Hello,

I recently got a new puggle puppy who is now coming up to 12 weeks. She now sleeps through the night fine in her bed in the lounge, while I'm in the my bedroom with the door closed. She will whimper throughout the night to let me know she needs to go outside. However when I'm home and need to shower or use the toilet or go to my room with the door closed, she cries and cries and cries, scratches at the door and is really distressed. This becomes a big problem as I work in an airport and start work at 4:30 in the morning, when I shower she will not let up until I leave the bathroom! This happens even if I go to the toilet for 2 to 3 minutes. This is getting really frustrating, especially now she has learnt to bark. I don't give in to her and I always finish what I need to do before I leave the room and I also come out and give her no attention what so ever. What can I do to stop this behaviour!

Thanks,
Emma

That's kind of a tough situation. My first thoughts was separation anxiety, but you say she sleeps on her own while you are in your room? Is she crated while you are away? There is a funny pet owners poem, and it says "For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required". I have never heard such a true statement in my life. When I use the bathroom, my dogs have actually learned to turn the door knobs with their nose and bust in at a great rate of speed to "catch" me in the act. I just roll with it now.

One thing you could try doing is offering her a special toy or bone for when you know you need that bit of privacy. Only give it to her when you need to, and make a big deal about giving it to her. If she stayed quiet the entire time, you go out and praise like mad. That way she does see, yes you are coming back, and you were happy with her actions.