How do I approach this?

Giny

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#1
We rent the top part of out three story home. Our tenants just rescued a dog, adult dog looks like a beagle/pug mix. I'm happy they've gone and rescued a dog, but he has seperation anxiety and barks/howls while they are gone (most of the time). Hubby is getting very frustrated and wants to let them know that they need to deal with it, or else. I'd like to help them out and would hate for them to give him up, his chances of for re-adoption are probably not great, but I don't know what I could offer, or how to approach it without it looking like I'm budding in their business.

I'm not that close to them, met them the first time they moved in, end of August, and that was it, and I haven't met the dog, only saw them waking him through the window. The dog is severely overweight, I'm not sure how much exercise he gets. I'm pretty certain that he's not crate trained since I can hear him roam through out the apartment while they are out. I do have a crate to offer them if this could work. I often hear her yell no bark to him, in a frustrated tone. She also mentioned to hubby that she wants to get him a shock collar, which I know will aggravate his anxiety.

Any help would be grateful.
 

Saeleofu

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#2
If she's talking about getting a bark collar, she probably knows it's a problem already. You might just offer her some resources for actually working on the separation anxiety. Offer to help train if you have the time. Maybe mention that if the separation anxiety is as severe as it sounds, there are medications that can help while a behavior modification program gets started and put into place.

A crate may help, but it may not. Gavroche had some separation anxiety in the past, and a crate did help a bit, but it didn't fix the problem - behavior modification is what fixed the problem. My dogs are still crated most days when I'm gone, because if they're out several days in a row they like to get into mischief :rolleyes:
 

Giny

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#3
Yes, she does know its a problem, though I don't know to what extent she knows of this problem for when they aren't home. I'm hoping its an adjustment period, he's only been there a few weeks. I'll jot things down and give her as much helpful info I can get.
 

milos_mommy

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#4
I would just offer a few solutions...ask if its reasonable for them to hire a trainer, and suggest good books/sites for separation anxiety.
 

stardogs

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#5
In most cases of SA, a crate will make it worse. Behavior mod combined with meds is the most helpful option and you can tell her that she should see results within just a few weeks but it may take up to 3 months to see the full effect.
 

Baxter'smybaby

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#6
How dog savvy are these people, and do you know where the acquired the dog from? Some assistance in education could go a long way, depending on how approachable they are in that area, and how much they are willing to do to work on it.
 

Maxy24

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#7
You might also suggest treat dispensing toys (i am assuming the former owners are the reason he's fat so that the main cause is meal size and lack of exercise, not treats) for when they are not home. Not all SA dogs will take food, but it is worth a try.
 

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