Our dog has some mild separation anxiety-
When we leave, he freaks... eventually falls asleep in the window and waits for us to get home... doesn't destroy things or anything... but on occasion, he'll go to the bathroom in the window.

Recently, he's gone to the bathroom on the couch and loveseat, and I definitely can't have that continue...

I wonder if it's because he's freaking out that we're gone, or if it's just that he can't hold it all day and decides to let loose wherever he is...

He's 3 yrs old, is perfectly fine when we're home with him... except for a few very rare and exceptional instances, he's been fine as far as not going to the bathroom in the house... but when we're gone, it's about a 50/50 chance that we'll come home and have to clean up after him.

We've debated crating him while we're gone. But it seems to be worse when we do. He freaks out being confined in his crate (even though he goes in there voluntarily to sleep, lie down, etc. when we're home)- and there's about a 99% guarantee that he'll be covered in pee, poop, or both, and need a bath when we get home. I'd almost rather have to clean off the window sill or the loveseat than have to scrub sh*t out of his fur every night.

Basically, I don't know what to do, but need a solution asap. If we leave him out, or if we crate him, he needs to learn NOT to go to the bathroom when we're gone. I heard that yelling at him is useless if we don't catch him in the act. But since it only happens when nobody's home, I'm at a loss for how to deal with this.

Please help.

Margog, my time has been limited the past couple of days. I will do my best to get back to you with a plan of action at some point over the weekend. Please just bear with me.

Margog, I just saw your other post about the dog hurting himself. I hope he is okay today.

Due to the seizures he has been experiencing, I have been giving this peeing issue a lot of thought to find some other way to handle it than the usual training techniques. The problem is, if you aren't around to correct it, it will be impossible to get a handle on it. I would suggest you go back to square one with housebreaking. Retrain him as if you are training a puppy for the first time. Labman has directions on housebreaking on his sticky that should be of help to you. Consistency and patience is the key in training. This is the only thing that I can think of that might give you a possible chance at getting a handle on the problem. Here is link to his directions: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251809

Thanks, I'll definitely take a look through that info today-

He's feeling better today than the other day- I was so worried about him- but he seems like he's back to himself, just a little stiff... He was limping around like crazy in the snow today, so I don't know if the cold/snow is aggravating something that he hurt the other day when he fell... or if he has some kind of arthritis or something... I have no idea... need to try to do some research on what could be causing that...

We've been trying to crate him when we leave for short periods (1 to 2 hours) and are hoping to gradually work him up to a full 5 hours that we're gone during the day. He's been doing well so far... no accidents when left in the crate for short periods, and no accidents on the furniture/anywhere in the house when we do leave him out... Only thing is, he absolutely hates being crated- left him in there the other day and pretended to leave, waiting outside to see when he calmed down... for 45 minutes, he just barked and barked... whereas if he's left out, he just sits in the window, watches me leave, and is still there fast asleep when I get home-

But now, considering how he fell the other day, I don't know how comfortable I am leaving him out of his cage all day either with no one to watch him... he's probably less likely to get over-excited and fall when he's alone and just sleeping most of the day... but that's another concern.

Thanks for your advice, though... I will definitely take a look through the link you provided for some more tips!

Are you familiar with Kong toys? They are hard rubber hollow toys sort of shaped like a snowman or a triple dip ice cream (can't think of any better description!) and come in different sizes for different size dogs. You can fill them with something like peanut butter, squeeze cheese or canned dog food. The dog can get to most of the food but not without some effort. They keep some dogs occupied for hours trying to lick it all out! Petsmart should have them, check online. Might be something to occupy his mind and body. If he REALLY loves it, only give it to him while you are gone, so he associates your absence with something good. ("Willl you get out of here already so I can have my toy?! )

Yes, the Kong should be a good idea. I think much of the crate fouling is due to the stress of being left alone. I have suggested it many times, but don't remember anybody posting back if it worked.

The grid I describe in the sticky won't fix the problem, but could make it easier to live with.