Dog destroying her own water bowl

[Luhmann]

Our 10 month adopted golden retriever is doing great with the training we've been giving her the past six weeks. She behaves very well most of the time. However, she seems to suffer from separation anxiety when we are away because when we come back she will often have destroyed something - most recently her own water bowl - twice already. This is dangerous because summer is coming and she needs water.

She already has a good schedule and we've never missed a walk.

We don't spoil her. If she pushes toys at us we ignore her. She doesn't sleep in our bedroom. Although she does get a lot of love and attention.

Maybe she'll just stop on her own, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice.

 

[Luhmann]

This page seems to have some useful advice:

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/anxiety.html

I think we'll try this advice:

Presently, the most accepted method for treating separation anxiety involves planned departures. This method involves gradually adjusting the dog to being alone by exposure to many short departures. Because the stress response occurs very shortly after the owner's departure (within 30 minutes), the dog should only be left alone for very short intervals at first (seconds to minutes) to ensure the owner returns before the onset of anxiety. Before the departure period can be increased, the owner must be certain that the dog is not stressed. The owner must closely watch the dog for signs of anxiety and ensure that the dog does not engage in an extended greeting. After the short departures have reached the 30 minute mark, the length of time the dog is left can be increased by larger increments. Once the dog can be left alone for 1.5 hours, it can usually be left all day. Departure and return should be made as quiet and uneventful as possible to avoid overstimulating the dog. The dog should not be given attention prior to departures nor given attention and praise upon returns. Excessive attention prior to departure and upon return seem to increase the anxiety during separation and it does NOT make it easier on the dog as most people suspect. Safety cues may also be used to associate with the short departures (Voith and Borchelt 1985). The T.V. or radio can be left on or an acceptable chew toy may be provided for the dog. However, it is very important that the safety cue is not an item that the dog already associates with anxiety. These cues help the dog relate to a previous safe period of isolation.

 

[Doberluv]

Yes, that is good advice. A lot of people turn on the TV or radio just before they leave and the dog associates that as the cue that something awful is about to happen. Then instead of becoming soothing, as was intended, it becomes an anxiety intensifier. I recommend you get the book Culture Clash. Jean Donaldson explains very well about seperation anxiety and I believe has a good program.

If your dog may hurt himself in the process, while you're gone, you may consider making the room more puppy proofed. Maybe a stainless steel water bucket would be helpful.(?) Good luck.