[xjrrrdx]

I posted in the welcome thread, but I didn't give the issue.

Our 2 year old Skye Terrier has been housetrained for the longest time. We have moved houses and never had any issues with her adjusting. My wife had her since before we were married and the dog favors her. I had to go on a temporary duty for 3 months, there were no issues with the dog while I was gone, minus not eating for a few days. I got back and she seemed herself and was just like she was before I left.

Now, when I leave for work in the morning, I will have my wife take me to work and she heads back home. Every day since I got back (7 days) when my wife drops me off, the dog defecates on the floor, she will not pee or anything else. I take her out every morning before I leave and she pees just fine.

On weekends when I dont leave, we do not have this problem. I am not sure if it is some sort of separation thing or what. Because we have left her alone for hours before and there has never been an issue until now.

I appreciate your help!!

[Corky/Max]

There are others in this forum who will possibly give you a different answer----I am no expert on dog behavior and there are some experts in here! My 'take' on it all is what I think you already stated--a type of separation anxiety. You were gone for three months. When you returned your dog was glad to see you. Now everytime you leave, she is prob. afraid you are not coming back and that upsets her. I am wondering if that starts 'things' working in her system and then has to poop. Ever been upset yourself or scared and all of a sudden you need to go to the bathroom!? If it has only been a week, (I think that's what you said?) hopefully she will see that you are not going away again for a long time period and the anxiety/nervous stomach, etc. will stop. This may take more time than just a week.
Furthermore, you also said your dog was more attached to your wife---Now your dog sees your wife 'leaving' with you (in the morning) and is afraid the wife is not coming back either---esp. since the dog knows that you are leaving and this time taking your wife with you--prob. thinks she is being abandoned!
Wondering what would happen if just you left in the morning and your wife stayed at home!

[PowerNubby]

Well, all signs point to separation anxiety/anger with you leaving.

I have had dogs that do defecate when they are "upset" with you for having left for long periods of time.

You say that the dog was always more drawn to your wife, but maybe over time to dog did create a closer bond with you and does not like you leaving anymore.

OR she could be pooping because your WIFE is leaving the house. Has she done it when the wife goes out to get groceries? Is the dog ever left completely alone any other time during the day?

also, how long after you go back was everything ok? When specifically did this happen from the time that you got home?

When you got home did your wife end up leaving the house more often? I mean, while you were away did you wife spend more time inside the house and when you came home did you go "out on the town" more?

There are a LOT of changes in this dog's life, and no matter what the specific cause, this is the main reason - change. Dogs do not like change in their schedules..

So the major question is how do you remedy this?

Does your dog like to chew bones? Giving the dog something really fun and exciting to play with by themselves is a great way to help treat any type of separation anxiety. A chew bone with a fancy filling, doggie icecreams, or toys that you can put treats inside of will work great..

We do this with our dog because he gets all worked up when we leave him home. We use the dog icecreams because they are pretty healthy and ok for his tummy.

You also should consider getting him checked out by a vet. There could be something internal going on and she feels defecates in the house to try and tell you something is up.

I also had a dog that pooped right by the door when he wasnt feeling good, and only when we were at school

[Lara's mom]

Are you the person who was posted to Germany?

[Gage Ryder]

hai,

And if your child’s ODD behavior is bothering you now, when he/she is young, how do you think the situation will be when you're living with a defiant teenager?