How do help my dog get over her separation anxiety. My parents said that she is very quiet all day in her run and in her dog house until I pull into the driveway. Once she hears my car coming up the road she starts barking and over excited and just wants to be with me. She knows that I am going to get her as soon as I put my purse in my room and get her leash. This is the same routine that we have gone through for the past year. We moved from Los Angeles CA to a very small country town in TN. There are a lot of stray dogs around and I do not trust her off leash. During the daylight hours, I can see if there are any dogs around before I let her out to run for a while with me. People in TN do not believe in fencing yards or spaying their  dogs. Any advise? Thanks

She also gets very excited around other dogs. She has had a few very bad altercations when we were still in LA with other dogs larger than her. Unfortunately, she was the one to start and finish the incident. Usually because the other dog walked to close to me during training classes or on the sidewalks. She is an 8 year old chocolate lab. She is awesome with women and children, but men she is on her guard because of the attack.

Any help or suggestions would be awesome. Thanks 

 

 

First, I would take Cesar's Sessions.  It will help you become calm and assertive and to get your dog calm submissive.  Once you learn how your emotions effect your dog, you will be better able to cope with situations when they arise. 

Second, I would consult a professional who knows how to deal with aggressive dogs.  There is no reason for a dog to start a fight because another dog comes too close.  Although the other dog may have been sending aggressive energy that caused your dog to react.  You need help to learn to read your dog's body language and react before she starts anything.  You need to learn to time corrections and perhaps change the collar you are using. 

Interview a prospective trainer and ask to speak to clients they have helped to get a feel for their methods.  I know you may have to travel to get to a trainer.  I live in a rural town and travel and hour and half to train in another state.  Here are a couple of links.

http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/training_clubs/

www.dogpro.org

 

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He shall be everything humanity strives to be: Honest, Loyal, Kind in Heart, and Strong in Spirit. Therefore, you shall call him Partner and Best Friend."
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