Demolition Ted!!!!

[Deleted]

I need some advice regarding a stress related issue with Ted. he has gradually got used to being left for 2-3 hours at a time, usually with no problem. He used to chew woodwork - mainly the windowsill but has stopped doing that until today. Unfortunately I had to leave him on three separate occasions today and after the third time I arrived home to find he had torn down the net curtain in the bedroom and had chewed all along the windowsill. He had been on the bed and the duvet was soaking wet, but not with urine. I suspect this is dribble which he tends to do to a minimum most times he is on his own. I leave him with a Kong stuffed with treats as well as all his toys but he still gets very stressed out. I am considering using a 'rescue remedy' to try and calm him down. Has anyone used this as a means of reducing stress and, if so, what kind of dosage.
Any other suggestions would be very welcome.

Dave

[suethejam]

Rescue Remedy is homeopathic so you can't really overdose him - we use the spray for Ty (alcohol free) - not sure that it worked but it's worth a try. The standard rescue remedy drops are formulated in brandy so I'd go easy on that (though they do an alcohol free version).

Some people swear by DAP products - they contain a calming hormone which is apparently what mummy dogs release in order to reassure their puppies .A room diffuser might help if he tends to stay in the same room when you're out. You can buy this on the internet.

Battersea Dogs Home do useful leaflets on handling different behaviours - including separation anxiety - you can download free copies from here www.battersea.org.uk/help_advice/publications/dog_behaviour_advice/index.html

[rachael]

I have been very fortunate not to have had this problem and Simon and Lyra are very relaxed when we go out, which is lucky as they are left for 9 hours on the days I work - although the dog walker takes them out for about 90 minutes halfway through the day. One of the reasons we got a second dog was to keep Simon company, have you thought about getting Ted a girlfriend? Also we always leave the TV on when we go out. I have also read that some dogs like a crate - you could probably try one and start by feeding him in there and building up to leaving him - it may make him feel more secure and will also protect your house!

[pat]

please see me at the show i will give you the leaflets that cover the problem
pat

[rachael]

Just thought of a couple of other things that we do after I read about them somewhere. When we leave we are about to go out we don't give the dogs any fuss for 10 minutes before we leave or say goodbye etc.. Also when we return we don't give them attention for about 5 minutes. I read somewherw that this would be the actions of a "pack leader" and so thought it would be a good plan.

[bob!]

Have you tried leaving a radio own?
It was suggested to me as a thing to do.

[Deleted]

Thank you all for your ideas and suggestions. Ted is such a lovely boy and I am treating this as just part of his settling in. As I look at hime now 'butter wouldn't melt in his mouth'!!!!! I'll chat with you on Saturday Pat.

[yvonned]

Dave you could try Bach Rescue remedy it might help, but it's just a general remedy but there are quite a few Bach flower remedies that you can use for specific problems. I used it on Cass when I first got her, to cure her fear of fireworks and it worked for us. I have got a leaflet "somewhere" (but can't find it) but I do know there is a website. Perfectly safe for dogs and humans. I found the knack with using rescue remedy is to dose often, if you decide to go that route I can tell you more. It is safe, a few people on here have used it and it's been going since the 1930's. Have to look to see if they do one for untidyness.

[Deleted]

Had another bad session with him tonight, yet I only left him for an hour and a half. I fed him before I went, left the radio on and made sure he couldn't get into the bedroom. He decided to eat the living room windowsill edge this time. It's as if he is trying to get out. I'm not giving up on him as it's not his fault by any means. I may have to go all the way back to basics but speaking with Pat on Saturday.

[suethejam]

Do stick with it - I'm sure you'll resolve it with a bit of know-how and a bit of patience...

Good luck with it all!

[pumalass]

I agree with Sue, stick with it, I am sure you will resolve it, my friend used to leave a radio on in every room he could go into, he obviously misses and wants to be with you.
They are such funny things and so adorable that you forgive them anything, but you will get there.
Chris

[yvonned]

I wonder if Ted chewed the wood in his kennel. Cass used to chew the wicker on a linen basket so I covered it up. Dogs don't like the smell of citronella, I don't know if wiping the wood with lemon juice would deter him from chewing or wether it would bleach the wood. Some people say that leaving a worn item of your clothing helps ( your smell) with him . I'd definately let him know I wasn't pleased with him when I got home if he'd done any damage. People also say dogs don't remember when they've done something wrong but you only need to point at the damage to see that they do. Thankfully Cass doesn't often get told she's a "BAD GIRL" now. It's amazing how quickly they adapt to a completely different way of life and bond with you, I'm sure you will sort Ted out
Yvonne

[Deleted]

Interestingly the second time Ted did it, as soon as I went over to the windowsill his ears went back and I got that 'look' that said 'I did it!' He got a verbal reprimand that I just know he realised what for. I was also advised that a little dab of tabasco on the ledge would do the trick but knowing his food habits he would probably welcome that!! Pat suggested putting his muzzle on him when I leave him on his own. I am going to start that as of tomorrow. I would never give up on him as he is such a sweetheart, ASBO Dog or not!!!!!

[sallydog14]

Oh my you have brought back so many memories of my Trev. You ask Pat on Sat about the trouble I had with him! He chewed the cat flap and most of the back door panel completley out. I came back at lunchtime from work to let him out for a wee and saw him looking at me from the gap in the door as I came down the path! He pulled the lounge blinds down, chewed the doors and escaped from a crate that I tried to keep him in whilst I was at work! But like you no way was I going to give up on him and eventually he began to settle and accepted that even though he did'nt like me leaving him I always came back. Pat suggested putting his muzzle on when I left him which I did. I left the radio on and always left something of mine near him so he could smell me close to him. Gradually I left the muzzle off and today you would'nt believe he's the same dog. He still is a blunnder bus and is mad as a hatter when its time for walkies but he is our Trevor and we would'nt change him for the world. So you just keep giving him a lot of TLC and it won't be long before you have a Trevor too! x

[pumalass]

I am so pleased to hear that from owners " No way will I give up on him" it makes me so angry when people don't try to find a way round problems instead of just deciding to break their hearts and give them back. I agree it takes time with some but they are so worth it.
Chris