I need suggestions

Marcia from MI · December 17, 2007, 08:04:01 AM

Every since Sam went to the bridge Eddie and I stick pretty close together, except when I have to go to work(I work for myself). However, lately he has started crying whenever I go out of his sight or if I'm bringing in groceries and he's watching me. Yesterday Mother Nature dropped a ton of snow on us and since its just me I went out to shovel, I wasn't gone 10 minutes(Eddie could see me) and Eddie started to cry and bark at the window. I feel sorry for him, but I can't depend on my neighbors to do my shoveling and so I do have to be outside for a bit. Guess it could be worse, Eddie could know how to use a cell phone or BlackBerry and be texting or calling me.

So does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep my baby boy happy when I am out of the room? My heart breaks when I hear him cry.

Jenny G · December 17, 2007, 08:12:20 AM

Poor Eddie! What about giving him a shirt or something with your scent on it? Or maybe you can snuggle up with one of his toys and give it to him after it has your scent?

Beth · December 17, 2007, 08:15:18 AM

Quote from: Marcia from MI on December 17, 2007, 08:04:01 AM
Guess it could be worse, Eddie could know how to use a cell phone or BlackBerry and be texting or calling me.

They would do it if they could....

It is heartbreaking when they cry. I would suggest leaving the TV on, or the radio on....perhaps talk radio so Eddie can hear someone's voice. It may help him feel better. I used to do that for Chilie. Even for me, I feel better when I have the TV on or the radio on just to have some sound.

cheryl186 · December 17, 2007, 08:25:32 AM

When my Lhasa Apsa died, it broke my heart, so hubby took all of his blankies and toys and "hid them" from me. A year or so later, I found them and they still had Chelsey's scent on them which I found very comforting. I don't know if this would make it harder on Eddie or not, but do you still have something with Sam's scent on it? I surely wouldn't want this to make Eddie regress or make it harder on him, but I am just throwing this out as a suggestion. Other than that, the only thing I can think of is a new puppy for Christmas???????

MimisMomma · December 17, 2007, 09:51:49 AM

That's a great idea Cheryl!! Marcia you up for a new puppy for Christmas? My Mimi would whine for me when I first got her. She had really bad seperation anxiety. I couldn't walk through the house with out her crying because I was a couple feet away from her. She would calm down once I took my shoes off and changed into my lounge clothes. Then she new I wasn't leaving again. So that helped. But she really didn't get better until we got Tuttle. I think she just didn't like being alone.

Marcia from MI · December 17, 2007, 10:09:00 AM

I still have Sam's old couch comforter that Eddie and I share, but it doesn't seem to help. As for a new puppy or dog maybe in spring or summer, I start a new job assignment after the first of the year and I don't know my schedule yet so right now it wouldn't be fair to either Eddie or the puppy to get a new family member right now.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Leslie · December 17, 2007, 10:28:24 AM

Poor Eddie.. waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

I think you need to apply regular training techniques here.

I would set up a baby gate or something between rooms where he can see you but can't be in the same room. Reward him when he doesn't cry. If he is crying, make him sit/stay until you come in the room. See if you can do this for a longer and longer period of time and then go out of his sight for a few minutes. reward him when he doesn't cry

You know the drill. He is feeling lonely and paniky but you can't reward his behavior even though he looks and sounds pitiful.

Doxherding Karen · December 17, 2007, 12:33:27 PM

Leslie is right, I'm afraid.

If you are acknowledging his whining and crying, you are reinforcing his anxious behavior. You need to come in like an alpha, ignore the behavior, and AFTER he settles, reward him for his calm.

It's tough, but he needs it. Being anxious is no good for him.

Karen

Dee Dee and Hallie · December 17, 2007, 12:50:45 PM

Poor Eddie and poor you! That would break my heart too. What if you tossed a few tiny treat bits around the floor when you leave? Everytime I leave Hallie home alone I smear a bit of canned food around in her bowl and set it down as I go out the door so she has to work at licking the bowl out and I also will toss a few bits of kibble in the living room for her to find. At least it makes her not anxious when I actaully leave the house, she doesn't even watch me she's too busy with her bowl.

Frankys_mom · December 17, 2007, 05:38:52 PM

I agree pretty much what everyone else said.....
If Franky is left alone (even if its just to go downstairs to do some laundry) he will pee in the house. That's one of the reasons why we got Delilah (at least that's what I told DH LOL :thumb:). Before we got Dee he would actually hurt himself by digging and trying to shove his nose under the doors. He is better since we got his fur-sis, but I also keep a radio on and they get a Bye-bye treat every morning (carrots) and lots of toys to keep them occupied.
Hugs to you and Eddie.
Dawn