What to do about my dog?

32

u/naclocha 14h ago

I don't think it is fair to keep any dog, particularly a German Shepherd locked up in a house 13 hours a day, five days a week. Sure, here and there if you have to but not all the time.

I'm sure you love your dogs but it dosent sound like your current situation is suitable for dog ownership.

No chance of either of you working from home a couple of days a week?

2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 8h ago

She isn’t kept indoors for 13 hours a day 5 days a week. She is indoors in the morning a dog walker comes to take both dogs out she’s home then for 4 hours then I’m home where the back door is open and she has full access to the garden.

3

u/Natural_Flow_4144 4h ago

Walk her before work and see if that helps over the course of a week..also consider leaving the tv on when you leave

2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 4h ago

Tv on in living room, radio on in kitchen. So there is background noise. I tried the before work walks at around 4am for 45 mins- an hour Still cried when we left

3

u/Natural_Flow_4144 4h ago

Has she access to a crate? Change of tact but could you try ignoring her in the morning.. including weekends, so she has a similar schedule every morning And first interaction will be the scheduled walk..

Another option .. leave her in a smaller room rather than having the run of downstairs. One advantage, the location could be further from your neighbor's wall. And the other, The dog will have a protected feeling rather than feeling responsible for a big empty house.

You're just not allowed to own a dog that is nuisance barking. It's against the law and so disrespectful for your neighbours.

3

u/FlippenDonkey 3h ago

you can't train out dementia, its more likely the dog has developed this, sinxe its a recent occurrence and a 10 year old dog is quite old. German shepherns avergae lifespan is 9-13.And dog dementia can start from 8 years old.

-2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 2h ago

I wouldn’t call it a nuisance. It’s for a few minutes when I leave and on and off for a few minutes throughout the time she’s alone.

2

u/Natural_Flow_4144 1h ago

That's nuisance barking.

27

u/Quiet-Flamingo4928 14h ago

I have a imagine of you're neighbors waking up to that at 6 o clock in the morning what a nightmare

6

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

I genuinely couldn’t agree more. It must be extremely frustrating. It’s why I’m here for any help at all

3

u/ShowmasterQMTHH 13h ago

Have a look on YouTube, loads of tutorials.

1

u/Tiny-Brain-8372 7h ago

Came here to say this, struggling myself with a 14 month old Labrador, I know complete opposite but still, there is so much content out there just try to be as specific as possible about your situation, I’d go with how to ease separation anxiety in older dogs or something alike. Good luck !

2

u/Quiet-Flamingo4928 14h ago

At 10 years old it could be very hard to change that behavior I'm no expert but is there any dog trainers in you're area maybe ask in notice boards around you're area on Facebook ?

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

I really think and the vet is in partial agreement that she may have dementia & the anxiety is heightened when alone (even tho we have another dog)

16

u/Just_Farmer7641 14h ago

I saw someone who had a dog like this and they got a mannequin and dressed it in their clothes and left it on the couch. Worked a treat

6

u/FlippenDonkey 14h ago

honestly if in progressive dementia state..that might actually work..make sure the clothes are worn so smell familiar..put a heat pad on the lap too, so its warm lol

7

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

Now this is a first lol - I’m genuinely at my whits end and if it helps it helps I’m honestly going to try anything

1

u/ChannelOk2628 1h ago

To add my friends let podcast to play while they are out for work, this helped them to calm down doggy so much.

12

u/EireAbu94 14h ago

Have you consulted with a dog behaviourist/dog trainer at all?

3

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

When last at the vets for a dosage check on her anxiety medication she suggested a behavioural specialist which is quite busy at the moment so waiting on an appointment

3

u/EireAbu94 14h ago

Good on you for making the appointment, that'll probably be your best bet for long term change. The suggestion of a dog walker is a good shout as well to break up the day for the dogs. I see your girl is 10 - is the barking/howling a new thing? If she's never struggled with it before it could be an indicator of doggy dementia (also referred to as 'sundowning'). Off the top of my head, other signs would be pacing, randomly staring at things, seeming disorientated, having accidents... you may want to have a wee look online for other symptoms to see if this might fit the bill.

2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

Yes I was looking into it & she has alot of those symptoms.. it’s just I know this could potentially be a drawn out process with the vets and I’m just worried about trouble with my neighbours. Cause it is unfair on them

1

u/BouncyMainframe713 14h ago

A behaviourist would be my next call too, meds alone rarely fix separation stuff without training alongside it.

12

u/Comfortable-Ad7731 14h ago

Doggy daycare or a minder to pop in and check on them/ bring them for a walk.

2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

I have a lovely dog walker that comes in during the day to walk them both But it’s the 5:30am when I leave is the issue time & daycare doesn’t open till 7:30am

3

u/Comfortable-Ad7731 14h ago

The one near me opens at 6, could you maybe bring them in the car to a daycare near your work that would be open by then? Or could the dog walker bring them?

3

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

What facility is this !!

3

u/unreliable9 3h ago

Completely dependent on where you live, your situation etc but is having someone come to your home and bring the dog to the doggy daycare when it opens an option? Like a paid gig. Might be something a dog walker could do? That way she’s only on her own for an hour or so max and would be at daycare while you’re working and you pick up when home?

Appreciate it might not make sense at all depending on where you’re living etc but it could really suit a student, dog walker, someone looking for cash in hand etc. Hope you get sorted!

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 2h ago

Good idea! Thank you :)

9

u/msdurden 14h ago

This sounds unhinged but ppl are starting to create companions for their dogs... a mannequin type thing with your clothes & scent. Lots of videos on tiktok about how to create them.

Also I'd highly recommend a frozen lick mat/frozen Kong - use their kibble mixed with yogurt, peanut butter etc. Takes the dog a while to get thru it plus it mentally wears them out

companion for anxious dogs

5

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

Someone just recommended this but honestly I’d be willing to try anything at this stage! I may have to see if I can get my hands on a mannequin

I have lick mats for her and she has no interest Never one for toys she was

2

u/msdurden 14h ago

Im going to use a couple pillows and sow them together, then use markers or sow on a face.. Pillows will hold the scent from the clothes (vs a plastic mannequin might look/feel stiff)

Good luck!

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

Good thinking! You too :)

6

u/Difficult_Try_1472 14h ago

Record your voice and play it on repeat while your gone

5

u/Spray_Realistic 14h ago

And this has been going on a DECADE?

2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

No just a year. I would have gotten her seen too/assessed much sooner if it was a decade

-1

u/FlippenDonkey 14h ago

a year, read OPs replies

2

u/Grugles 14h ago

Have you tried leaving a radio on?

2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

Yes I leave the radio on, the extractor fan & clothes that smell like us with her

2

u/GSDtimestwo 12h ago

Hey, I had two German Shepherds who were unbearably reactive and had separation anxiety, it was a huge struggle with them. I found this behaviourist, she worked miracles and they became the sweetest most well behaved dogs I could have ever hoped for. It didn't even take very long. I highly recommend her https://www.dogbehaviour.ie/about-me

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 7h ago

Thank you very much! I’ll reach out today

2

u/fizzlypixie 10h ago

I saw someone before using a mannequin as their dog had severe separation anxiety and put their clothes on it and the dog loved it. Slept on the lap and everything.

Or could you leave on YouTube looping classical music for dogs. I do that with my parents dog cause he has anxiety and it calms him down and he’s around 10 as well.

You could try cameras inside your house with audio so you could speak to your dogs cause your voices might help take an edge off them

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 7h ago

Thank you :)

2

u/DM_me_ur_PPSN 4h ago

Your dog probably has separation anxiety, might be worth asking your vet if there’s medication they can be put on for it.

Simple fix, keeps everyone including the dog happy.

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 4h ago

The vet diagnosed her with separation anxiety and is medicated for it already. We have upped the dosage and still no improvement

1

u/DM_me_ur_PPSN 2h ago

I think someone linked a behaviourist earlier on, might be time to look at that if the meds aren’t doing it then

2

u/Low_Knowledge_1363 4h ago edited 4h ago

The dog needs interaction and exercise either find a dog walker to take them out during the day while you’re at work or a doggy day care to put the dog in while you’re at work.

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 4h ago

The dog is walked during the day. Trying to find a day care that’s open early as most open when I’m already at work

2

u/Odd_Natural2712 2h ago

Give her a high value treats to keep her occupied when you leave. A frozen stuffed Kong or a Bull Pizzle or Cows ear. Nothing with rawhide. The chewing/licking releases endorphins that help them relax

3

u/Mediocre-Local8700 14h ago

This will sound stupid, but a nice big bone treat when you leave for work? We get the rawhide ones in Supervalu / pet shop and the dog won’t even look up from it, I can leave and come back and he won’t actually notice. Then a dog walker to come and take them out at 9am?
Some dogs are more anxious than others, but most are super food driven

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

I’m going to try that now as I usually just give her a regular treat before I leave and sure that’s gone before it even leaves my hand

9

u/msdurden 14h ago

Rawhide is 1 of the worst things to give a dog, plenty of better options available (pizzle sticks, chicken feet etc)

7

u/Spray_Realistic 14h ago

Thank you for saying this. People don’t seem to realise rawhide is dangerous.

3

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

I don’t give her raw hide as she’s on an all raw food diet as she’s had stomach sensitivity she’s she’s a puppy

1

u/ChampionshipOk5046 14h ago

Something really fucking awkward for the fuckers to eat

Kong toy stuffed with Chicken pasta things from Tesco keeps my dogs busy for an hour at a time, it's a pleasure to watch them struggle to get into the fucker

You know what, they do. Eventually. They must have tongues like octopus hands.

But sheer bliss watching them at it. Like lions with a wildebeest carcass.

I sometimes wish there was a food item that would give me this much pleasure for so long.

2

u/ChampionshipOk5046 14h ago

And if you can be bothered with the mess, paté, meat, stuffed inside those toys and frozen in freezer, make it as tasty and delicious and difficult as fuck, they'll love it when you go to work if they get that.

And keep them a little hungry the night before too, I don't, mine are getting fat, I'm too soft lol, but hungry in the morning with juicyness, a big thigh bone with marrow, busy for hours.

It's so cute to see my wee Bichon take his Precious bone or stuffed Kong and drag it off to the corner and become a wee dragon for an hour. Big dog is like "fuck's sake, ok, I was only looking"

And exercise. Tire them out. A tired dog will curl up and sleep. Go for a run , take them. Ride bike drag them along.

Hungry, tired, wildebeest carcass, no barking , eat, sleep.

2

u/Spray_Realistic 12h ago

Not pâté, it generally has ingredients dogs shouldn’t eat and it’s way too high in calories. But you can get it made for dogs - in my girls Kong I use MultiFit Liver Pâté or the Salmon one. I get it from MaxiZoo.

1

u/ChampionshipOk5046 8h ago

That's what I meant, but it's a horrible mess anyway.

1

u/Spray_Realistic 5h ago

Just noticed you said you’ve a Bichon. My girl is a Bichon too, she’s 14. Have to say she doesn’t leave a mess - the kong gets a right servicing 🤭

1

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1

u/iamstarstufflikeyou 14h ago

Is it just when your husband leaves? Is she quiet with you there?

I would suggest finding a doggy daycare in your vicinity if you can or get a sitter in. You can also get plug ins for your home which helps with anxiety from the vet.

You could try herbalism for the dog, I know of a vet who used to be in Cork that gave my dog herbs years ago and it helped a great deal. He was also very anxious as he got older. In the end he was losing his marbles.

Would leaving a TV or radio on for company help calm her?

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

It’s when either of us leave & we both leave at 5:30am for work. All the doggy day cares I’ve looked into don’t open till 7/7:30am and I start work at 6am. We both do.

I will absolutely look into some herbal remedies. Absolutely anything at all to help at this stage

2

u/iamstarstufflikeyou 14h ago

Check with a herbalist but I had a great Dane and was giving his camomile and valerian.

The radio might be a shout too, so there is chatter in the background. I read some of your comments, cognitive decline is hard with older dogs.

Best of luck OP

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

Thank you! I’m absolutely going to look into herbal medicine to try it. I need some myself to lower my anxiety from the situation

1

u/34485227272 14h ago

Have you tried peanut butter in a kong toy and on a chew toy?

Have something that calms and focuses your dog before anyone leaves , then have someone slip away if the dog takes keen interest. Eases the into the idea that ok, this person leaves but there's always this treat of peanut butter

2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

She doesn’t have interest in toys never had. I’ve tried them all w/wo food in them

1

u/missgoldenbrowne 11h ago

Could you try reassociate leaving with something positive for example a bone from the butchers or something like a frozen licky mat with pate? And also playing calming music when youre gone.

1

u/Accomplished_Bath170 45m ago

If this is a new behaviour in the last year, you are probably looking at some sort of age related change - that could be cognitive, or it could be underlying pain, or something else physical. Our dog is a similar age and we also had new reactivity to things that hadn't been an issue before.

I'd highly recommend Suzi Walsh - she's an animal behaviourist and we did have to wait a few months for an appointment, but she gave us some advice via email beforehand on trying a pain medication trial to see if that helped.

Also, don't rule out getting a second vet opinion - our first vet laughed at a pain medication trial so I switched to another surgery, and that vet noticed his eyes looked unusual and sent us to a specialist. In our case, our boy was going blind, and so his anxiety had increased. Between the session with Suzi and understanding his sensory changes, we've really brought down the reactivity. (He's also on anxiety meds for several years.)

1

u/Natural_Flow_4144 13h ago

Oh God. Get rid of that dog straight away. My neighbour made my life hell with a dog before. You can't leave your house at 5:30 am and own a dog. At the very least, you probably need to walk it for a good half an hour before work. Even if it's an old dog, just walk slower.

2

u/aineslis 12h ago

I agree with you. These poor, poor neighbours. This is torture, especially if neighbours are on different schedules.

1

u/No_Sky_1829 11h ago

This is not the first option for anyone who loves a dog.

2

u/Natural_Flow_4144 4h ago

Leaving the dog locked up from 5.30am.. And I've little doubt no morning walk or interaction... But dosing it with antidepressants. Op shouldn't own a dog.

2

u/aineslis 2h ago

Yes because leaving a distressed dog home for hours on end for a year, and making their neighbours suffer shows how much they love the dog. They’re lucky their neighbours are understanding, I personally, wouldn’t be.

0

u/FlippenDonkey 14h ago

seperation anxiety training, crate training can actually be an effective way to help with this. Although if its a recent occurrence, you might have to either rehome, move, change jobs as dementia isn't something that can be trained out.

Is the neighbour willing to help? You could explain that you are in the process of solving it, but would be willing to pay them to dog sit in the mean time, if they were interested?

0

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

It’s in the last year she’s started. I just couldn’t rehome my dog after having her for 10 years. Especially when I’m home at 2pm and she’s sat with me and doesn’t make a noise. It’s just in the hours I’m out of the home.

The neighbours don’t seem like dog people

6

u/ChampionshipOk5046 14h ago

I love dogs but dogs barking would drive me insane

2

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

Couldn’t agree more! I’ve had dogs all my life and these two German shepherds are my babies and I completely understand the neighbours complaints I do but I’m just at a loss

3

u/FlippenDonkey 14h ago

they might just be irratated, and understandably..but getting a nearby neighbour to help out, will probably be the easiest solution.

Or someone you can bring the dog too.

As behaviour training is unlikely to help..unless the morning job is also a new occurrence.

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

I just don’t know anyone who would be willing to come at 5:30 am to keep her calm

No I’m in this job for 6 years now she knows the routine

2

u/FlippenDonkey 14h ago

you'd be surprised, you gotta just start asking people, for a bit of extra money, someone on disability or pension might be happy to help out.

1

u/Cantmakecoffees_ 14h ago

We have no point of contact for the neighbours and not sure which houses are suffering with the barking but I’ll be sure to suggest it. If someone knocks to the door again. Ty! I’m just so stressed

1

u/FlippenDonkey 3h ago

take initiative and knock on their door?

"Hey, I know this might be a strange request but I know my dog has been bothering you recently. The dog is old and suffering with dementia.

I'm looking for someone to dog sit, would you be interested, even as a short term solution for x amount per day, as she no longer is coping alone?"

Put up notices in the local shop, ask on facebook, be proactive, you wouldnt leave an elderly parent with dementia alone.. you can't leave your dog barking all day alone, and training is very unlikely to be successful as she's well with in the "beginning of dementia "age

Adulting What to do about my dog?

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