Sam12

On 16/08/2017 at 8:16 PM, dogbesotted said:

Have you considered using an adaptil diffuser in the area near the soft cosy crate???  ( in addition to the  medication and behaviour modification training

I haven't! I will look into these right away  thank you!

Thanks everyone! The behaviourist suggested the baby gate too but unfortunately due to the set up of our house there is no where I can put one to keep Gabby away from the front door. Instead I have just been popping her in her comfy cosy crate with a Kong filled with the very best treats when someone is at the door (which is best pulled off if I have a rough idea of what time to expect visitors, but the behaviourist recommended to have a kong always ready to go, for when we get those unexpected visitors!). I can't believe it but it has actually been working. I couldn't have bribed her with these exact same treats in one of her panics at the front door, but the removed/contained/safe place away from the front door seems to change everything. I am feeling hopeful.

1 hour ago, Papillon Kisses said:

Sounds like a veterinary behaviourist then, which is the best approach.

 

My dog has been on medication since March last year. We have seen some improvements, but it is taking a while to get the medication and doses right.

 

A rough guideline is 6-8 weeks to see whether a medication is helping, but vet behaviourists advise that treating anxiety takes more like 12 months. In my dog's case we've been moved up from a regular veterinary behaviourist to a veterinary behaviour specialist as his anxiety has been trickier to treat. In other words, don't look at the length of time it's taking us and freak out. But equally, don't give up if you don't see improvement right away.

 

I trust you've been given a behaviour modification plan to go alongside the medication?

 

Oh, another thing. Gabby is not being protective. She's anxious: https://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/hes-very-protective/

Thank you! That's great to know. We have seen improvements already and have been told we can increase the everyday medication if needed as she is currently on a low dose. But we'll wait and see how she goes with the new routine for when people visit. So far so good, it just felt a bit sad like I was the only one who has to distract their dog with a kong and cat food in a crate when someone knocks on the door. 

Yes, that article looks to be just like how the behaviourist explained the protection vs anxiety. It's more a case of Gabby needing me because she's anxious, not her trying to protect me. Poor pup

12 hours ago, Dogsfevr said:

Is the dog showline or a working Cocker 

She is showline. The behaviourist said she has the work ethic of a working Cocker Spaniel though - she is constantly working/worrying, even in the home. No time for pats or to enjoy to any of our visitors, she's got to keep watch for danger. 

13 hours ago, persephone said:

Ok ... she sounds extremely uncomfortable

has she always been like this ?

I agree, poor little poppet. Her first couple years we just put it down to quirky character but then it definitely got worse as she got older. Interistingly it happens to closely align with when I got very sick for a couple of years, she starting showing very anxious behaviours. I am much better now, but she is still very anxious so that may just be a coincidence. 

3 hours ago, Papillon Kisses said:

What type of behaviourist diagnosed your dog?

 

My dog has generalised anxiety disorder and canine compulsive disorder (OCD) for which he is on medication.

I'm not sure, she is a vet and a behaviourist though. 

How long has your dog been on the medication for? Did you notice an improvement?

3 hours ago, persephone said:

Hi, and welcome  
The bit I quoted ...... it is why posties get barked at a LOT ..the barking appears to work ..Postie leaves , all is right in the world    I don't see it as an anxiety thing . 

What other symptoms does she show ? Have you been in touch with the breeder - they'd probably like to know ...
Seems she is a bit tricky to live with - what are the problems in her everyday ?

It is like she is really worried about protecting us and is constantly working hard to do so, even though of course she doesn't actually need to. She is constantly on edge, just watching and listening and growling and barking. I dread having visitors or courier deliveries because she goes absolutely ballistic at the front door. My partner caught her mid-air as she launched herself at the delivery man. If you hold her back it sounds like what I imagine it would sound like if you were to torture a dog. She has gotten to a stage where dogs aren't allowed to approach her or me at the park. She needs to be next to me if I am home (which sounds sweet but not when she panics if she loses me)

She is responding really well to the behaviourist's recommendations - initially just a low dose of medication and a soft cosy crate to feel safe in, and now introducing a new routine and things for me to do to help. 

I havent been in touch with the breeder yet.

I have a 6 year old female English Cocker Spaniel called Gabby from a breeder here in WA. She has recently been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder by a behaviorist. The behaviourist explained that the anxiety is mostly genetic, reinforced by reactions to her anxious behaviours, (e.g. She sees the postman, barks, he delivers the letters and then leaves. She perceives this as he left because she barked at him and so she should bark again next time). Gabby is now on medication while we try to help her with her anxiety.

I guess I'm wondering... 

Has anyone else had a dog with this condition? I have had three Cocker Spaniels before Gabby, all of which were the easiest and happiest dogs. Living with Gabby can be exhausting but I love her to bits and want to help her enjoy life.

I have a 6 year old female English Cocker Spaniel called Gabby from a breeder here in WA. She has recently been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder by a behaviorist. The behaviourist explained that the anxiety is mostly genetic, reinforced by reactions to her anxious behaviours, (e.g. She sees the postman, barks, he delivers the letters and then leaves. She perceives this as he left because she barked at him and so she should bark again next time). Gabby is now on medication while we try to help her with her anxiety.

I guess I'm wondering... 

Has anyone else had/have this problem? I have had three Cocker Spaniels before Gabby, all of which were the easiest and happiest dogs. Living with Gabby can be exhausting but I love her to bits and want to help her enjoy life.