160 Bear Christiana Rd
Bear, De 19701
302-322-6488
Dr. Jim Berg
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Dog Questions
Dear Dr. Berg,
I have recently adopted a 14-month-old beagle/German Shepard mix pup from the SPCA. I have never gotten a dog from
the SPCA before, and I am having a hard time with her. She suffers from separation anxiety for which my vet had
put her on medication. Emmie (that is her name) leaps up into your face when you walk in the door or if you let
her out of her cage. I know he is excited to see someone, but it gets to be a little annoying. I read your article
on biting and I am going to try some of your ideas. Is there anything else you can suggest? My boyfriend's only
suggestion is to hit her. I am opposed to that because I don't know what she's been through prior to her ending
up at the SPCA. I am not planning to take her back, but I am getting a little frustrated and I am running out of
ideas. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
K D, Internet
Dear K.D.,
I think it's wonderful that you've saved a life by adopting a pet from the SPCA, and that you are trying hard to
help Emmie to adapt to your household. You are right in that it is hard to understand what she has been through
prior to your adoption, and that prior events can have a profound effect on her present personality. It often takes
a great deal more patience and hard work to train such a pet, but it is well worth the effort.
It sounds like you are getting her good veterinary care, which is an important starting point. Sometimes problems
that we see in our pets are not behavioral at all, but rather are symptoms of a real medical problem. Such things
as a bladder infection or diabetes can cause urination "accidents" in the house. So a good initial physical
exam, which may include blood work or X-rays, is important.
You CAN use medications to help calm pet when they are faced with new or unusual situations, but they are often
meant as a temporary measure until an adjustment by the pet has been made. One of the newer drugs used for "separation
anxiety", called Clomicalm, has been fairly heavily advertised, and we have gotten quite a few calls regarding
its use. While this medication may be of great benefit to certain individuals, it usually does not work all by
itself. The drug is intended to be used in conjunction with a well-thought out plan of behavior modification exercises,
and is an AID to help the dog perform the exercises. It is usually the exercises, and not the drug, that ultimately
helps the dog cope with separation anxiety. Your veterinarian can help you organize a successful plan that you
and your family can follow
One such example of an exercise that may be used to help with separation anxiety is for your to practice giving
your "leaving signs" such as putting on your coat, getting your keys, turning out lights, and then NOT
leaving. You might also be instructed to leave your house at totally random times of the day, and to stay away
but a few minutes each.
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