Update on Lucy and her anxiety
First of all I can't believe we've had Lucy for almost a full year. Time sure flies and I'm so glad she adjusted so well. I just wanted to give everyone a quick update on Lucy and her separation anxiety. Ever since the Christmas tree was put up Lucy has been in her crate while we were out. We were a little worried about leaving her along with the tree and the model train set underneath (she did try to chase and bite the trains when she first saw them move, lol). Anyway, we took out the shredded sheets from her crate and put a comforter in there that she liked to lay on. So far, the comforter has had no damage. We also started to feed her in the morning and at night which I believe may stop the chewing in the crate.
Lucy also got a wonderful toy/treat for Christmas. Her aunt and uncle got her a Kong and liver treats to put in. At first I was worried she would destroy the rubber like she did to a rubber bone she had but no. We stick peanut butter or the liver treats in there and she's a happy camper. She was left out of her crate, tree and all, with no major problems. Lucy barely notices us leave the house because she's so preoccupied trying to get the food out. She even throws it in the air to try to make the stuff fall out. Progress is a wonderful thing. I'm going to try to leave her out for longer periods and see what happens. If she moves a few pillows and even goes on the couch she's not supposed to I'm not going to worry if that's her worst. Hopefully eventually we won't even need the crate. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions and we'll keep working on it.
Happy New Year All!!
5 Comments:
Way to go Lucy!!!! Kong's are a wonderful thing. My guys love anything you put in a Kong so much so that I can get their nails done in mo time flat as long as they have a stuffed Kong. Morgan has learned to drop hers down the steps or bounce it on the floor to get treats out of it. It's fun to watch too. Premier makes one called Squirl Dude. It's purple and has little nubs that keep the kibble in it better. They love it too. It sounds like Lucy is settling down and enjoying life.
Excellent! Good girl Lucy! I'm so glad to hear that she's getting less anxious. :) My dogs love the Kongs too. I'll mash up banana/peanut butter or banana/yogurt combos, stuff 'em in the kongs and then freeze them. Then it takes them even longer to get the stuff out. ;)
(Posting this for Ellen as she was having trouble posting it...sibtigre2)
Great progress report on Lucy! Glad the separation anxiety is subsiding. I know it's tempting to want to get rid of the ugly crate, but even when she doesn't technically "need" it, you may want to use it a couple of times a week or more just to keep it familiar and available. Our ridgebacks have all loved their crates and even when we don't technically "crate" them, have often climbed in when they are feeling stressed or don't want to be bothered. Plus, if Lucy ever needs to be crated - if you go out of town and have a dog sitter, or if god forbid she needs medical attention, she will be familiar with the fact that a crate is a good, safe place.
After a while you don't even see the crate in the family/living room :)
Great work!
Ellen
Nice to hear that Lucy is doing better with the anxiety! It is so rewarding to see improvements like that! Atta girl!
Hurray for Lucy! Please give her a good girl scratch between the ears :-)
I was looking through old pictures earlier this week and saw those of her being chased by Tsavo in the snow - brought a big smile to my face. And your post brought an even bigger one. I am so happy she found you two!
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