock my phone off its cradle.  She does like to follow
from room to room, and waits in front of the bathroom until you're out - but
seemed to be getting more relaxed in the last 2 weeks, so I thought the
situation was getting better. I don't make a big deal out of coming or going -
- she greets us at the door with vigorous tail wagging & a little jumping. Is
this separation anxiety?

What more would you advise? She is in an obedience training class...but we
missed the last one. So far, we're down two curtains (rod and all) and three
window screens.

Thanks for your help!

Aloha,
Nina

Answer
I have a few questions.

When you all go out and don't confine her...other than trying to get outside.. does she do anything destructive?

How many people are in the household and who does she seem bonded to the most?  And is she okay as long as "someone" is home?

Where does she sleep?

How long have you had her?

When you put her away alone - how long did you leave her?  It shouldn't have been more than a few minutes with a "matter of fact" attitude on release.

What commands does she know?  And are you working with her on a daily basis?

Does budget allow for a trainer to come to the house?

Nina, I just went through this myself with Oliver - a 3 year old cocker from a Rescue.  When we first got him, if I just went to put the garbage out he'd have a meltdown.  It took months for that to stop.  
Delores