Last week we received a call from a prospective client in Oakwood who was having separation anxiety issues with Jack, her Jack Russel. The family had just brought Jack home from a rescue group about a week ago and he was barking all night long in his crate.  He could never leave a family member’s side as they would leave a room and had a very nervous bladder.  She had contacted us because she needed to do something quickly.

On face value, this sounded like a list of standard issues that Robin and I have successfully resolved many times over the years.  A larger problem began to arise as we continued our initial conversation with our prospective client.

Our discussion revealed that our client was a mother and doctor who worked long hours at the local hospital.  Her husband often traveled and was normally home only one week out of the month.  He was not overly fond of dogs and already had told her that he didn’t want to “come home to a dog problem”.  She also had three children under the age of eight that took up all her current “home time”.

It was obvious that the Jack Russel had some nervous and safety issues due to his history of being a rescue and display of anxiety.  We explained that Jack’s issues could be solved, but it would take a great deal of hands-on socialization on her part as well as the understanding that the process will probably take several months of constant work and vigilance.

She must establish the same environment of consistent safety that Jack’s dog mother created at his birth.  This can only be done through the creation of a lasting bond and unconditional trust through time and patience.  The problem was that her current life activities could not allow her to provide the appropriate time needed to be successful.

She understood that and asked if we could take Jack for a few days for evaluation and observation.  We gladly took Jack and quickly established that he was a great and loving dog.  He clearly had separation anxiety that manifested in barking whenever left alone and at night.  We reported back to her that Jack “was fixable”, but it would take at least a one to two month commitment on her part to be successful.

She was quite honest with us and said that she simply did not have the time, based on her current commitment to her family, children, and work.  Even though Jack had only been with their family for one week, she still felt responsible for his well being and didn’t want to give him back to the rescue group or take him to the Humane Society.

She was obviously a dog lover, and we wanted to make sure that here efforts were rewarded and that Jack would find a great life.  Luckily, one of our clients had recently lost their dog and were trying to fill that void in their lives.

They welcomed Jack with open arms and were totally committed to spend the time and offer the love and commitment Jack needed to become happy and finally feel safe.

Sometimes the best decision for your dog may not be with your own family.  Understanding this does not mean you are a bad person, just one who loves and wants to do the best for your dog.

Please call Robin or myself (770) 718-7704 if you are in need of any dog training help.  We have a lot of good dog training tips at Best Dog Trainers Oakwood Georgia.  Find all our phone numbers, text addresses and email contacts at Dog Training Help Center Oakwood Georgia .