Dear Dr. Abbie: The dog we just got from the shelter does not seem to be house trained. He goes outside, but when we leave him alone he poops and pees in the house. We tried crating him, but he destroyed the crate. He’s really cute, but my husband is ready to get rid of him. What can we do? – The quicker picker upper
Dear Quicker picker: Many dogs in shelters have to toilet in their runs while they are there so they become ‘untrained.’ But your new pooch may have another problem (or two!) He could have a bladder infection or other problem of the urinary or digestive tract. Or he could have a brain problem called Separation Anxiety.
Separation anxiety is fairly common in shelter dogs. Think of what they have just gone through. They used to have a house – with people who loved them and came home every day. Suddenly they’re in a noisy, smelly place (no offense, shelter folks, but when your hearing is as acute as dogs,’ and your nose is a thousand times more sensitive to ours – if it’s lightly fragrant to us, it’s puking potent to dogs.) At the shelter, people came and went, some stayed, some never came back, especially the ones that stopped for a friendly hello (the dog shoppers). The dog doesn’t yet know if you are trustworthy enough to come back.
When the anxiety of your leaving starts to flood his system, adrenalin kicks in, telling his little body to get rid of waste (no sense carrying the extra weight of poop around when you may have to run or fight for your life). And then worse yet, if he is punished for his mess when you get home then the fear when you leave is even greater because if you leave, that might mean you’re coming back. These pets don’t poop and pee in the house for spite. They do it because their physiology (adrenalin) is telling them too. It’s just the voices in their bloodstream.
The absolute worst thing you can do is punish him when you get home. But what to do? Like most brain malfunctions a combination of pharmaceuticals and behavior modification gives the best results. Talk therapy to a dog is long walks, playing with you, sitting with you while you watch TV or read, hogging the bed, dinnertime. Consistent reward based training is very helpful. Dogs need predictability. (“I sit, she gives me a treat, phew, I know what’s coming next.”) There are also medications that can be prescribed. Like many prescriptions it may take some medication adjustments, and time for the medicine to start working, so please don’t lose hope too soon.
I realize that the owners of dogs with separation anxiety should probably have a Valium prescription for themselves. “Take one tablet 30 minutes before going home to your new dog.” Smelly messes and chewed furniture are not why you got the dog. However, most dogs with Separation Anxiety are treatable, and they usually make great pets because they are usually smart dogs who are sensitive to their owners, and aware of their environments.
Dogs with Separation Anxiety need patience and understanding. You need paper towels, deep breathing and a trip to the vet and a behaviorist. Don’t forget lots of exercise for both of you. A tired dog is a good dog. Good luck, and keep the faith. This is a great question. Separation Anxiety is more common than many owners realize. Thanks for writing – Dr. Abbie
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