Anxiety Issues

[Karen and Bosco]

Hi, I am new to this group. I got Bosco a few months ago because his owners no longer had time for him. That was his second home. I am his 3rd mom. He is still very anxious although we give him his medicine daily. He jumps every time he hears the slightest noise. When I sneeze he jumps like he has been shot. Just wondering if anyone knew of any homeopathic remedies we might could try?   Thanks so much

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Lavender essential oils have a very calming effect. 

[Karen and Bosco]

Thanks Emily

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

First, thank you for becoming his forever MOM.  You don't say what medicine he is on, but unless that is a factor in his anxiety I think all you need is time and consistency.

Give him boundaries and words that have meaning.  Dogs and children that are changing homes need to know the rules fairly, firmly and consistently.  That and lots of short times of positive attention with a fairly consistent ( you don't need to be rigid) schedule should settle him down.

We moved in early August to a new home with Roo and Tigger.  Nothing changed but the house and the yard.  I kept their schedule, crates, didn't wash their beds or toys and basically kept them right beside me for three months.  They are just now feeling "at home" and will leave the room that I am in voluntarily.

Your Bosco has a lot more to accommodate.  Be patient and thanks again.

[Karen and Bosco]

Thanks for the info......this is my first doodle....actually he is only the 2nd one I have ever seen....lol.....My last baby that crossed the bridge in April of last year was the most laid back Border Collie anyone had ever seen.....so this is new for both of us, but we are doing better.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Karen,
Please join us in the Anxiety Group where a collection of posts from DK members and articles dealing with medication, training, and other supportive topics.
Homeopathic remedies, both Good and Bad have been discussed in our group.
Myself, I found they were a total waste of monry and time, but others have expressed differently. Severity varies from dog to dog so I think there are different degrees to what will help.
Have you told your vet? What meds? How long? What other methods are you using to help your dog? />
It was a combination of training, medication, and exercise that helped us.
Again, join our group and read the through. Feel free to post a new discussion too

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/mentalhealth

[Karen and Bosco]

Thanks I joined the group and I am looking around the forums.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

no advice, there are already great posts, but wish you well and thank you for adopting your doodle.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It does take a while for a re-homed dog to settle in and know that they are forever home.   My rescue, Clancy, is NOT an anxious dog, but when we got him, he was very needy - needing to be near us, petted by us, etc.  He wasn't nervous about noises though.  I noticed differences in him after about two months, six months and finally after a year, I could see that he had given a huge sigh and knew he was our dog forever.  I do have an anxious dog that we raised from a puppy; its just part of his personality. A piece of good advice we received and have shared is to NOT make a big deal of things that scare the dog.  DON'T hug or say soothing things etc.  The reason for this is so that you aren't reinforcing that the "whatever" is a thing to be afraid of.

My sharing may not pertain to your doodle at all, but I hope time will heal most of the fears.

[Valarie]

Hi Karen,  Welcome!  I wanted to say thanks for becoming his forever Mom too!  Poor fellow - no wonder he's anxious with all the changes and uncertainty.  He needs to feel secure and that takes time and love.  Best of luck. 

[Wendy and Myla]

This is great advice!  Security = time and love!!!!  Hang in there!  Bosco will settle when he's secure!!!!