How do I help my insecure dog??

[Aladyami]

I had two Jack Russell Terriers. Yoda died a year ago at the age of 15 and 1/2. Gizmo turned 12 last April. He now follows me Everywhere I go. He lays at my feet no matter where I am or where I am sitting and even if I just get up from the table to make a coffee, he gets up and follows me. If I cannot take him in the car with me, he barks continuously while I am gone. (I have been informed by the lady upstairs.) I have tried leaving the radio or TV on, even a recording of my voice. Nothing works. I have tried locking the doors and picking up the keys when I am Not going out. He goes running to the front door and waits for me, and later finally realizes that I am not coming. But, he comes right back and lays beside my feet.

If I have to be away for more than an hour, I put him in his BIG wire cage, and he will defecate in it. He NEVER goes in the house when I am home!!! So I know it is his anxiety of being alone!!

I know he is missing his friend, but how can I assure him that I am always coming back? I don't make a big presentation of leaving or returning. I just don't want him to be so insecure. It's been a yr now since Yoda died, I thought things would get better. I even took him to our Vet and he put Gizmo on calming meds, but that didn't help.

He doesn't like toys, so I give him a bone filled with peanut butter, but as soon as the peanut butter is gone he barks and barks and barks.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give me for my Gizmo.
He is breaking my heart.

[mia]

Aladyami, That is so sad that your dog is still grieving. But they do, My suggestion would be, now that it has been a year and he is still hurting. I would take him to a shelter and let him pick out a friend. It would be a win-win situation.

Keep us posted, Thank You and Good Luck.

[Aladyami]

Thank you for replying. I have thought about getting him a friend, but I am at the age that I am able to travel a bit, and it is so very difficult to get a puppy sitter for two puppies, and after viewing a few kennels here in town, there is NO way I would board them. My dtr doesn't mind taking Gizmo, but she has two grown cats and it's not fair to ask her to take two dogs for one or two weeks. I need to find another way to help my Gizmo.

Thank you so much.

[mia]

Oh yes, I totally agree with you on some of the kennels. I have never boarded my girls and never would, fortunately I have two daughters that live close enough so I can take them to their homes if I need to be gone. I had another idea though, do you live near a school, I worked for our school and had daily exposure to the kids and they are so wonderful. I would go talk to the person in charge and see if they could recommend someone to care for your little guy. Almost all kids love dogs and would love the experience.

Just an idea I thought I would throw out to you. Good Luck.

[ShardaBaker]

Hello Aladyami

I wrote something about separation anxiety a little while ago and I think it may help you.

Simply click on the link below to have a go at it;

Separation Anxiety newsletter

[leipshen]

I agree with the other posters...I think it is now time to get him a new friend. No dog really is happy being alone when their master is out. A friend is always a wonderful way to ease anxiety.