Lonely?

[GinaB]

In January, we had to get my uncles older lab PTS, leaving behind Tina who is 7 years old. She's never been without another dog being there and I think she's lonely. During the day, she is left out in the backyard (plenty of shade, water, huge kennel, toys etc) at first she was fine, but recently has started chewing at the gate, trying to get. So much so blood is left all over it and her mouth is often bleeding.

Is there anything we can do to stop this? She has only succeeded in getting out once and luckily went into my aunts shop who was able to take her back home! I'm currently staying in the house and looking after her as aunt and uncle away for a few days. She is out during the day and sleeps in the living room at night.

We are looking to get another puppy during the summer, so she will have company soon. It's just having to wait that long!

 

[Tinkerbee]

how long is she along for? is there a room inside she could be in a crate in? doggy day care lol
a stuffed kong?

 

[Oneofthepack]

Bless her, I'd say she was lonely after being used to having another dog there. I would be chewing the gate to get out too if I had no company all day!

Can't you get another dog earlier or is it a particular breed/litter you're after? In the meantime try leaving a radio on quietly plus a good selection of treat balls and make sure she has a good long run before being left so she's tired.

 

[filly190]

You could spray the gate with gribox, that should do the trick. Has she been spayed? is she trying to go off looking for a mate?

Dogs do need company and interraction and it sounds like she is on her own a good while, plenty of toys could help.

 

[prose]

I agree with the other poster about doggie daycare. I only have one dog, so I take her to the dog parks every day and put her in daycare twice a week. She loves daycare and I get to watch her having fun on webcams!