[i12bmenhappy]

I have recently separated from my husband and this also means leaving 2 of my ‘children’ behind. We had 3 dogs while we were together and I loved them dearly. 2 of them were considered his so I was only permitted to take one (which was given to me by him as a gift) when I left. Two of the little guys slept in bed at night with us. His, an Italian greyhound, and mine, a min-pin. They were very good at night and slept more sound than me! I could literally pick my little girl up and move her in the middle of the night and she would just be limp. Since the divorce I have been sleeping with her in bed with me still but she does not sleep soundly at all. She is constantly moving around and getting up and the second I move she is awake. She jumps out of bed every night at different hours and just walks around. I always get up with her too. I can not sleep without her next to me so I have to try to get her to come to bed and settle down. I have tried long walks and days at the park to wear her out but nothing seems to have an impact. What can I do to get her to sleep less restlessly? I think she may miss the other dog being there to curl up with under the covers. If I got another dog would she settle down at night? It has been over a month now that we have been on our own. What can I do to help her sleep better?

[shygrneyzs]

I think you need to give both you and your min-pin a little more time in adjusting. All of the changes are still recent and you both still have that adjustment phase you are going through. Talk to your vet. There is a liquid anti anxiety formula that can be given to help with the stress. One of my neighbors has done that with her dsg when her cat died and her dog was so lonesome. She said it really helped calm her dog. Maybe something like that would be appropriate for your dog. But check with your vet first.

Best of all to you and your "little guy."

[imxinxonxit]

Sorry about your situation, I don't think it has been long enough yet. Have you tried taking an article of clothing you've got the other dogs scent on and putting it next to her as you go to bed, maybe a toy they both were fond of. There is a sedative called [bach] rescue remedy spray,natural stress relief that you spray in their mouth ,it works for our show dogs when their anxious. I think another min pin would help to ,but it will be awhile still. Ask your vet also. Good luck!

[RubyPitbull]

You have a very cute little girl there.

As both posters above have stated, an adjustment period is necessary. Dogs are creatures of habit. She needs to adjust to her new surroundings and the fact that she is now the only dog in the household. Aside from the fact that she has lost her play companions, any anxiety or stress that you may be experiencing, she will pick up on.

Before you consider giving her any medication, although I know you are doing your best to exercise her as much as possible, she needs the interaction with other dogs. Playing with them will tire her out properly the way it used to. Instead of getting her a companion dog, do you have a doggy daycare or a dog run near you? If not, is it possible to set up play dates with your ex's dogs at all? Maybe you can both dog sit for each other on occasion? If none of these are options, speak to your vet or the manager of a local pet store and ask them if they know of any trainers or people who have created a play group for dogs. Trainers are usually willing to create one if there is a need in their area.

Both of you just need time to adjust to your new situation. Your dog will eventually settle down. Please keep us posted on how you both are doing.

[labman]

I have to agree with Ruby. It might be better to medicate yourself rather than the dog. I would much rather see the doggy day care before pills for anybody.

It certainly would be nice if you could arrange play dates with her old friends. A good dog sitter is very convienent. I had to skip something today because I am sitting my sitter's dog.

[hettie]

It pretty much as everyone says it an adjustment thing my teo girls used to fun to the gate every night expecting "daddy" to come home at set time it was hard to watch one of them settled OK but the other one I swear almost had a breakdown she would pace around cry constantly she even got herself into such a state she just lay down n peed herself. She has recovered now but it been 16 long weeks and we had the added stress of a move as well plus they both got dressed during this to it had been pre arranged so I stuck with it to get it over with plus ex paid for it lol. It will miss it's playmates just as I am sure you do. All you can do is be there for the little guy as he is for you try not to get too stressed or it will pick up on that and keep the cycle going keeps us informed and hope you all feel better soon