[SnowWhite]

thats a tough situation- anxious dogs can sometimes be quite a load on the mind. One of my dogs, an adopted Jack Russell had many similar problems. Over the course of about three and a half years, i am happy to say he is pretty well adjusted and amazing. He still has a few mild separation problems, but it has gotten a lot better.

It takes a long, long time to work out some of these problems. A big part of it is having a good bond of trust between you. Jack (my Russel) was also very nervous about being petted over his head. What we did was start by petting him under the chin, and work our way up to his ears. This way your dog will know your intentions. It takes a great deal of time and patience, however some symptoms will re-occur.

Night time is hard for all dogs- The schedule isn't the same, no one is there to comfort you, and its dark. My youngest dog has trouble at night and she has no anxiety issues. For Jack, he sleeps with us, and that makes all the difference.
it sounds to me like your dog is afraid of being abandoned. there might be something in his puppyhood that makes him fear being left- and being away from their "pack" makes it all the worse. If he truly can't be in the house, the only thing I could think to do is to set him on a very strict schedule. It makes it so the dog knows exactly what to expect ( like, Bed-time is at ten, I'll come get you at seven in the morning- I feed you at eight, etc etc. Pick what works best for your household.) If you do follow a schedule, its very important not to change it in the slightest. Its terrible to hear your dog crying away in agony, but if you go out and be with him, it may take even longer to alleviate his stress about being left alone. If you have nearby neighbors, you might want to bring them a gift basket and a box of earplugs....

Good luck! the most important thing is to build up trust with your dog and not get frustrated. he might stop crying if you yell at him, but it will just make him more unsure. It takes a long time and patience is the most important thing to remember to help your dog get over his fear.

Oh yes, one more thing!

It is seriously laudable for you to take on this dog. Dogs with behavioural problems can be hard to deal with, but you are really making a difference in his life. I Have to say i disagree with Reeskujo- you are bettering your dogs life tenfold, a hundred fold. Don't be swayed by the things some people say. Your dog has a long way to go, but isn't lost. Its obvious he loves you and your family- and he will get better.

[reeskujo]

Snow White I'm just curious as to what exactly it is you disagree with me on?

[SnowWhite]

This is a good family for this dog- they were willing to rescue a dog with problems and to try to help him overcome them. I disagree with the fact you thought it was a bad match for the family- you can't always choose what problems come with the dog your adopting. The fact that they are dedicated enough to stick with him is incredible- an impressive show of selfless dedication that is lacking in many dog owners. I myself have owned a dog with many of these problems, and he is one of the best dogs i have ever owned. Its worth it to try and help these dogs become better. Adoption dogs don't come perfect, but they are worth the time and energy to make them happier dogs.

[reeskujo]

Originally Posted by SnowWhite

This is a good family for this dog- they were willing to rescue a dog with problems and to try to help him overcome them. I disagree with the fact you thought it was a bad match for the family- you can't always choose what problems come with the dog your adopting. The fact that they are dedicated enough to stick with him is incredible- an impressive show of selfless dedication that is lacking in many dog owners. I myself have owned a dog with many of these problems, and he is one of the best dogs i have ever owned. Its worth it to try and help these dogs become better. Adoption dogs don't come perfect, but they are worth the time and energy to make them happier dogs.

Perhaps if you would have read all of my posts you would see that once the OP gave me a lot more info I was supportive to her and offered advise on her problems!

[VTT]

It's all right, guys - with all this combined advice, we've managed to achieve a happy ending to this story I owe thanks to all of you for helping to bring comfort and happiness to me and my lovely dog!

[Lunareclipse]

I am so glad things are working out. I wish I could have offered help, but we just adopted a 9 month old pyrenees not very long ago that suffers seperation anxiety and nothing we have done has helped. He has tore up 3 crates and chewed through steel cables when I tied him out and finally last night he put a large hole in the back door. There wasn't much that I was doing that was doing any good so I couldn't offer anything. I am so glad things are working out for you.

[CorkyMax]

Would love to see pics of your dog. If you want to post pics (as I think you mentioned in your 1st post)---read this thread from this forum: posting pictures

[SnowWhite]

I'm glad things have worked out for you VTT! There is nothing more rewarding than helping a dog in need.

To Reeskujo- i apologize for any harsh words my misinformation may have caused. It is a subject that matters dearly to me- I have the undeniable urge to save all dogs and I tend to get impulsive in my vilifying of those who disagree with me. Needlessly to say I'm glad you don't disagree, because then I would probably be out reasoned in my vehement arguing and then feel extremely silly. Many apologies. ops:

[VTT]

Pictures for everyone!

I don't have too many good ones and these are from his first day in the house. I'll sure as hell be taking many more during his stay with us, though =D

[lange]

Aww look at that face! Who can't help but be a dog lover with all these gorgeous canines around?