Biting through walls and hiding in the closet...

Question
I have a 4yr. old German Shepherd that definitely has some quirks, but lately she had pulled some crazy stunts that were quite unexpected.  Like any shepherd, she can be territorial when it comes to other dogs and her property.  However, recently she has been basically attacking the front window whenever anything passes by the house.  This can be a car, someone walking down the street, or another dog.  She will literally take the blinds in her mouth and try and rip them to shreds as if she were attacking something.  Just recently she has become obsessed with escaping/hiding when in the house.  She stays in the basement when i'm at work and is content, but now she has continued to bite her way through a wall and hide on the other side of the basement.  She has done this 4 times already, and when i try to take her upstairs... she continually hides in the closet.  She becomes unresponsive and seemingly afraid of something, but I have no idea what it is.  She has also stopped eating regularly and doesn't want to be around anyone.  Please help me figure out what is wrong with my dog, it is extremely frustrating and upseting.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jessica,

Thank you for writing to me about your German Shepherd. My heart goes out to the both of you...to you for the frustration in trying to understand and control your dog's behavior and to your dog for her anxiety issues.

The first thing I would recommend would be to have a full blood workup done including a thyroid panel.  Discuss your dog's behavior with your vet, giving all the details.

Next I would look into the use of medication, either Clomacalm or Melatonin.  Your dog is obviously suffering from some deep seated anxiety and mood swings.  She may not be getting enough exercise (she likely needs at least two 45 minutes brisk walks a day), lack of socialization since you are at work all day (two or three days of doggie daycare might make all the different in the world) and perhaps separation anxiety for being left alone.

If your dog is crate trained, I would definitely leave a crate in the basement with the door open but giving her access to a safe place.  Leave some soft music on for her.  There is a unit that give out a mother's heartbeat that might calm her.

I would definitely suggest that you follow the guidelines for separation anxiety and talk to your vet about medication.  You might also get another dog to keep her company..perhaps a rescue.

Here is the protocol for melatonin:

Melatonin is sold in capsules and tablets in health food stores, pharmacies and some supermarkets. It is sold in doses as low as 200 micrograms (mcg.). For most dogs, Aronson prescribes 3 milligrams (mg.) In a few cases, dogs weighing over one hundred pounds needed 6 mg. but that was unusual. Aronson usually gives dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, 1.5 mg. Although they have not treated any phobic really tiny dogs, Aronson would reduce the dosage further for them.

It's important to read the labels on melatonin bottles very carefully. Some are mixed with herbs or nutrients that may not be safe for dogs. Make sure you buy the correct dosage for your size dog. Remember, there are 1,000 micrograms (mcg.) in a milligram (mg.) so a 200 mcg. pill contains only 1/15 of the amount recommended for a large dog.

Because melatonin is not regulated by any federal agency, the quality varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. If an inferior product is administered, it may not be effective in calming a dog whereas a higher quality product might be. Purchase the product from a supplier you trust and believe in.  Some holistic veterinarians sell melatonin and their products might be better quality.

You can give your dog melatonin before you leave for the day because it remains effective for several hours.  Give melatonin immediately when you see your dog becoming agitated. If your dog has automimmune disease or severe liver or kidney disease, check with your veterinarian before giving melatonin.

Some pet owners have alleviated their dog's anxiety by dispensing Calm Pet by NutraBest/Natural Pet Nutrition which contains valerian, chamomile, kava kava, St. John's wort and melatonin.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis