[BeagleSmuggler]

This is my first post, if I've posted in the incorrect forum please let me know.

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We got Mr. Brown (our beagle) from the Toronto Humane Society (before all the bad news hit the fan - safe to say we can assume that shelter had some big time issues) in 2004.

When we got him we hired a trainer, began crate training and considered it a success when he had reduced his howling from hours to about 5 minutes. The pattern we were seeing in June 2010 was we would leave, he would howl for 5 minutes and then he would calm down and go to sleep.

Then we moved.

When we moved we knew there would be an adjustment, he initially was howling for 40 minute stretches and by last month he was down to an average of 10 minutes before he calmed down and went to sleep.

The catch:

The new building is not as sound proofed as our old ones were and the neighbours are complaining.

The solution:

We hired a trainer again. (I hope this is not against policy to post the training organization - will repost if so). We hired a trainer from Bark Busters.

For the most part we are very happy. She has worked with us to help us understand canine communication how to show dominance and welcoming with our body language and voices.

We have seen greatly improved behaviour when it comes to table surfing, walking on a lead, distance control and recall.

The problem:

The main reason we hired her - the separation anxiety - seems to be regressing.

At this point, what is happening when we try to do the practice scenes (and when we actually leave) is that 5 minutes after we get Mr. Brown into the crate and leave the room he pees in the crate - without fail - yes, we have taken him outside recently.

(Mr. Brown also has a 'brother' Jenkins who is in the room with him - no behavioural problems with Jenkins - yes, we are practicing with both dogs - yes we are practicing at least 4 times a day).

To add insult to injury the howling is worse, now he will howl for 20 - 40 minutes, but after that time he does not calm himself down... he will take a break for 10 - 15 minutes and then the howling starts again for another 20 - 40! (I'm audio recording from my laptop).

Mr. Brown is not in the crate for long periods of time, there is at most 3 hours between when my partner leaves for work and when I get home. On most days that time is 1 - 2 hours.

To add to the issue Mr. Brown has regressed on urination. He used to pee in the house in the old apartment. He took a LONG time to house train, and even when were convinced he was trained I could swear he would sometimes pee on something for attention.

For example: We would be watching TV, we had taken him out less than 30 minutes ago - and then he would walk up to the TV stand, look directly at us and then lift his leg and pee on the cabinet.

When this happened we would say "bad dog!" and clap then take him outside to go pee again and praise him when he peed in the correct location. This never 100% solved the problem, but generally it was something that happened every 3-4 months, not often.

I figured the old place had carpet and we were never able to fully get the smell out for his powerful nose.

In the new place we have tiled floors (yay! = easy to clean), and, Mr. Brown has never peed in the house since we have moved to the new place.

That is until we started this training regiment.

It does not seem to be nervous or submissive pee.

Examples from the last 48 hours:

1. Every single time we get him into the crate (he goes in willingly and gets lots of praise) after we shut the door and leave the room (the crate is quite dark) he will pee within 5 minutes.

2. When my partner let in our dog sitter on Wednesday the dogs followed the distance control perfectly and stayed back from the door. When my partner invited them over to greet the dog sitter Mr. Brown looked at both of them, lifted his leg and peed all over the floor. NOTE: he had been taken out less than 30 minutes ago.

3. When my partner went to write an e-mail to our dog trainer about this behavior yesterday Mr. Brown left the room (he's been allowed to do that) and peed on the couch (the one piece of furniture he is not allowed on).

4. When my partner came to bed last night (we work separate shifts, my partner gets in around 3 a.m.) Mr. Brown waited about 30 minutes and just as we were getting to sleep he got up walked to the bedroom wall, lifted his leg and peed.

So, why am I asking this question here if I have a trainer?

Well, the trainer seems very baffled by this behaviour. Her theory was that when we had established clear dominance that this behaviour should disappear. She is also confused that he quite willingly pees in his crate where he sleeps and eats.

I figure that it's a good idea to ask here:

1. Has anyone had any similar experiences?
2. If so, are there any techinques, books, training resources you would recommend?

[Vrod85]

Hi,

I'm new to this site also, so please bare with me.lol Although I have a Yorkie, my best friend owns a beagle ane I must say, they're howling cant be a tad bit annoying for neighbors. I'm going to list a couple of things that my friend tried with her beagle and eventually he became at ease at her new place.
[/LIST][*]HomeoPet Anxiety (You can find it at NaturalK9supplies . com[/url]

^a safe and natural homeopathic liquid given to your pet to promote calmness. It helps with anxiousness associated with separation, travel, loud noises, veterinarian or groomer visits, or any other stressful situation.
[*]Consider crating your dog. They feel more safe and secure if they have a place to their own.
[*]Leave your dog with a tasty treat that will last a while, yet be safe.
[*]Don't apologize for leaving or pay special attention to your beagle before you leave. It will just increase anxiety when you go. And when you return, resist the jumping and barking. Say a quiet hello, then try to ignore him or her for a few minutes until calm is restored.
[*]Leave a radio playing softly for your beagle. The background noise can be very soothing.
[*]Wear an old t-shirt to bed and leave that in the crate or on your beagle's bed. He or she will be comforted by your scent.

[/LIST]
I hope this somewhat helped a bit. But I would definitley recommend for you to buy the HomeoPet Anxiety, it helps tremendously! This I know because not only was it used on my friends beagle, but I use it on my Yorkie right before I take her to the groomers, or vet.

Vrod