Obedience and anxious

Question
QUESTION: I recently was given a 4 year old male,spaded American Spaniel. I was told that he was housebroken but has pooped 4X in 2 days.For 2 days I let him out of cage and gave freedom to the house.Now confined to the laundry room and cage.Walked at least 2X daily.Teaching to sit during just OK. But his jumping on me and barking has become a problem.Most barking in the laundry room cage door is open.Came from a house with children and I have none and gone 8 hours a day. Not sure if I have the patience to keep him.Going to try one more week. Need help for both of us.

ANSWER: It sounds like you've never had a dog before?

Most dogs abruptly taken from their home & family will have a transition period where they're anxious and locking him up for 8 hours a day isn't helping.  How long have you had him?  What are you feeding him and when?  Where does he sleep?

So first tell me how LONG you walk him?  And do you know the previous owners because it might be an idea to speak with them.

Is there any chance of using doggie daycare or having a dog walker come in mid-day?  A lot of behavioral problems are caused by boredom and pent up energy.

The week-end is here so it's an excellent time for you and I to chat and you have the time to get this boy on track.  However, it will take effort and patience.  And know that it takes "about" two weeks for a re-homed dog to settle down.  But a couple of days of housebreaking direction should solve that issue and I can tell you how to achieve that.
Delores

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

QUESTION: To answer your question, I walk him at least an hour to 45 minutes,as soon as I come in from work.I have had him 6 days. Feeding him dry dog food, only, 2 cups at 5:30 am. He is fed one meal a day. Then a second short walk 15-20 min.in the late evening,around 8:30-9:00. I get the impression that the priorowners just let him loose in the back yard because he pulls so hard on the leash when I walk him.No chance of having someone to walk him only me. I hope I made the right decision having a dog. Having second doubts. The previous family said they will help by babysitting or I can return him. They just want a good home. Thanks for your advice!

Answer
Dogs should really be fed twice a day.

Here's what's happening - you're giving him ALL his food and then leaving him for 8 hours.  No wonder he's confused and having accidents.

First I'd suggest letting him out immediately when you get up, then feed him a light breakfast.  Let him out in the yard again before you leave.  Each time, go with him and praise & reward when he goes.

When you come home from work - let him out again, feed him and take him for his walk.

Late evening before last walk - another light meal.

If you're feeding TWO cups of kibble, it's an inferior kibble and I'd highly recommend changing to a premium brand like Innova EVO.
That would mean 3 meals of 1/2 cup kibble. If you do switch food, do it by adding a bit more of the new food each day.

This week-end take him out to the yard every 3 hours or so - when he goes, praise and give treat.

The leash pulling needs training and I'd take him to puppy classes.
Most PetSmarts offer them at very inexpensive prices and it's fun & stimulating for the dog.  When you're walking and he pulls - stop dead in your tracks and say NO.  Message:  you pull and you go nowhere.  A few lessons from a pro should solve this for you.

But LaVerne, I'm not sensing any affection towards this dog (hopefully that's not so)and the reason owners will put effort into their dogs is because they love them and are committed.
Delores