Corgi Forums

Michael Romanos · 09:32 PM

Leaving a Corgi home alone for long periods can be devastating for the dog. Separation anxiety is common and its symptoms can show in a dozen different ways.

Here are some ways of beating separation anxiety and boredom:

Get a dog for your Corgi - it can help alleviate boredom.

Hire a dog walker - much appreciated by most dogs.

Doggy day care.

Make a cozy crate available and leave open.

Food puzzles/ sustained release of food.

Radio/tv - turn on the radio to melodic music; non-violent tv programmes.

Room with a panoramic view for visual enrichment.

Owner's article of apparel for comfort.

Rotation of toys - especially toys that move or are good to chew.

Exercise Corgi before owner departs is calming and mood-stabilising. 20-30 min of walking fast/romping.

KJohnson · 03-09-2008, 02:36 PM

We found out when Westin was a puppy that if we left him in his crate, he was fine if he knew we were around, but if we were gone he would HOWL for hours. When we started leaving the radio or our iTunes playlists on for him he stopped completely (with much appreciation from our neighbors!). The same thing happened when we started to leave him out of his crate, but contained in a small area with toys, crates and blankets (howling without music, calm when it was on).

Michael Romanos · 12:55 AM

Stress can kill dogs and it is one of the major reasons for a dog dying younger than would otherwise be the case. Anxiety - separation or other reasons, is much stressful to a dog.
I'm certain that Taylor has separation anxiety even though he often appears to have a laid-back disposition. Crying and other continuous soundings when the owners or family are absent is a sure sign of anxiety.

missfancypants25 · 03-09-2008, 11:28 PM

When in her crate Waeryn mostly seems to cry when she can see us, but not if we are in the other room. Is this a good sign, or is it something bad?

Michael Romanos · 03-10-2008, 12:59 AM

Waeryn just wants to be free and with you where you go. It's a locked-in cry of despair. I have never crated any of my Corgis apart from at conformation shows or at agility meetings and only when I have been occupied elsewhere.

missfancypants25 · 03-10-2008, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

Waeryn just wants to be free and with you where you go. It's a locked-in cry of despair. I have never crated any of my Corgis apart from at conformation shows or at agility meetings and only when I have been occupied elsewhere.

She is being crated less and less as she gets older. Now that she's potty-trained I don't have to watch her like a hawk when she's out.

Michael Romanos · 03-10-2008, 01:27 AM

I do agree that sometimes crates are necessary - but I am not an advocate of compulsive or permanent crating.
I intend to purchase a decent metal and wire crate/cage when the time arrises for any Corgi rescue situation. And that will be paid by the Corgi walking club.

glencorgi · 03-10-2008, 08:26 AM

It wouldn't surprise me if Taylor does have a bit of separation anxiety as there are many human behaviors that fit the profile to set the condition.

With Waeryn you have done <IMO> the responsible and conscientious course of raising a puppy - used a crate to teach her house manners as well as protect her safety. You have let her earn her freedom as she has become more reliable and trustworthy. When she whines in her crate when she can see you, very normal - she wants her way to be out with you. More of an alarm/concern would be her carrying on in a distraught fashion when you are out of sight.

True separation anxiety is a very serious and debilitating condition and situation for both the dog and the owner. I don't feel it is responsible to imply that it is all that "common" nor do I feel it is a conscientious to prompt owners to look for signs of issues that aren't there.

Debbie

Michael Romanos · 08:06 PM

Separation anxiety and boredom are as common as dirt and there are many. many dogs left alone for long periods on a continuous daily basis.
Taylor and I walk/run a young Lab three times a week and that helps to keep her happy and free from SA and boredom. Dog day care centres (dog kindergartens) are becoming popular in parts of NZ for those who can afford them. When Taylor is alone inside the house, I do leave the radio on an easy listening station - I also leave it on for the parrot!

Corgi Forums

Home alone Corgis