my puppy needs help!

Question
Hi Jill! I have a 4 month old chiuahah mix and she has been going crazy the
last couple of days. My husband and I have recently moved to a new
apartment and the first week everything was fine. The last couple of days she
has been peeing over everything imaginable and has decided to eat up all of
my shoes! Not only is she sleeping more than usual but she just seems so
different. I'm going nuts trying to figure out how to help her get back to
normal! Any suggestions would be great! Thank you

Answer
It appears your puppy is suffering from anxiety to an extreme in your new location.  She is beginning to show signs of separation anxiety; I'm wondering if you left her alone for an extended period of time soon after moving in.  As a very young dog, she hasn't yet found a secure place in your 'pack' and the change of living environment (coupled with being left alone too soon) may have been too much for her.  Additionally, around ten weeks of age (which can vary) a fear period develops in the puppy which can be exaggerated by any unusual experience. You may have been unlucky enough to have moved during this interval (which can last a few weeks.)  However, as I do with any extreme change in behavior, I suggest you pay a visit to the Veterinarian to rule out physiological causes.  Meanwhile, check out your new environment carefully.  Did other dogs live there before you (which might explain some of her panic...scent left behind); were chemicals used for pests before you moved in?  Are there unusual sounds coming from the hallway or neighbors that might have frightened the dog?  All of these might have contributed or caused a problem.

You can make your dog feel more secure by confining her to a small friendly place when you are gone, beginning with very short intervals and lengthening to the normal amount of time you are absent.  Associate this space with something special by giving her special toys and treats only when she is in there.  You might choose the bathroom for this with a secure gate across the door (not a closed door).  I don't suggest you use a crate since confining a dog to a crate for more than a few hours at a time is not humane.  Her special space might help her to feel more protected (and might remove her from any source of noise that is contributing to the problem).  Feed her at least one meal in this space every day and you can even spend some time cuddling her in there for short intervals.  This space will prevent her from doing any further damage to your home and possessions, further developing destructive behaviors.  As for the urination, if you keep her on a house tab (lightweight nylon leash) when you are at home, this will prevent her from having these "accidents" or further marking this new home.  Be certain to reinforce her appropriate elimination outdoors.