HELP! Separation Anxiety, I think!!

[csullivan]

I think our 4 month old has separation anxiety or behavior issues. We put him in a crate at bedtime and during the day when we are gone. He holds it all night long for 6-7 hours and pees right away outside. He always goes to the door when we are home to pee and poop. Now when we are gone that is another story...whether its 1 hour or 6 hours he pees in his crate everytime! He has never pooped in his crate, but he will pee regardless. We have tried everything: making the crate smaller, taking out the blankets, giving him his kong, turning on the TV, giving him his favorite toys and we don't know what else to do. We are giving him a bath every other day b/c he will just lay in it. Why does he only do it, during the day when we are gone? Its getting very disheartning. How can we tell if its separation anxiety? Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Jan]

It will probably just take some time. Puppies can always hold it much longer at night when they are sleeping, than during the day when they are more active. It will usually help if they don't have any bedding in their crate to soak up the accidents. A four month old pup may not be capable of holding it that long during the day. As a rule, a 4 month old pup can only hold it for 5hours, so 6-7 may be just too long.

Have patience!

 

[PamperedKris]

He is still young so maybe he'll get used to being left. My 10 y/o HATES his crate but he must either go in the crate or outside when we leave b/c he has terrible seperation anxiety. He doesnt pee in the crate when we leave him but he will pee in the house if we leave him out. He is so stubborn I can walk across the street to a neighbors house and he will watch me out the window and be fine until I come home. I have been across the street for 2 hours and he is still sitting there by the window watching for me. BUT if I get in my car and drive around the block with him inside the house he will pee twice and poop once EVERY TIME I leave him. He's crazy! If he thinks he might be left he pees and poops. We have tried everything, crating him or putting him outside is our only option. Hopefully b/c yours is still young you can work with him and maybe consult the vet or a trainer about ways to get over it. Good luck!

 

[RECTEC]

Same Boat

I am in the same boat you are... My little pup typically does it, there was only one time when he did not pee during the day in the crate... After I am finished with school and graduate I am going to start taking the bedding out since i'll have more time to wash him and stuff. Best of luck with the crate training, I have a beagle and she is crate trained and I know the benefits of having her crated over non like a previous doggie we had. Also something that my puppy really likes is when her kong is cold, I will put it in the freezer for a little while and let it get cool and he really enjoys it!

Thomas