Separation

[Nanny71]

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I recently had a two week stay in hospital. Since I have returned home my dog becomes anxious if I am out of his sight.
I am not able to walk him but have plenty of help. I do go on the walks with him, the problem is holding the lead.
We play in the house, he won't even go into the garden without me.
He still sleeps downstairs and doesn't stress overnight (I have a dog monitor) first thing in the morning he comes up to me.
He was always quite happy to go with my husband but not any more.
Any advice would be appreciated

 

[JudyN]

How long is it since you came home from hospital? Do you feel you are back to normal apart from not being able to hold the lead, or could he be sensing that you're not at your best right now and be worried about it?

This may just be a case of giving him time - do what you can to make him feel secure, and let him stay as close to you as he wants. One he begins to relax again you can very gradually work on, e.g., leaving the room while he's tired and dozing in the sunny spot, or giving him a stuffed kong and going to another room for a moment. Basically, you'll be treating it as you would more general separation anxiety.

I hope you're back to full health soon. Just a thought - you can get 'hands free' leads which attach to your waist. I've no experience of these and it might be you would still have to use your hands at times, but maybe worth a bit of research?

 

[JoanneF]

Just to add to the advice @JudyN gave - is it possible you still have the scent of any medical procedures, for example are you using wound dressings? If you smell a little different dogs will pick up on that and it can sometimes affect their behaviour.

 

[Nanny71]

Thank you everyone. I have been home for four weeks. I think he is anxious because I am not myself. I have been told 12 weeks before I can walk him because of the healing process so we are halfway there. His routine is disturbed and I hate that he is so anxious. If a dog can look worried he does,
I had heard about the leads you wear around your waist and I have sent for one.

 

[Violet Turner]

Thank you everyone. I have been home for four weeks. I think he is anxious because I am not myself. I have been told 12 weeks before I can walk him because of the healing process so we are halfway there. His routine is disturbed and I hate that he is so anxious. If a dog can look worried he does,
I had heard about the leads you wear around your waist and I have sent for one.

them leads are great! you can use it even after your recovery period. get better soon!