Hello!

I got a Great Dane mix (suspected to be daniff) 3 weeks ago. He is estimated to be 5-6 years old. He is an amazing dog and is finally coming out of his shell. He is gentle, amazing on a leash, just a happy chill guy.

However, we have ran into a major issue. This dog has the worst separation anxiety I have seen. It’s to the point that I can’t even go to the bathroom without him clawing and wining at the door. 

My sister lives with me and works 1st/2nds while I work 3rds, so the only time he’s really alone is the occasional pass over period when she’s headed to work and I’m headed home. He can’t even handle that though.

I was at work and she ran to the gas station real quick and he completely destroyed our door frame, tore the carpet up from trying to dig out, and then finally, pulled our window ac unit out of the window and then escaped. He was quickly located and returned home, but since then I’ve done everything in my power to make sure he isn’t left alone.

That isn’t feasible though. It’s impossible for us to be with him 24/7, as sometimes we have appointments or have to run to a not dog friendly store etc. She starts school back up in a couple weeks so she will be leaving at 7:30 and I don’t get home from work until 8:30 so I am quite literally racing the clock.

He has a vet appointment for August 7th to hopefully put him on some meds to help with his anxiety, but I know he needs more than meds.

From the little information I got from his past owners, he’s been in and out of homes his whole life (probably for this reason). So his anxiety is completely understandable. But, it’s causing strain on me and my sister and honestly strain on me any my mental health. I feel like I’m failing him, my sister, and myself.

I love this dog so much, and I don’t want to be just another home he passed through. I want to be permanent and I want to give him everything he needs and more. But I can’t have our home continuously get destroyed.

His kennel finally arrived yesterday and first introductions were good. The one I originally had bought was too small, so crate training didn’t start as soon as I wanted too. I want him to feel safe and comfortable in his crate, so we can leave sometimes.

I’m truly at my breaking point, and I need help. I’m willing to try whatever I can for him. I’ve tried lick mats and enrichment while putting him in a separate room and step away, but that only lasts 5 minutes before he’s banging on the door. I’ve tried slowly introducing the idea of me leaving but we can’t even get past 10 minutes.

David with extreme separation anxiety