Mary's Mama Posted May 15, 2003 Posted May 15, 2003 We have had Stewie for about a month now. He and Mary get along famously. Not sure how much of a problem this is but want to know if there is something I should do. Mary gets very upset if she is seperated from him. I used to take her to daycare once a week. Last time she went she sat at the door and cried. As soon as she got home to Stewie she was very happy and fine. The last two times I have taken her to agility class she has almost refused to perform. She tries to refuse but knows better and does it but you can tell it is under protest. It is impacting her training. Last night I took Stewie to the pet store to a yappy hour for a little socialization. He did wonderfully and had a great time, but Mary was a nervous wreck the whole time we were gone. Is this a type of seperation anxiety? Is there something I should do? It is very sweet and endearing that she loves him so very much but I am concerned this behavior could develop into something.....???? What do you think? Anyone have similar experience? Will it get better as he gets older? Does she think he is her puppy? Quote
Mary's Mama Posted May 15, 2003 Author Posted May 15, 2003 Just bumping this up...really hoping to get some thoughts!! Quote
Bronxie Posted May 15, 2003 Posted May 15, 2003 awww it does sound very sweet. I guess it's gonna be hard until Stewie can go places with her. She sounds like she loves him a lot. Quote
Shannon_C Posted May 16, 2003 Posted May 16, 2003 Mary's Mama napisał(a):We have had Stewie for about a month now. He and Mary get along famously. Not sure how much of a problem this is but want to know if there is something I should do. Mary gets very upset if she is seperated from him. I used to take her to daycare once a week. Last time she went she sat at the door and cried. As soon as she got home to Stewie she was very happy and fine. The last two times I have taken her to agility class she has almost refused to perform. She tries to refuse but knows better and does it but you can tell it is under protest. It is impacting her training. Last night I took Stewie to the pet store to a yappy hour for a little socialization. He did wonderfully and had a great time, but Mary was a nervous wreck the whole time we were gone. Is this a type of seperation anxiety? Is there something I should do? It is very sweet and endearing that she loves him so very much but I am concerned this behavior could develop into something.....???? What do you think? Anyone have similar experience? Will it get better as he gets older? Does she think he is her puppy? Mary. Do your dogs sleep in the same room and play together a lot ? It sounds like they don't have much time apart. This can be difficult for the other dog if the one is out of site! Would it be possible for you or someone else to take Mary to the yappy hour ? encourage her to socialize with other dogs. You really need to do this soon as the more she is with Stewie the harder it is going to be for her as well has for Stewie...dogs who are always together form a bond very quickly and when the other is not there some can pine terribly, which is not good for them. There is going to be a time when one of them won't be around and the other is going to be very sad and hurt. It is lovely to see dogs playing together and being best of friends but there comes a time where it as to stop for the dogs sake. I suppose some dogs can be together all there life without a problem...I wouldn't know, all my dogs sleep in seperate rooms, but in your case it looks like a problem could develop :) If possible (Mary is fine on her own) without Stewie at the socializing class, try and give each of them lots of attention on there own.....get someone to play with Stewie while you with Mary....take them long walks....you go one way your friend the other.....but without Mary seeing him. Try and do this as often has you can and keep paying her lots of attention. Go to a busy place if you have to.....but try to keep her mind off Stewie. It might take some time and patience but work hard at it.....don't give up and you may see a different in Mary :D Quote
Mama A.J. Posted May 17, 2003 Posted May 17, 2003 Yes, it does sound cute. Unfortunatley, you don't want to let it get any worse- especially if it is interfering with her performance in agility. I would start separating the two...having one-on-one time with each of them, and make sure that the other one is getting attention at the same time. I agree with the advice Shannon has given you. Just take it into consideration, try it out, and maybe things will begin to progress for the better! Quote
mouseatthebusstop Posted May 17, 2003 Posted May 17, 2003 PADDY AND GLADIS DO NOT LIKE BEING APART :) I DID NOT THINK IT WAS ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT :-? THEY HAVE BEEN TOGETHER SINCE BIRTH Quote
imported_Debbie Posted May 17, 2003 Posted May 17, 2003 My 3 girllzz are together all the time, dogs are pack animals. Stewie is now part of your pack and I'm sure Marygets uneasy when he isn't there. That's like my last dog Nakita , she would pace and pace until she knew everyone in the family was in the house for the night. It would drive her nuts if someone was missing. :angel: Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted May 17, 2003 Posted May 17, 2003 Shannon - I do take them places individually, that is the whole idea. Mary goes out more than Stewie. I didn't want to deprive her of all the things she was used to doing, daycare, dog park, agility class etc. I want them to be okay apart. It is just that Mary is having a harder time with it than I expected. She is definitely not jealous of him. Some other folks I spoke with suggested that she has adopted him. I believe this. Every morning and night she cleans his eyes, ears, and personals. I am starting to think it is simply her mothering instinct coming out. As he gets older and more independent, it should get better. My agility instructor asked if I would like to bring Stew and let him watch from his crate. I think that is what I will do next. Thanks for everyone's thoughts. Quote
Shannon_C Posted May 17, 2003 Posted May 17, 2003 Good to hear they are taken out individually, that will help. I think working hard at getting Mary to cope without Stewie will reward you of owning a happy and content dog!! Good Luck. Quote
Barbiro Posted May 17, 2003 Posted May 17, 2003 I can't help you at all :( because I have the same problem with Lady and Tobi. If they are separated, either one will whine the whole time. I've been working on this problem for quite some time without solution. :( Quote
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