Dog wont stop scratching door, crying and weeing!

bellz_x

Hey guys,

Hopefully someone can give me some advice.. We've been having problems with our dog since we got him. He is a year old in June and he's getting worse.

Basically, the problems are (and I already posted before about him) he cries all night, he scratches at the door in the kitchen constantly, which is vey noisy and I've tried everything such as putting things in the door to stop the noise and stop the banging but it doesnt work, I can still hear it. He cries, howls even.

Also, he wee's EVERYWHERE. When we're up and about in the house, he's fine. He waits patiently at the door and if we don't notice him waiting he will walk over and make us look at him then walk back to the back door and wait until we let him out. Also, if my boyfriend stays over or anything, he stays in the living room (old fashioned parents ) and the dog will stay with him, he doesn't wee or poop anywhere in the house AT ALL. He waits until my boyfriend, or another member of the family gets up and let's him out.

I'm thinking its anxiety but it is actually ridiculous. I am getting no sleep because of him. He had me awake at 6.50am this morning when I only got to sleep at 4, because of his crying and scratching during the night.

I'm fed up getting no sleep and constantly listening to him whinge and scratch and bang the door.

I put him outside this morning, I was very angry with him so I put him out the back garden and I still haven't let him back in. It's a lovely morning so I don't see why he should be in the house in the first place but he wont leave the door, he's crying and scratching although he cannot even see me.

Really sorry about the long post but Im at my wits end.

Also, he gets walked all the time. I know that not walking can cause behaviour issues but he always gets his walks and he gets an awful lot of attention.

Sorry again.

Hope someone can give some advice

Em

Toulouse

Sounds like separation anxiety, you should have a chat to a behaviourist.

Can recommend http://petcentraldogtraining.blogspot.com/ or http://www.dogsbehavingbadly.ie/

andreac

Firstly, what breed is your dog?

With the weeing, has he actually been house trained properly or was he just left to his own devices to go outside?

How much exercise is he getting everyday? I know you said he is walked, but how much and what breed is he?

I would advise crate training and also maybe look into a behaviourist. Some breeds are prone to separation anxiety and need a lot of training to help them through this.

bellz_x

Toulouse wrote: »

Sounds like separation anxiety, you should have a chat to a behaviouralist.

Can recommend http://petcentraldogtraining.blogspot.com/ or http://www.dogsbehavingbadly.ie/

Thanks, I will look into both of them. Need something!

bellz_x

He is a Bichon Frise. He's nearly a year old now.

Yep, he was toilet trained. He didnt take too long to toilet train, I mean when we're around he waits until we let him out to go to the toilet and he goes in a specific place in the garden. Its just when he's on his own he goes everywhere, he wee's and poops all over the place. Its very hard work and I am the one who is constantly up with him.

Just said it to parents there and they're like, "Oh stop moaning!" - It'd be a different story if it was them who wasn't getting any sleep!


Sorry, also forgot to mention, he gets over an hour each day which I think is about right for a bichon frise?

andreac

I was actually going to ask if hes a Bichon as they suffer really bad from separation anxiety so you will have your hands full then.

I would recommend Crate training as it might help with the weeing as it sounds like hes only weeing from the anxiety rather than not being toilet trained.
Do you go down to him or give him any sort of attention when he cries/scratches? If so he has learned that if he does this he gets your attention.

I really would consult a behaviourist as they will be able to give you better tips and advice on how to approach this but i highly recommend crate training for the weeing etc.

cocker5

bellz_x wrote: »

Hey guys,

Hopefully someone can give me some advice.. We've been having problems with our dog since we got him. He is a year old in June and he's getting worse.

Basically, the problems are (and I already posted before about him) he cries all night, he scratches at the door in the kitchen constantly, which is vey noisy and I've tried everything such as putting things in the door to stop the noise and stop the banging but it doesnt work, I can still hear it. He cries, howls even.

Also, he wee's EVERYWHERE. When we're up and about in the house, he's fine. He waits patiently at the door and if we don't notice him waiting he will walk over and make us look at him then walk back to the back door and wait until we let him out. Also, if my boyfriend stays over or anything, he stays in the living room (old fashioned parents ) and the dog will stay with him, he doesn't wee or poop anywhere in the house AT ALL. He waits until my boyfriend, or another member of the family gets up and let's him out.

I'm thinking its anxiety but it is actually ridiculous. I am getting no sleep because of him. He had me awake at 6.50am this morning when I only got to sleep at 4, because of his crying and scratching during the night.

I'm fed up getting no sleep and constantly listening to him whinge and scratch and bang the door.

I put him outside this morning, I was very angry with him so I put him out the back garden and I still haven't let him back in. It's a lovely morning so I don't see why he should be in the house in the first place but he wont leave the door, he's crying and scratching although he cannot even see me.

Really sorry about the long post but Im at my wits end.

Also, he gets walked all the time. I know that not walking can cause behaviour issues but he always gets his walks and he gets an awful lot of attention.

Sorry again.


Plase dont be too mad at your dog...

this is def separation anxiety, and as its going on a year, its now a learned habit...

Our cocker spaniel was the same as a pup... digging at kitchen door, crying all night at the door, etc... this can be stopped over time and be consitent with your dog.... as he is nearly one... you have to sort this ut soon...

your dog feels alone and is scared when one his own... have you considered giving him a teddy? Like a dog one (that doesnt rip easily etc)
This may help him feel less alone.. he feels panicked when he is alone at the moment.

one thing we did try was "rescue remedy" there is a special one for dogs you can buy in all health food stores.. you add a couple of drops to his water etc...

its helps relax them in time of stress, as this time is obsiviously very stressful for your dog... here's some info below , i hope it helps!


Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Its Definition and Causes

Dogs are pack animals, and as such, they need to be around people or other dogs. They want to play and bond with us as much as possible. This is the reason why it is very difficult for most dogs to be away from their owners.

Separation anxiety in dogs is a big problem to the canine world. Studies show that at least 10% of puppies and adult dogs have the tendency to show signs of separation anxiety. If you own a dog and he has this problem, certainly you know that it is not an easy thing having to deal with damaged furniture and angry neighbors every time you go out.

Many dog owners who have a similar problem decide to give their dogs away to animal shelters, but this does not really fix their problem. The point of the matter is that although it is not a quick fix, there are things you can do to help your dog get over his anxiety.

If you love your dog, you should do what you can to help him. Looking at it from your pet’s perspective, his life revolves around you- his owner. Sociable and emotional creatures, dogs want to be in the company of the ones they care about most, and if given a choice, they would want to be with you 24/7. If you had to go out for work or travel, this will surely cause confusion, distress, and ultimately, anxiety on him.

Take a look at the triggers of separation anxiety in dogs below:

1. Changes in routine. Dogs are not ones to prefer change. They thrive best in habits and routines, and if all of a sudden, work hours are changed or if someone in the house leaves, he will become anxious.

2. Traumatic events. This is especially true if something terrible happened and he was all alone at the time. This experience will traumatize him such as in the case of strong thunderstorms.

3. Moving to another home. It will be something new to him and he does not really like a unfamiliar environment.

4. Being accustomed to your company. If you were at home for a long period of time (having a long vacation or being unemployed) and when time comes that you need to go back to work, this will bring about separation anxiety in your dog.

It is never right to punish your pet because of his anxiety tendencies. While it may give you temporary justification for the damage he had done, it does not solve the main problem. Next time you go away, he will again experience separation anxiety. He will wonder where you are going, why he could not go with you, when you are coming back, and his way of trying to cope would again be very destructive and troublesome, and this is going to be a repetitive cycle until you actually find a way to help him.





Signs and Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Because you are reading this article, you are probably suspecting that your dog suffers from separation anxiety. Normally, when a dog is separated from you, he would bark occasionally, sleep, or chew his toys. An adult dog can be left on his own for 8 hours or longer and he will be fine. However, if the following are manifested, then he could be suffering from separation anxiety:

1. He shows inappropriate behavior as soon as he realizes you are going to leave him. Examples of these behaviors are: urinating in the house or excessive barking.

2. He will follow you wherever you go. If you go to the kitchen, he will go with you; if you go to the toilet, he wants to go with you too, and if you disallow it, he becomes distressed.

3. He is overly excited and extremely happy when you arrive, and it takes him sometime before he relaxes.

Here are some of the behaviors that commonly become apparent in your dog if he suffers from separation anxiety:

* Whining
* Excessive licking
* Making holes in the ground
* Defecating inside the house
* Diarrhea
* Salivating
* Loss of appetite
* Self-afflicted injuries
* Howling
* Chewing anything in sight
* Vomiting
* Crying

He may also show destructive behavior such as damaging furniture, windows, doors, and clothes.

You should also understand that certain breeds such as German Shepherds have higher tendencies of developing anxiety, and it is said that mixed breeds are more likely to suffer from it. If you plan to get a dog as pet, you might want to do a bit of research first on breeds with low separation anxiety tendencies. Such a condition is also not relative to how you care for your pet; two dogs in the same house may react differently when being separated from you. One of them could be crying and whining, while the other may just lie down and sleep.

Take note however that even if these signs and symptoms are clearly manifested in your dog’s behavior, separation anxiety is not always the culprit. Other times it could just be bad behavior, or perhaps your dog has illness that causes him to act that way.

A diagnosis from a veterinarian could help rule out other conditions that he might be suffering from. The vet is also the best person to suggest a treatment.


Dealing With Separation Anxiety in Dogs

When your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it is always hard to leave home, expecting the worse when you get back. Your dog self-mutilates, your home gets damaged significantly, and your neighbor complains of the noise. Not a nice situation to be in, for sure.

The good news is that you can solve this problem, and the solution does not include giving your dog away to a shelter.

Read on to find out about what you can do to get rid of separation anxiety in dogs:

1. Let your dog get used to being alone. But do this slowly, leaving him first for short periods ((5-10 minutes) and then lengthening the duration as he progresses.

2. Do away with emotional greetings and goodbyes. This will make it harder for him to separate from you. A simple pat on the head will do.

3. See to it that before you leave home, your dog is in a safe place. One of the triggers of separation anxiety is a traumatic experience, such as injury or a thunderstorm.

4. Give him something to do when he’s alone. Chew toys are great. Also see to it that he has plenty of water, and has an access to an area where he can defecate.

5. Be generous in giving praises and encouragement to your pet. This helps build his confidence. If you punish him, it will only worsen the situation.

6. Make sure your dog exercises daily. At least an hour of walking or playing in the yard would do. This usually relieves him of anxiety and stress.

7. You can try a technique called desensitizing. This works by having him feel comfortable with the actions that cause him to be anxious. For example, if the mere act of putting your keys in your coat pockets will cause him to whine and bark excessively, what you need to do is to change his perception of what goes on. You can put the keys in your coat pocket and then read the paper. You can put your shoes on, walk around the house, and then find a place to sit down. If you do this repeatedly, he will eventually get used to it and no longer feel anxious.

8. If none of the above tips work, you can consult with the vet. Your dog could be suffering from another condition or illness. The vet can give a correct diagnosis of what is going on. He will provide a medical treatment, or refer you to a specialist who can provide drug therapies to help your dog rid of separation anxiety.

bellz_x

The only thing is, he does this during the night and I don't think I would like to keep him in a crate at night.

We don't give him attention when he scratches but because he does it so much, he is still doing it when we get up. So he probably thinks that if he does it, he will receive attention.

He never stops. He's weeing all around the place, my mam cant even leave clothes in the kitchen, drying, because he wee's on them.

And despite tireless efforts to train him, he will not listen to me. He ignores me, looks away or walks away.

It's a hard situation. I love dogs and I love him but I'm fed up

mymo

When you say weeing everywhere, do you mean the door and all around it is wet?
And his front legs?
My older dog cried like that when we were out, not noisey (I asked neighbours, they couldn't hear him) just persistant and the door frame, door and tiles around it were soaked. At first I thought it was wee but then realized there was no wee smell. I spoke to the vet who told me it was separation anxiety (he was licking and drooling around the door), I solved it very easily...I got another dog to keep him company, it stopped the day the little one arrived.
This only happened when we were out so slightly different, but could you consider crate training him and maybe leaving the crate in a hall or somewhere he can hear people sleeping.

If the crate is large enough there is no reason not to leave him in it all night, mine still sleep in there crates but I leave the door open now, unless we have visitors(they have been known to climb into visitors beds). If you get him used to it slowly and during the day, it wouldn't take long to get him trained, and the crate can be moved gradually into the kitchen.

cocker5

bellz_x wrote: »

The only thing is, he does this during the night and I don't think I would like to keep him in a crate at night.

We don't give him attention when he scratches but because he does it so much, he is still doing it when we get up. So he probably thinks that if he does it, he will receive attention.

He never stops. He's weeing all around the place, my mam cant even leave clothes in the kitchen, drying, because he wee's on them.

And despite tireless efforts to train him, he will not listen to me. He ignores me, looks away or walks away.

It's a hard situation. I love dogs and I love him but I'm fed up

I totally understand your frustartion, plase dont give up an him yet... with some work he will grow out of it.

Dont blame you with the crate training, I wouldnt put my dog in a crate.

Anyway here's what i tried with my cocker...

Got him a couple of teddy's he still loves them to this day and he brings one of them to bed each night still and he's 5 now... he may see them as company and not feel soo lonely...

Try the herbal rescue remedy... it will help a bit..

when you put him to bed each night give him a small treat... so he's being rewarded for going to bed...

Try leaving him for a an hour or two during the day in his bed... give him a stuffed kong with pate or something so he is distracted from the fact you have left! do this bit by bit everyday... so he gets used to his own company...

hope this helps

cocker5

5 Tips for Separation Anxiety - Caser Milan Advice

You come home from a long day at work to a spinning, jumping whirlwind of energy. Your dog follows you into your living room, where you find that he has chewed on your favorite pair of shoes. Your neighbor comes by to tell you that, once again, your dog has been driving the neighborhood crazy by howling and barking while you were away. Is this scenario familiar? Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety.
In nature, dogs are almost never away from their pack. It is our job to help make this unnatural situation less stressful!

Before you leave, go for a walk. Start the day by providing vigorous exercise. Then reward your dog's calm-submissive energy with food and water. Some dogs may need to rest before eating, but all dogs can benefit from hydration. The idea is to leave your dog in quiet, resting mode while you are away.

No touch, no talk, no eye contact. Don't make a big deal when you leave for the day or when you return. This way, you are communicating to your dog that the time apart is no big deal. It's just business as usual! Depending on the severity of the case, you may need to practice the rule for five minutes or up to an hour before you leave and when you get back.
Say goodbye long before you leave. Having trouble practicing "no touch, no talk, no eye contact"? Take a moment to share affection and tell your dog that you will miss him way before you actually leave. Keep in mind that this display is for you - not your dog! Your dog won't have his feelings hurt if you didn't say goodbye.

Stay calm and assertive! When you are ready to go to work, leave those guilty, nervous, and concerned feelings behind. Instead, let your dog know that everything is going to be okay by projecting the confident energy of a pack leader.

Start out small. Leave your dog alone for five minutes. Then, extend the time to twenty minutes; then an hour. Continue to increase the time you spend away until you can leave for a full eight hours with no problem!

http://www.cesarsway.com/articles/Cesar's%20Tips/715?cat=2

Check out this website it may give you some tips!

bellz_x

No, its actual wee.. its on the chairs, against walls, the bin, everything in the kitchen, its definitely wee. There's none around the door. He has the door wrecked.

Hahaha, if I got another dog my dad would probably leave the house.

I wont give up on him but I'm just exhausted.

Well, he has two teddies.. both panda's.. he loves panda's. He also has a fluffy housecoat which my mam used to wear, she gave it to him hoping it would settle him but he seems to be very possesive. If any of us lift up one of his teddies or the housecoat, he goes crazy, he jumps on us and barks exessively until we give them back.

He's so difficult. Will I get the rescue remedy in any petshop?

cocker5

bellz_x wrote: »

No, its actual wee.. its on the chairs, against walls, the bin, everything in the kitchen, its definitely wee. There's none around the door. He has the door wrecked.

Hahaha, if I got another dog my dad would probably leave the house.

I wont give up on him but I'm just exhausted.

Well, he has two teddies.. both panda's.. he loves panda's. He also has a fluffy housecoat which my mam used to wear, she gave it to him hoping it would settle him but he seems to be very possesive. If any of us lift up one of his teddies or the housecoat, he goes crazy, he jumps on us and barks exessively until we give them back.

He's so difficult. Will I get the rescue remedy in any petshop?

Not sure if you'll be able to get in it a pet store.... I used to get it in Barrets or any health food store.. but a big pet store may have it but im not sure to be honest...

But im sure the chemist will have some, if not you can use the Rescue remedy for humans just much smaller amounts...

http://www.rescueremedy.com/pets/

LisaO

Hi. As many other posters have said - this sounds like separation anxiety (which bichons are prone to) & if you do some googling you will find that male bichons in particular often use peeing as a way to express this anxiety! Crate training would be the way to go. It's not cruel - all you are doing is restricting his liberty during times he is alone to a space that is exclusively his territory. Make the crate an exciting & comfy place to be - a place where he gets special treats & praise and he will soon enjoy being in it. At least then you can leave him in the crate at night, there won't be a mess everywhere in the morning & no more scratching at the door. It won't stop him crying & whining but maybe try putting him to bed in the crate with a frozen kong, this will keep him busy for a good while & hopefully tire him out so he will then sleep. Establish a good bedtime routine (as you would for a child) with winding-down time & then quietly to bed.

And as others have said - have a chat with a behaviourist. Think you are in Dublin - give Dog Training Ireland a call.;)

mymo

The possessiveness is another contributing factor I would say, have you considered a trainer?
Dogs build habits over time and it can be hard to break them, a trainer may have some good advice to help calm him down.
I suggested a crate as you said he doesn't wee when he has company(your boyfriend on sofa) you can put the crate near you and the crate can be moved gradually back to the kitchen.
The crate can be made cosy, you can put his bed, toys and a chew toy in there, they can see out and hear everything.
I would also try the rescue remedy its very good, and will help calm him.

cocker5

http://organicpharmacy.org/products/Rescue.Remedy.Pet?gclid=CPCsxMWF_KECFSEulAodXgWcEA

you can get it online too its that suits!!

Best of luck with him... and keep us posted!!

bellz_x

I'm gonna go to the chemist today and I will try get some of that. I need to try it.

I am going to get in touch with a behavourist too. I know he loves attention but I don't know why he is suffering from this so bad. He is only alone for 8 hours at most, during the night. During the day there is almost always someone in the house to be with him. But if, for example, there is only me in the house and I go upstairs for even 10 minutes, when I come back down there will be wee or poop, or both all over the floor.

cocker5

bellz_x wrote: »

I'm gonna go to the chemist today and I will try get some of that. I need to try it.

I am going to get in touch with a behavourist too. I know he loves attention but I don't know why he is suffering from this so bad. He is only alone for 8 hours at most, during the night. During the day there is almost always someone in the house to be with him. But if, for example, there is only me in the house and I go upstairs for even 10 minutes, when I come back down there will be wee or poop, or both all over the floor.

it will take a few days of using the rescue remedy... puts some drops in his water and over a few days hopefully he will calm down a little.. :P

bellz_x

cocker5 wrote: »

it will take a few days of using the rescue remedy... puts some drops in his water and over a few days hopefully he will calm down a little.. :P

Hopefully, thanks a million for your help!

All the tips everyone has given, im gonna try

Hopefully something works!

I'll keep you posted!


Emma

DBCyc

+1 on crate training. It worked wonders with one of ours who had signs of separation anxiety.

It's not cruel at all, she loves being in there, dogs feel secure in their own space. We cover it with a blanket and leave her blankets/bed inside so its like a little tent. Every morning she runs straight into it and waits for her kong.!

It's definitely worth trying and I'm sure a behaviourist would recommend it too. Best of luck

LisaO

bellz_x wrote: »

I know he loves attention but I don't know why he is suffering from this so bad. He is only alone for 8 hours at most, during the night. During the day there is almost always someone in the house to be with him. But if, for example, there is only me in the house and I go upstairs for even 10 minutes, when I come back down there will be wee or poop, or both all over the floor.

That really gives you the answer. There is always someone with him so he hasn't learnt to cope with being on his own. Definitely talk to a behavourist about appropriate routines for leaving & returning to your dog. So often the things we do unwittingly are the things that cause the problems.

morganafay

He should be fine in a crate all night, because he's meant to be sleeping anyway. I would even recommend a small one, because if it's big then he might still wee in one corner, but if it's small then he shouldn't. He should still be able to stand up and turn around easily and stretch out though.

I heard for puppies (I know he's a bit older but he's still young) then if you give them a clock that ticks, a hot water bottle and a teddy in their bed then it helps (the heat and the ticking reminds them of their mother's heartbeat or something?), so maybe that would comfort him. You can get fluffy hot water bottle covers too.

I don't really know what to do but I would try to ignore the whining and scratching and leave him in the crate all night and not go down to him. If you go down to him, even once or twice, it'll just encourage him. It might feel mean to leave him there, but he has to learn.

Also if he is upset, don't make a big fuss of him, just act calm and speak quietly and softly, otherwise you're just encouraging him to get more upset, because if you're making a fuss then it makes them more scared, but if you're calm then it calms them and they think you're not making a fuss, so there must have been nothing to be scared of.

Sigma Force

bellz_x wrote: »

The only thing is, he does this during the night and I don't think I would like to keep him in a crate at night.

We don't give him attention when he scratches but because he does it so much, he is still doing it when we get up. So he probably thinks that if he does it, he will receive attention.

He never stops. He's weeing all around the place, my mam cant even leave clothes in the kitchen, drying, because he wee's on them.

And despite tireless efforts to train him, he will not listen to me. He ignores me, looks away or walks away.

It's a hard situation. I love dogs and I love him but I'm fed up

A trainer will probably suggest the same ie crate training.
You will need to put some work in but it's worth it.
Our pup has been crated from day 1 it's his bed and he will go himself esp. if he's banjaxed. It's a safe place for a young dog to go (no risk of them getting up in the night and chewing your slippers) and they will let you know if they need a wee.

You will probably have to start from scratch again but a week ish of being disturbed in the night will be worth it in the long run, he will soon get used to it.

To be honest it's a lot easier on owners and puppies if they are crate beside your bed. The crates aren't very big but big enough for the dog to be comfy in and bichons are pretty small. If the pup is upset you can just put your hand down and comfort them.

It's not cruel or mean, it sounds like your pup is getting more upset being left alone at night and would be much happier in a crate.

Dogs need a bed a 'den' and that's all a crate is to be honest.

Trust me it makes life so much easier, our pup is a year old now and I don't think I could of managed without it.

Pop some vet bed in and the dog will love it, a snugglesafe heat pad can help too smaller dogs can feel the cold and like someone to cuddle up to so the pad simulates that. Our little guy wouldn't settle without it once his heat pad was in he settled down and conked out. It's now warmer so he doesn't need it anymore.

Melena

possibly try playing a radio in th room where he sleeps n maybe some teddies? the sound will make him less lonely possibly!
definitely separation anxiety though! theres a lot good websites about it if you search Google!

Wisco

You can also get D.A.P. (dog appeasing pheromone) spray/diffusers which sometimes help. Cat owners might be familiar with Feliway- it's by the same manufacturers (I think) and works the same way by releasing calming pheromones into the room or area where it's been sprayed. Some pet shops and most vet clinics would stock it.

Graces7

He is just lonely; can he not sleep in the same room as you? Maybe a crate or a bed on a chair in the bedroom?

CookieMonster.x

It sounds like separation anxiety as others have said. I have one of Victoria Stilwell's books and they deal with anxiety etc. You can get them in the library (ours isn't good so I'd say if you have a good one they'll have any of them) and they're quite good. I'll try find it and post some of it up, but I'm doing my Junior Cert atm so it might be a while but defo if you can get one of her books from the library get it, it will help!

cjf

Invest in a crate! It not only saves money but saves sanity! I was all against the idea until my boy the apple of my eye landed in my house and began destroying everything. . .everything! He is a big lad so window ledges were eaten, holes in my plastered wall, no handles left on the kitchen doors, crying and howling just devestation!

Bought a crate did not really like the idea but went on advice I had received and my life has changed! He loves it in there and I know that he is not upset as there is not one single bite or chew mark on the bars. He is safe and secure and just heads off to sleep soon as he goes in. When I think of how uptight and stressed he was before I know its the security of the crate that has helped him (and me!).

I can leave the house now and not be consumed with the dread of what I will find when I get home!! I never ever put him in the crate if he does something wrong and he always gets a treat for going in so far as he is concerned its great and he just heads in on his own now when he see me at the treat bag. I also never leave him in for more than 4 hours at a time except night time.

First week or so he did cry at being in there but after a while he would stop and I would hear this big sigh and he would be off asleep!

The crate saved me and him!