Jack Russell Fox Terrier Cross

Question
Ruff is almost 9 years old.  Originally, he had some separation anxiety when I left for work, 5 days a week from 8am, to 6pm.  But I haven't done that in 5 years.  I've worked from home and when I am away for meetings, it's only for at the most 6 hours and that is rare - maybe a couple of times a month.  There is a doggy door installed and he has access to a side yard where he can go to do his business.  He has lately started pooping in the house.  I scolded and punished him - he did it again, and again, and every day now for about 4 days in a row.  What is going on?  He knows it is wrong but I am at a loss to make a meaningful punishment.  "Bad dog" scolding is falling on deaf ears.  Not letting him sleep in my room, on my bed - no reaction.  It's not like he doesn't get walked almost every day for 2km and some days longer in the forest.  And once a week to the beach for a good romp off leash where he fetches the ball.  He's not hard done by but I feel like he is mad at me for something and displaying it with bad behaviour and I've had enough of it.  Help!

Answer
Hi Kathleen,

There is no malice in his actions I swear! Correcting him will only make him worse. Dogs with separation problems often have owners who have very predictable schedules or work from home.

Kicking him off your bed may help, but only if he values it and you do have to do it for longer than 4 days to really change the habit.

When dogs age, all their behavior quirks turn up a notch.

Separation anxiety is a very complex problem, I suggest having someone knowledgeable in that particular behavior problem assess and help you come up with a plan.

Have you read Dogs Home Alone by Abrantes? It's got great exercises that you can do to help him be OK when you leave.