Dog fretting for lost mate

[johnl56]

I have had 2 female Jack Russell terriers since birth (12 years) one died this week and the other is now fretting. Can anyone give me some advice on the best way to deal with this ?

Thanks John

[2ndchance]

That's very sad, I guess dogs grieve like humans, and like humans time should help.
Give a little extra attention to get the dog over this, more exercisie than usuall, and wait. Maybe a playdate with another dog will help.
How are you doing?

[johnl56]

Thanks for the advice she has been getting extra attention and the playdate is a great idea, its hard to know what to do. We have all shed a tear, we have 2 children 9 & 10 finding it hard to come to terms with the loss because both dogs have been around all their lives. We are just concerned that Pippa will not be able to cope without her sister as they have never been apart in 12 years.

[Faith]

sorry for your loss. hopefully things will get better for your pup after some time passes. i believe they greive just like we do, and it sounds like you're doing all you can.

[ravybaby]

sorry to hear of your sad loss i agree with faith time will help

[Dobester]

dont quote me on this but by giving her attentoion while fretting only makes her think its okay to do it and i would try the play date and try walking her were shes either on side of you or behind you and if she starts to fret tug on the leash and say no.

[Moo]

Originally Posted by Americanmastiff

dont quote me on this but by giving her attentoion while fretting only makes her think its okay to do it and i would try the play date and try walking her were shes either on side of you or behind you and if she starts to fret tug on the leash and say no.

Okay to do what? I don't understand that one. Grieving is not like... attacking out of fear, where the behavior is just unacceptable. Are you saying that greiving is bad?

John, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I think that you & your family, and Pippa can lean on each other for support. Go for long walks, train a new trick. Try to keep your minds busy, but in the end, time will tell. I would try a play date too, some trips to the dog park.

[Dobester]

what im saying is fretting is bad if it is done to long and she thinks its okay if you say its okay when she fretts and stuff like that you can give her attention but not when fretting or when she fretts say no.

[southern_girl09]

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss and I would pay extra attention to her and set up a playdate with another dog too. I have had this happen 2 months ago.

[Moo]

Originally Posted by Americanmastiff

what im saying is fretting is bad if it is done to long and she thinks its okay if you say its okay when she fretts and stuff like that you can give her attention but not when fretting or when she fretts say no.

I'm sorry but I think you are either crazy, or are confused over what 'fretting' means.

I think one would have to be extremely insensible to think that being worried in response to a loss is bad. How would you say "no" when she frets? That could be all day and night, as I said, it's not like it's a specific behavior to correct. I can understand that kind of advice for chewing on something inappropriate. But this is an emotional thing. You don't scold emotion.