Bosco's seperation anxiety

[CarmenH]

I recently adopted a 4 yr old choc. lab, and he's great. Knows all the basic commands, walks well on a leash, just the right amount of energy for long runs and paying but still lots of downtime. However, he's having terrible seperation anxiety.

Today I left him for the first time for about 45 mins. When I got back I heard him barking (note: never before have I heard him bark, not at the shelter and not when I am home). He was also jumping and whining wildly, and when I opened the door I found he had defecated on the carpet (whuch he gas never done before).

This breaks my heart and worries me to no end that the neighbors will complain about the barking, and just the fact that he us so unhappy.

I can't afford special training or a behaviorist, but I am willing to dedicate as much time and effort as it takes to ease my buddy's anxiety and make both of our lives easier. Please help! Thanks.

[ArchieSit]

Thank you for adopting -- Bosco is lucky to have found you! Have you considered crate training?

[POPTOP]

Hello and Welcome!

Thank you so much for adopting.

At this age, he needs tons of exercise. Do crate train, it really helps.

[AlexS]

Excited when you come home. I walk out of the house for 25 mins and you would think i was gone for days lol. If anyone at my house is home and the garage opens mine bark. If it is both of us coming home they are quiet. I would not worry about that part. As far as your carpet i would consider crate training as others have suggested.

[FourLabsAndATri-Pawd]

Crate training is a great idea for the nervous pooping on the carpet.

As for separation anxiety, how long has he been living with you? I ask because after having been placed in a shelter, it will be awhile before he trusts that this is his forever home.

I'd treat him as if he were a puppy - we've done this with two adult rescues we had (both now at the bridge). I'd take him everywhere I could with me as often as I could for the first month or so. In this way, he will learn to trust that he is always coming back home with you.

I'd work up to leaving him alone for long periods of time (and 45 minutes IS a long time to your dog at this moment). I'd crate him with a Kong and then get in the car and drive around the block and re-enter the house…take your time putting up your keys and purse and a few other things just talking softly to him before letting him out of the crate. Then go around the block twice…then three times etc.

And finally, I'd take him to a family member or friends house a couple of times and do the same leave and return with him so that even a forced stay away from home results in his coming home with you. The first time we again did a quick run around the block and return. Then a trip to the store on the corner coming back with a special treat for them, and then finally an hour or two away and returning. Since we travel a lot and our dogs stayed with my Mother, this was valuable for the length of our rescue dogs time in our family and with the five we have now.

And, like others here have already said, thank you for adopting.

[teej89]

I agree with all the above, definitely crate train him. It may not seem like it but eventually that'll be his home and he'll feel safe in there.