my dog doesnt like to be alone!

Question
My dog is a 6 month old st. bernard/ black lab cross. We have a small porch area that is his kennel. Because we got him in mid- winter he spent most of his time in the house(supervised or in the porch when we were gone). We are in mid-spring now and have a beatutiful fenced yard, but Remmington won't stay outside alone. I even usually have to walk out with him to get him to pee or he will go on the step or patio. He has ripped up the lino in the porch recently and I would really like him to be outside when we are gone, but he scratches the door, yelps, and has ruined a screen trying to get in. Any suggestions??? He really is a lovely smart dog, we take him for regular long walks and he does well on the leash and comes when called when off leash. This seems to be our only problem, but it is drinving me crazy!!! Thank you.

Answer
Hi Susan,

Dogs are creatures of habit, just like people. He may not realize he is supposed to stay outside by himself. Have you tried working with your dog, to get him used to being outside by himself? Go outside with him for the first few days, let him get used to walking around the yard with you, while you stand near the house. Then try to gradually reduce the amount of time you stand outside with him. Wait until you see him sniffing something intently, and then sneak away while he is distracted.
If your dog is crate trained, try bringing his crate outside. For safety sake, you should either tie the crate door open, or remove the door completely. Having his crate might be enough of a familiar spot to get him to stay outside. I'm assuming your yard is fenced, if it isn't your dog should not be left outside alone.

Does your dog like toys? Sometimes a treat-filled Kong will be good to send outside with them - keeps them outside and amused and then they remember why they are there to begin with!

Another option would be to install a doggy door in the porch area your dog has been contained in, so he can go outside whenever he wants, even if you're not home. You may need to train your dog how to use a doggy door, some dogs don't automatically take to them.

Even though you have a lovely yard, many dogs feel insecure in large area when left alone. For dogs like yours, an outdoor kennel run might be the solution. It will keep him safely contained outside, in the smaller space he seems to prefer. This is an example of the kind of pen I'm talking about:

http://www.petco.com/product/12985/PetSafe-The-Box-Chain-Link-Dog-Runs.aspx

If you choose to use this kind of pen, you should provide a dog house, or shade an area of the pen with the help of a tarp.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti