My puppy screams, howls, pees, and poops when left alone. How do I teach her that separation is ok?

Question

Hello, Cindy. 

I came under ownership of a (now) 4 month old Australian Cattle Dog puppy a month ago. I've been having some major issues that I really hope you can help me with. The breed is known to be velcro, but this is getting a bit over board. If she is seperated from me, she whines. So long as she is with someone else, it will only be that. If left truly alone, she screams, howls, pees, and poops. If left in a room, she will destroy it - I assume trying to get out. I'm not sure how to go about teaching her that separation is okay. I will be moving into an apartment soon and this will not go over well, I'm sure. Also. She is skittish of strangers and other dogs. At this point, she will only growl at people - usually after she has initially met them and they happen to walk into a room that she and I are in. No biting yet, but this breed is a serious bitter so I am concerned for how it may escalate if not dealt with. Other dogs she will approach with hackles up, growling, but will usually not close the distance and - after about making it half way - will turn and run right back to me. If they approach, she growls and tries to get away from them. I would have no problem if she simply ignored other dogs, but the fact that she approaches, growling, needs to be dealt with. Same with other people. I'm a bit at a loss here, now. Any help from you would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Kay

Accepted Answer

I think you would benefit from watching this 3 part free video on fearful dogs & puppies.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

We also have a Q&A section on separation anxiety that may help you.

This dog needs to be crate trained and taught to be left alone in small blocks of time. It won’t be a quick or easy process, but if you don’t get a handle on this soon then it’s going to be a nightmare.

For the aggression issues, I’d concentrate on NOT allowing her to approach other dogs or people. She’s unsure and that’s why she’s growling and showing aggression. She needs to know that you are not going to let strange dogs or people get in her space. I teach all my dogs to be indifferent to others. They don’t have to like them but they are not allowed to be aggressive. She should be on a leash at all times when not in a crate.

I’d read the article Ed wrote on The Groundwork to Becoming your Puppy’s Pack Leader.

You can read this to get our definition of socializing.

I’d also recommend Pack Structure for the Family Pet.

I’d use food to redirect her from things that bother her, this is shown in The Power of Training Dogs with Food.

For future questions, you might benefit from learning to use our SEARCH function, which is located in the top left corner of every page of the website. If you type in your key words or question it will find you articles, Q&As, free streaming video and links to threads on our discussion forum. Our website has over 16,000 pages and it’s very likely you’ll find the information you are looking for. I hope this helps.

Cindy Rhodes