OK so I think I’m dealing with more than just an adjustment to a new house, but general separation anxiety. She’s always had some separation issues (I might have written this earlier, I can’t remember), but through crating and time, she’s improved. Of course now I rocked her little world.
Up until Friday, she spent most of her time split between my mom’s house and my boyfriend’s. She was happy as can be either place, both where home to her. Then I had to go an move out. As long as I’m around, she’s seems happy and is having lots of fun. Lots of walks, horse visits, fetch in the pasture either by herself or with the landlord’s 2 dogs. We play and by the end, she’s napping in the grass. She seems happy overall. Even in the apartment (it’s a small studio, but there is easily enough space for her to play). As long as I’m around.
Today was a mixed bag. This morning, we went for a walk first thing and then I put her in her crate for a bit while I stayed in the apartment, she napped. Eventually I left to feed the horses. She cried a bit when I left and occasionally after, but nothing much. I stayed out with them for a bit (1/2 hr maybe?) and then came back inside. I could hear a whimper when I walked in downstairs, but nothing else after so I came back inside. I ignored her, left her in her crate for a bit more then let her out. I ignored her until she calmed down then she got some attention. I figured we were making progress. I did try leaving her out of the crate to see if that would make a difference, but she tried to squeeze through the banister to get out (the stairs in the apt were blocked) and she’d have gotten hurt.
We played outside for a while later with the other dogs. She was so exhausted after I had to help her up the stairs. Into the crate she went for a nap. I stayed for a while then left to groom the horses and make sure they were adjusting to the move. More crying this time. I just continued what I was doing. There were some break between cries but ultimately the crying escalated to full fledged melt down. I tried to ignore it and see if she’d calm herself down/fall asleep. She quieted down occasionally then panic mode. Eventually I took advantage of a break in cries and came back inside. I found her shaking like crazy–this really scared me.
Ultimately she calmed down and she played on her own and I got stuff done. She was exhausted and wanted to nap so in her crate she went while I took a shower. A little crying but by the time I came out she was out cold. I tried to leave again (just for a few minutes), she cried. But there was a break in the crying a few minutes later and I returned.
We spent the rest of the afternoon working on/reviewing some training and basic tricks (sit/stay/shake/come/down/etc.) and playing with the other dogs. Then we headed to my mom’s for dinner (probably not the best idea to take her there as that’s where she’s super comfortable) and then I dropped her off at my bf’s. He’s going to bring her by tomorrow night and she’ll hang out until work Tuesday afternoon.
What else can I do? I know she needs to be here to get comfortable, but at the same time, I can’t keep her here while I work if she’s going to be in a state of panic (among other reasons). As she gets comfortable here, will she adjust and be OK alone? It’s still early, but how long would this adjustment take? What do I do when she’s having a panic attack? I am going to call the vet tomorrow morning for advice, but I’m so upset thinking about all this. I want my sweet and happy puppy back!
