Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My husky, Chani, is destroying my house and I cant figure out what to do. She is a perfect angel while I'm home but as soon as I leave she chews on anything and everything she can get her mouth on. I've done my homework and I've tried everything: She has more toys than I did when I was a kid, she gets hour long vigorous walks twice a day and we play fetch and goof around most of the day. I only work 5 hours a day and I am at home most of the time I'm not at work. Does anyone have any idea how to help Chani get over her seperation anxiety?

My second problem has to do with flying. We are moving from Taiwan back to the US in July. I've got all her shots up to date and the paperwork for exportation is being processed but I am a little worried about the 12 hour plane flight. Does anyone have any experience traveling long distances with their dog? I've been told that some people give their dogs sedative (I'm assuming they meant that the vet perscribed the meds)to keep them calm for the duration of the flight, is this a good idea?

It's not really a sedative. Vets usually prescribe anti-anxiety medication that keeps the dog calm during the flight. Yes, they are dopey, but conscious.

As for the separation anxiety, Sibes are EXTREMELY sociable dogs. You have two choices:

1. Crate training. Provide/include some cuddly toys or beanie babies (they love them as much as kids do) for security.

2. Get a second dog once you get back to the States.

Good luck,

Walt

My sister in law had to give her Golden Retriever something to calm her down every time there was a storm. It didnt knock her out but it calmed her down quite a bit. She had no adverse reactions from the meds. She did great with them. I think with a long flight such as the one you will be on, I would give the dog something for nerves.

I agree also on crate training for the other problem. My puppy cried the first few nights we put her in it but she loves it now and doesnt fuss until she hears one of us awake in the morning

Good Luck!!

Both problems may have the same solution- how well does your dog do in a crate?

If your dog isn't really happy in a crate, you should probably retrain the crate to your dog. Get the ariline approved plastic one that you will transport for the trip and really makethat crate the most wonderful thinkg in the world for your dog. Feed her in the crate, give her wonderful treats (like steak, bacon or chicken) and make it a fun place to be.

Start out slowly at first and work your way up to longer periods of time in the crate. Give her a peanut butter filled kong to work on while you are gone and she's in the crate. You can use it in the airport as well. You can freeze chicken broth filled with other treats in the kong for longer durations.

I would NOT sedate a dog for travel. It's very dangerous. Train your dog to this crate now and my guess is the trip will be without incident and your house will thank you for it as well.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles