seperation anixety

Question
QUESTION: I have a deaf Great Dane puppy he is just 7 months old I got him when he was 7 weeks old from a breeder (yes I knew he was deaf) I have been teaching him hand signals and he does wonderful very intelligent and very stubborn at the same time. When we got him I set a cage up and put toys in it and made it a fun and comfortable place for him, I put him in it one day for 1 hour the cage was located in a 14 x 14 sun room I came home and there was diarrhea every where, I was absolutely devastated for him and me. I gave him a bath cleaned up and he was so up set for the next 3 hours I thought he was going to seizure. I have never left him again. I realize I have created a unhealthy problem but I don't know what to do. I bought him a Kong fill it with goodies and put him outside with it everyday so I can get a breather and so he can see that it is okay if he spends time alone. After 15 mins. he realizes I'm not out there and he goes into a panic and starts crying out barking and carrying on so bad I worry some one is going to think I'm doing something bad to him. I take him in the vehicle with me every where I go and he barks the entire time I'm gone. I don't understand that one he has been going with me from day one he knows I'm coming back. I put him outside the other day I ignored his crys next thing I know he stopped making noise little did I know he was braking out of our 5' fence came to another door and I let him in he loved me up and went to sleep. I love him very much but I am so frustrated I just am giving up at this point. He is at 7 months old 32" from shoulder to floor and 118 lbs. crating is not an option because at this point I cannot afford one. Please help us this is not healthy for either of us and he is really a great family member. P.S. In the house he is just as bad he follows me every where and if he falls a sleep in a room I'm in within 10 mins. of me leaving a room he wakes up and looks for me. I do take him for an hour walk every morning.
Thank you

ANSWER: You knowingly acquired a dog with a severe handicap; deafness is usually a death sentence for dogs.  He is behaving normally, given his age (immaturity) and disability. He CANNOT BE LEFT ALONE OUTDOORS.  Barking is a natural response in the dog, a way of locating/communicating to other pack members.  It is also self rewarding.  This dog may be able to hear his own barking which makes it doubly difficult because it becomes a very strong cue to him and will be impossible (and inhumane) to attempt to extinguish.

There is no reason to crate this dog simply because it's commonly done; you haven't mentioned destructive behaviors (chewing holes in walls, barrier frustration (going through windows), urinating/defecating) when left alone: these are signs of separation anxiety.  Attempting to teach the dog that being alone is OK is a fine idea, but you need to do it SLOWLY and at the dog's comfort level.  This means, five minutes, return; repeat for a few days; seven minutes, return, repeat for a few days; SLOWLY raising the time by tiny increments but NOT pushing the dog EVER to any display of anxiety.  The stuffed Kong is a fine short term play item but it may not be sufficient; you need to create a TROPHY.  The way to do this is: go to the toy store, buy a large stuffed animal (be sure it isn't stuffed with pea size plastic); carry it around the house with you in full sight of the dog for several days; take it to bed with you (so it can get the full scent of your body).  Make it a PRIZED object for this dog.  Once the dog REALLY WANTS IT, give it to him and leave the room for five minutes; return and take the toy back.  Repeat this several times for a few days. Next increment, increase time out of room to ten minutes; return and take the toy back.  BUT WATCH THE DOG surreptitiously (use a mirror).  If he begins to show anxiety, distract him by throwing a ball into his line of sight, go and pick up the toy, and start over at lower time threshold. Essentially what you are doing is providing a trophy object (a huge reward) and desensitizing the dog to your absence from the ROOM ONLY.  You will need to continue this desensitization until the dog can tolerate your absence from the room without a display of anxiety for up to one hour.  You can then take the toy (or other trophy object) OUTSIDE and begin to use the dog's obedience training (hand signal for "down, stay") to accustom him to your absence (yards away) for very short, but increasing, intervals.  This is the only humane way to help this dog to obtain sufficient emotional independence without setting him up for real separation issues.

HERE is an internet site you really MUST read:  http://www.deafdogs.org/training/clicker.php

There are nationwide organizations for people who have deaf dogs.  Try to find one in, or near, your area.  Establish a rapport with someone who had done it successfully and ask for help.  You'll be surprised how many dog people there are who will bend over backward to help you and your dog.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: In response to your question about distructive behavior he hasn't really had a chance to display that in full force because I am with him all the time but I due find if I don't do what he wants when he wants he will find something to attemp to tear up he is very demanding please don't get me wrong he is a wonderful boy and we love him very much but I can't believe his life is full with such a burden hanging over him. Thank you for the advice I will put it into effect immediatley.

Answer
If your dog offers behaviors you don't want (let's say he IS attention seeking and HAS LEARNED that tearing up something GETS your attention) LEAVE THE ROOM the MINUTE he picks up an inappropriate object.  With this dog, especially, this will work (and very quickly.)  Meanwhile, seek out all the peer group support you can; many people with deaf dogs are out there waiting to help you.