Riley needs room to run!

Very special dog requires very special home. Riley is a beautiful, sweet, and outgoing

springer/hound mix (we think), between 3-4 yrs old. He has experienced lots of mov

es in his first few years of life -- mostly because of behavior resulting from separation anxiety. Riley's homes up until

now have all been in urban or suburban areas. His instinct to chase squirrels and bunnies

causes lots of incidents of fence jumping (including 6' fences!), and situations

that put him in danger of being hit by a car. Riley's separation anxiety requires that he NOT be kenneled, and that

he NOT be left alone inside a house. He will go to any length to try and get out

to find his "person", including breaking a tooth.

Riley's ideal home: a home with lots of room to run, preferably in the country; a home where he is very loved by his adoptive family; a home where he can be left outside with access to a shelter (i.e. a dog door to the house, a porch, garage, barn, etc. in case of bad weather) when it's not possible to take him along. Riley LOVES the car, and ironically does not mind being left alone in the car for short periods of time while you pick up groceries, run errands, etc. Riley has lived with small children and kittens, and is wonderful and docile around both. He is also very social around other dogs. Everyone who meets Riley falls in love with him -- he is such a loveable guy!

Separation anxiety

With Riley, our former Pet Haven foster dog, here for a few days I thought a post about separation anxiety might be helpful. Riley suffers from SA and is on the drug Clomicalm to help ease his fears of being alone. His owner is working with a fabulous behavioral vet Dr Pachel. An in home consultation was done so that the program is completely tailored to Riley and his living situation. There is a great website, Stacy's Wag'N'Train, with lots of info on separation anxiety. This site teaches ways to give your dog more self-confidence so he can manage being on his own without flipping out. Rescue Remedy is an oil that is rubbed on a dog's ears. This can be found at local co-ops. Their site also has some calming tips for humans too. Something we all need when dealing with our furry SA friends. Working with any of the trainers at Canine Coach will give you personal hands-on ways to help your dog feel safe at home. Separation anxiety is one of the hardest problems to work out so it may take a variety of resources to figure out the best plan. And there are many doggie daycares now that will gladly watch your pooch while you are away. And the dogs will have a blast too.

Rescue Buddy Boarding has a few guests with this very problem.

Yes Mister, at right, we are talking about you. These dogs are totally happy while they are here because we can be with them 24/7.

Separation anxiety can make it seem to the owner like they are a prisoner in their own home. They are afraid to leave because their dog either barks and annoys the neighbors, chews up the new wood blinds, or uses the living room rug like he has never been housetrained and then chews it up. Riley even had to have a canine tooth removed from chewing his way out of a kennel. And then at 2am he set off the alarm at Pampered Pooch Playground , one of those doggie daycares I mentioned before, where he was staying . Thanks to Keith the owner for being so understanding. Oh Riley and Mister you are very lucky boys to have found families that love you so much. Now snap out of it! Good luck everyone in your quest for an independent content dog while you are away.