That trainer is bad and not good the whole alpha thing is crap and has been debunked. Have you tried a play pen instead of a crate? How old is he now.

I don't think what she said is irrelevant. He may need more time with you and trying a play pen instead of a crate can make a big difference.

He could have separation anxiety from being a baby and being taken from his mom and siblings and just not knowing any better.

Hello, I would love for you to share any info with me that you think could help my Teddy!


You mentioned before that you think SA is due, partially, to handler ignorance. YES, I agree. I would love for you to help me be a better owner to my dog. I just don't want him in mental anguish and I surely don't want to be the one contributing to it out of ignorance.


Thank you so much for your help.

Thank you so much for this. Your Remy sounds just like Teddy and it sounds like you're doing what I'm doing. Dealing with SA is so very hard but I absolutely adore Teddy so will do what needs to be done to make him happy


Thank you for your support. x

Hi Gemy,


Thank you for your reply.


I've responded above in red. If you require further clarification to assist, then please let me know. If you think I'm doing something wrong or could do something better, again, please let me know.


I really appreciate it. x

Hello lovetodream,


Thanks for your reply.


I have tried the ex-pen and it doesn't work. He's just as manic in an ex-pen as he is in a crate.


He seems to have an issue with doors or barriers from what I can tell and only when I'm not around.


The only thing I felt was irrelevant was the assumption that I'm trying to take the Yorkie out of Teddy. That couldn't be further from the truth. I am, however, dealing with a dog with major SA and do not want to contribute to it from ignorance which is why I sought professional help to no avail.


I know shelbysmom was trying to help and I'm sorry if my post came across as though I didn't appreciate it - I do. I appreciate all the help more than I can say
x

Hello again! Yes, I agree with the alpha thing and sought this trainer because he said he didn't agree with it, either.


Teddy will be a year old in one month.

You are so welcome! I understand what you are going through. I believe Remy got his SA because I am home with him all day, every day unless I have to run errands. He doesn't follow my husband around like he does me. I guess it's because I am the main caregiver of him.

Well what he was doing was the alpha thing. Have you thought of getting a vet check and if everything checks out ok trying an anxiety medicine? Mine had some issues and we tried everything and I finally had to talk to the vet about it and we put her on some medicine and it was for about a total of three months. After she did better for about two months or so we slowly weaned her off and didn't have anymore issues and it's like it never happened. I know lots of people don't want to go that route but after all else fails sometimes it's needed and doesn't have to be forever.

Hello,


He's been checked but I never mentioned behavior cuz I thought it was training issues which were causing him to act the way he did


I certainly wouldn't rule out using anti-anxiety meds if everything else fails. I know that they are a temp measure to be used with behavioral training so if they make him more receptive to training - then, yes, - I'd def consider.


Thanks for letting me know they worked for you and your dog. It's nice to hear about something that HAS worked as I feel like everything has just failed so far and I feel utterly useless.

Yes, I think this is the same thing with me and Teddy and I worry about when I have to go back to work. It won't be within the next year but it will be eventually and, at the minute, I can't even leave the house for a few minutes so it's unbearable.

I'm very sorry you for such terrible advice from your trainer. Jeanie is such a kind, compassionate person whose love for dogs and kindness oozes out of her beautiful heart. She is very dog centered and listens to her dogs' emotions. They speak to her, and she so willingly helps others. I have learned a lot reading Jeanie's posts and have enjoyed them immensely. I'm sure she can help you and your pup. Gemy also is someone with a huge heart who has extensive knowledge about training and such a deep bond with her pups. Like Jeanie, her training helps to develop an even deeper bond with her pups, and when I've spoken to both of these wonderful women, it sounds like they are having so much fun, not only with playing with their pups, but also training them, as well. I have learned so much more about compassion and training from both of these women. I hope their advice helps you to help Teddy. I know you are very committed to him and love him dearly.

So I can get a better handle on what you've tried, do you mind my asking for just a brief description of the SA training that was so stressful to you both?

You are more than welcome. I am going to bow to Jeanie here, as I mentioned before she is much much more detailed and thorough with her instructions. And I am old-fashioned in that, I think you should listen first to one trainers advice and methodology, implement it, and see how the response is. I don't want to how-ever inadvertently confuse you, by offering up a different methodology.

I will also offer the idea of pheromone sprays for anxious dogs, there are CD;s music that also can help relax a stressed dog. There are also prescription drugs as LovetoDream shared, as well as there are homeopaethic remedies for same.

The good news is that the actual crate is not the issue here, but SA sure as heck seems to be.

I have not had a dog with SA, although have had fear-aggressive dog and plain aggressive dogs. The remedy I used with the fearfull dog, Rescue Remedy did help somewhat to alleviate part of her symptoms. For her fear of sounds I used CD;s for thunder, and put on cop shows with loud car noises etc. Like all de-sensitization programs, you start with short bursts of time, at low volumne, and with you in the room with the dog. It did help her out. We used the same walking route at low traffic times, and then I gradually built her up to walking during rush hour the same route. And always during the walk at various points we did fun training.

Ball chasing, (on long lead), go over and under and on top of things in the playground. The usual standard obedience commands, Come, Sit, Down.

Keep us up-dated, for sure we will do our best to help out, long distance wise:D