dog with separation anxiety?

[swiesz]

my now 7 year old 1/2 lab and 1/2 akita neutered male dog seems to have separation anxiety. We moved to a new home 2 years ago and have been having problems since. he has now destroyed 4 windows in our home. We now have to crate or chain him in the basement if we leave. this weekend me and my 3 kids 6,4 and 1 were away for the night while dh was home and he awoke to find the dog clawing at an open window at 5am and this was not a bathroom issue, and he was not barking to go out just frantically clawing the window. we first thought it was a problem to get used to a new neighborhood, we came from a much more isolated home with lots of land for him to roam we now only have 1/2 acre but that is plenty of room to run. he has had an invisible fence in both places and this winter we had problems with him escaping and going on walks with anyone that happened to be walking. we have since fixed the fence so that has not happened again. just wondering if anyone has any help. also his invisible fence is only in the back yard wondering if he should have some area to roam into the front or if that would be worse?

[greenmagick]

How much exercise is he getting....getting let out in the yard doesnt count. What about mental stimulation?

I really like everything I have read by Patricia McConnell. I havent read this book, [I]I'll Be Home Soon[/I,]but I would bet its good

[Ola_]

I agree - taking regular walks was a big help for my separation anxiety pup. They had to be decent length ones and ideally in an interesting area with different sights and smells. The stimulation really helped Mayhem relax better when we got back home.

I would also get some Rescue Remedy and make sure you are doing training (formal in a class or learning new things at home) on an every day basis.

[lifeguard]

I second the rescue remedy.

[gingerstar]

You might also try the calming pheromone stuff - Patrician McConnell says it appears to work - it is pricey but if it helped, it might be worth it for you.

The big box pet stores have it, as does Fosters & Smith.

[foreverinbluejeans]

You might try a different food. My dog had all kind of anxiety issues. It had gotten to the point that her world had shrunk to my bed. If we wouldn't come be with her she would stand on the bed and wait. There were many things she was afraid of. I was at the point of giving her away. If I can only have one dog do I want 10 more years of a dog standing on my bed.

We changed to Nutro dog food and within weeks had a new dog. Some people probably won't like this brand because it isn't organic enough, or isn't raw food, or has not enough of something but it worked for our dog. She also has a better coat and less poop.

We didn't do anything other than change the food. I didn't belive the food was going to work so it wasn't some kind of placebo effect. She hangs out in the living room, goes to the dog park and socializes, plays in the back yard, and has few phobias.

[Sailor]

I second the question about exercise - how much mental and physical stimulation is he getting? This may be anxiety. But, it could also be total boredom. The getting out of the house, and going on random walks with strangers - that's utter boredom, and a lack of mental/physical stimulation.

Dogs (unfortunately, lol) will not exercise themselves. So, letting him out in the yard "to run around" isn't going to cut it. He needs walks, or a vigorous game of fetch (or two per day).

I would try to up the level of exercise he gets, and also add some fun training in there for mental stimulation. If you leave him alone at home for a long period of time, make sure he gets his exercise in first.