Quote: Cat Richter

My malinois has separation anxiety and although we have gotten it better we are possibly considering daycare. I checked out a few and one just scared me shitless with the sheer amount of dogs and number of staff, one was a lot better but smaller but seemed more well run. I know some dogs hate daycare but she loves other dogs. My main thing is staff to dog ratio and never being unattended for a second. Also staff knowledgeable in dog behavior. Safety such as double gates, high fences etc is very important to me, I have a crazy fear of her escaping ever. Any other questions I should be asking? Good or bad experiences anyone?

Do not send your dog off to a daycare unless you are 100percent comfortable with every aspect of it.

Is it possible to have one come to YOUR house and care for your dog?

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I'm afraid of how an attack can change a dog, permanently. Even being bullied/dominated day after day, with no visible attack ....

I'm with CJ, Cheri, and Betty. I know how tough it is (I really do!), but for me, it has worked out by far the best for me to pay for dog-sitters (bonded, trained) who have come to my house two (sometimes three!) times a day for playing and potty. I have also learned how useful a nanny cam is for knowing exactly what's going on with the dog.

PS
I might consider this: Another of the kennels I know of, again, keeps the dogs in their individual kennels, but offers a one-on-one walk with your dog (for extra $$).

Yes. Dear lord... ugh i mean connie. Yes.

Yes.

no, im too poor....We may be moving into an apartment eventually so we really gotta figure out her barking asap.

 Quote: Cat Richter

no, im too poor....We may be moving into an apartment eventually so we really gotta figure out her barking asap.

Credit cards are great things! Or maybe somebody can take a second job, while the other stays home and works with a trainer on the dogs issues.
The dogs needs are not going to drift away in time. And separation anxiety requires a lotta time and money. And the breed you own itself is a top notch money + time + sanity drainer.

A lot of crazy dog people wouldn't be willing to step into a separation anxiety case dog. A lot of serious dog lovers and trainers would not be willing to own a mal.
Put them together, and you have a lot of work ahead of you.

Also, mals dont really love apartment life.
I sure as heck would NEVER own a SA Mal in an apartment, thinking about it makes me antsy. But i am sure maybe some of the more cunning people on this forum may have owned a mal with separation anxiety, in an apartment. If there is a will, there is a way.

How much do you love this dog? <3 It is time to show it.
Any local trainers near you that work with malinois GSDs and dutch shepherds? I would look into them... like tonight.
No more dog parks, watch out for day cares.

Maybe connie can help with DECENT local trainers?

don't have a choice, as houses here are about $2500-$3000 a month, owning is 800-900 thousand. Im already in debt and have two jobs. Any more time away working is less time spent with my dog, its a double edged sword! Luckily my fiancée is home most of the time, its just the odd time out we need her not barking non stop. Left her out the other day for a very quick trip and other than getting into the garbage, apparently we didn't put it up high enough, she was good and didn't hear barking when we got home. Shes getting better slowly, hopefully in time for if we end up having to move.

and I love her plenty, shes extremely spoiled and cant think of much shes lacking nobodys perfect, her SA is her only issue, she came with that, we are trying to fix it. I don't know anyone else personally whos entire life revolves around their dog this much, other than you fine folk on here

Hi Cat,

I have THREE WORDS for you: "No Bark Collar" Leerburg SELLS Them !!! Problem Solved on DAY ONE.

 Quote: Candi Campbell

Hi Cat,

I have THREE WORDS for you: "No Bark Collar" Leerburg SELLS Them !!! Problem Solved on DAY ONE.

I believe the barking is linked to the dogs issues. Throwing on a bark collar, and not tending to the dogs needs could make the real problems even worse.
I wonder why connie or bob has not come to the rescue for this poster.. I think we need you.

I've written a lot of posts on this board on separation anxiety.

Here's one: http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=34245&page=1#391993

And Cat has posted at least one thread on S/A.



The word separation used as the search word in "advanced search" with the date range widened from one month to a few years will return many such threads.

One thing that will help dial back all kinds of unwanted behavior when the owners are gone: PLENTY of exercise followed by a potty right before they leave.

When I used to have to leave a crated dog for the morning, that morning always started with a long fast walk and a game of fetch, no matter how early that made me get up.

A tired dog, a dog who is not filled with frustrated energy, is a calmer dog.

Barking is always a "doggie" issue, LOL...

Dogs bark for all kinds of K9 reasons:

Defense

Offense

Prey-Drive

Fight-Drive

Boredom

ATTENTION

Motive doesn't matter to NEIGHBORS & LANDLORDS -- Her pet Mal is only left alone for Short Periods of time ... IMHO, this problem can be Speedily & Humanely resolved by the PROPER USE of a No-Bark Collar